For those captains and crew in the hunt for a new yacht owner, here are some attributes that contribute to a Great Owner. 

A Great Owner is generous. He pays his crew well and on time. He offers wonderful packages and then occasionally offers things on top of that. He willingly gives money and time to charities.

Time is a valuable asset to him, but he will make it available to the crew whenever needed because he knows they do the same for him. 

A Great Owner is patient. He is willing to admit that he doesn’t know everything and indeed, wishes to learn. He is happy to discuss technical items, even if it takes a while, so that he can make the best decision. He does not start to twitch if the davit breaks and his favorite JetSki is stuck on deck. He simply waits for his crew to come up with option No. 2. 

He is happy to switch from his favorite daiquiri to a stew-inspired cocktail using local products when the blender melts from overuse. “Patience is power” is his mantra.

A Great Owner is interested in many things. Sure, he has his business to run, but that is on land. Here at sea, he is so amazed to see his grandson slalom ski that he wants to give it a go. When the captain points out a breaching humpback, he immediately references the handy whale identification card. 

When the aforementioned stew whips up a tasty concoction, he is pleased and wants her input on new hardware items and recipes for his home bar. He overhears the engineer speaking with the captain about a new pump that is much quieter and he requests a tour of the engine room to see the antique pump in action. He wants to know about the people who feed him and care for him and keep his family safe whilst on the water.

A Great Owner is fun. He will try out the karaoke machine even though he can’t carry a tune in a bucket, because he’s having fun with his company vice presidents. He will jump off the top deck even though he’s fearful of high places, because he’s having fun with his kids. He will dress in a hula skirt for the Hawaii-themed dinner on the aft deck, because he’s having fun with his granddaughters.

He will go to unusual places and try local customs. He will eat and drink things that aren’t offered at the Ritz. He will dare to be adventurous for the sheer joy of it.

A Great Owner will actually use his yacht. Not only will he have lunch on board when it is in his port, but he will visit it in all sorts of locations. Sure, the French Riviera is great but what about Croatia, Sicily, Palma and Santorini?

Yes, St Bart’s is happening but what about Saba, Barbuda and the Dominican Republic? Once he gets more adventurous, there’s always the Grenadines, Cyprus, Alaska and the Galapagos Islands. It doesn’t really matter where he goes, he just uses his yacht. 

A Great Owner is trusting. Running multimillion-dollar companies has taught him the value of hiring the right person for the job. He makes sure that he has the right captain for his program and lifestyle and then trusts that captain to fulfill his needs.

He doesn’t micro-manage. He doesn’t yell. He believes in his crew and their abilities.

A Great Owner knows that people are key. He understands that education is paramount for all of his crew because each one plays a role in the successful operation of the yacht. He may offer time and/or money toward training.

He is aware of the grueling hours his crew works. He understands that while living in tight quarters and working long, odd hours, they are a close-knit group. He inherently believes that praise is a fantastic and easy-to-use tool.

A Great Owner is polite. Initial interaction may not provide proof of this attribute. Only in difficult circumstances can this trait be proven to exist. When main engine failure causes the yacht to miss getting into port for the 20-guest dinner party, a Great Owner does not turn purple and scream “Get me a helicopter.”

Instead, he offers a nod of acknowledgment and a discussion of alternatives. If that happens, you can bet you’re onto something special. Hold on to this one.

There are many aspects to a Great Owner. How the many facets of the owner merge into one being, as well as how they mesh with you, aren’t quantifiable on the whole but are vital to determine as you hunt your quarry. Good luck out there. 

Capt. Mac McDonald has been a yacht captain for 20 years and has had the great fortune of working for a Great Owner. It was his pleasurable experience of the past 7.5 years with the late Clint Atkins that spurred this advice.