The Bahamas - ETERNITY captain interview.

Published 15 June 2020

Captain Aldon Beukman shares his thoughts on what it's like to cruise the paradise islands of The Bahamas in the 65m (213.3ft) ETERNITY

How long have you been a captain?
I've been a yacht captain for three years.

What inspired you to become a captain?
From a young age I have always felt inspired by leading a team. I appreciate that with leadership comes great responsibility, this can be used to teach crew, to help them evolve in a positive manner and be respectful towards one another, on board as well as off the boat. The thought of this being achieved really inspires me.

Why did you choose to work on ETERNITY?
For five years I was working for an owner that loved The Bahamas so much he opened his own resort. During this time, I made good friends and by word of mouth I was put forward for the position as captain on ETERNITY. I didn’t really choose, ETERNITY chose me.

What makes ETERNITY so unique and why should someone charter her?
Codecasa did a fantastic job with ETERNITY! She is currently approaching 10 years and her lines and architecture have not aged. After completing a seven-month major refit in September 2018 and with constant upgrades of the yacht's systems and décor, she will always be a special treat for any guest that has a taste for modern design.

What is your personal favourite feature of the yacht and why?
It has to be the foredeck swimspa area with wrap around lounge beds. This makes for a perfect setting to laze with a cocktail and watch the sunset with unspoiled views.

What is your favourite activity to create for guests on board ETERNITY?
We raft up some floats and take guests down what we call a lazy river. It takes around 90 minutes and an abundance of marine life can be sighted including stingrays, sharks, turtles, fish species, birds and so on. The end of the river ride has you standing on the perfect location for a beach BBQ. Combine this experience with your friends and family enjoying freshly made snacks and drinks, it’s a day that will always be remembered.

Which areas of the yacht do guests tend to favour and why?
This really depends on the type of guests we have on board and the mood they are in, but with our large outdoor areas we have seen guests roam and utilise mostly the exterior areas.

What is your personal favourite port of call in the Bahamas and why?
Wow, there are so many, but if I must choose, I will go for the private island experience at Twin Cays. Not too long ago this was one of the Exumas' best kept secrets. We were the first yacht ever to have rented this island for guests and it makes for the perfect setting to start to your holiday in The Bahamas. I mean, who does not like the thought of having your own private island?

One piece of advice for what to pack for a Bahamas charter?
Come with a relaxed mindset so you can switch off from your daily work routines.

What advice would you give to a first-time charterer?
Embrace the crew! They are there for your enjoyment and can be the deciding factor between an average charter and an excellent one.

What do you hope to bring to the ETERNITY experience?
I am an active individual and passionate about fishing, watersports and basically anything involving the ocean. I really enjoy interacting with guests when they require a helping hand at learning the ropes on one of our many watertoys. And I think the guests really appreciate the captain being involved with such an active and relatable approach.

Do you have any special traditions on board?
Friday braais.

What, in your opinion, makes ETERNITY’s crew so unique?
Well, 70 percent of the crew has been with ETERNITY since the start of the refit in early 2018. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience on board that contributes to guests' experience.