Captain David R. Meyer on the beauty of the Bahamas, the power of not taking onboard issues personally — and why his wife is just “the bestest.”
How did you get into yachting?
It’s been in my blood for a long time. My family and the Denison family go back decades, and it has just continued to go generation by generation. My first teak job was at the age of eight; my first 120-foot Feadship was at 19. It’s just something I’ve always done.
Where is your favorite destination for cruising and why?
This is a hard one as I have been to so many countries around the world. I honestly think the Bahamas for charters because of the beautiful water. Staniel Cay is my favorite destination, and for guests. There is just something about it...I can’t put my finger on it.
Where is still on your yachting bucket list?
I want to do the Corinth Canal, and spend a season based in Split, Croatia.
What is the biggest crew challenge you deal with as a captain?
Vetting people. Too often you get a CV that looks good and the person interviews well, but when they start work you wonder “who is this person?” Vetting has become a fanatical pastime of mine. I dig a lot deeper to find out about the person. Also, headshots. Let’s be honest, too many people use headshots from 10 years ago or are seriously altered; I want headshots that are no older than six months old!
What do you look for when hiring?
Teachability and professionalism. If you are willing to learn how we do things, I don’t care how green you are, we’ll teach you. After that, professionalism. I have a military background in the US Navy. I like things just so, and I expect my crew to be the professionals they claim to be.
What’s a lesson you learned the hard way or through experience?
Never let an owner convince you that you should go when the weather is bad. They don’t do this every day. We do. I did that once. I will never, ever do that again. “Not today” has become one of my favorite responses.
If you were stranded on a desert island, which other crew member would you want with you and why?
My wife/chef. First, I need to eat. But secondly, she’s my bestest half (I know that is not a word). I am better with her.
What is your one top tip for other captains?
Lead by example. I know a lot of guys who started off strong, but who have let alcoholism or apathy ruin their programs. Lead by example. Don’t come back to the boat hammered. Stand proper watches yourself. Be willing to do any job on the boat. Don’t ask someone to do something that you yourself are not willing to do yourself.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I will give you two. Never take the job personally. You can only control what you can control. Things like budgets and projects are at the discretion of the management company and the owner. So just focus on what you can control and be the best at that. Don’t take the rest personally.
Learning never stops; I am constantly taking courses to improve my skills. But it goes beyond that. Every time we pull away from the dock I have a chance to learn something new. The day I start thinking I don’t need to learn anything is the day I should stop running boats.
The BOAT International Captains’ Club is a unique group that brings together nearly 400 like-minded active superyacht captains for world-class luxury events and networking opportunities in venues and on yachts around the world. For more information, email captainsclub@boatinternationalmedia.com.