New England - CARPE DIEM captain interview.

Captain Alan Tookey of the 58.2m (190.9ft) CARPE DIEM whets our appetite for New England cruising by sharing his experience of sailing in these storied waters

How long have you been a captain? 
The Ark comes to mind... I've been a captain for approximately 36 years.

What inspired you to become a captain? 
It was the next logical step having progressed through the ranks, both interior and exterior.

Why did you choose to work on CARPE DIEM?
I was approached by the ownership team to run their 150ft yacht, CARPE DIEM II, having delivered this yacht, the 191ft CARPE DIEM, both to and from the Mediterranean.

What is your personal favourite feature or area of the yacht and why?  
The yacht has a huge sky lounge that flows effortlessly into a covered dining and entertaining area. It is a great space well used by all guests.

How much experience do you have cruising in New England? 
I have spent multiple seasons in New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and I cruised Coastal Maine for two seasons. 

What are you most looking forward to experiencing when you are there this summer?  
The change of weather will definitely be welcome as will the wonderful sunsets and long summer evenings.

What is your favourite activity to create for guests on board CARPE DIEM?
Watersports and beach set-ups are always fun but my favorite activity is entirely dependent upon my guests' favourite activity.

What is your personal favourite spot in New England and why?
Whale watching north of Cape Cod at Jeffries Ledge and Stellwagen Bank is awesome and the eclectic ambiance of Provincetown is always entertaining. In settled weather a trip to Matinicus Rock to visit the cheeky seals and be surrounded by the puffins performing their awkward landings and takeoff is something not to be missed.

One piece of advice for what to pack for a New England charter? 
Something warm in case we get the legendary Cape Cod fog.

What do you think will surprises guests the most about New England? 
The plethora of lobster pots even in the 'navigable channels'.

What advice would you give to a first-time charterer? 
Chill, have fun and communicate with your crew. We need some guidelines to make your trip the best possible – everyone likes different things.

What do you hope to bring to the CARPE DIEM experience?  
A safe, enjoyable time aboard for our guests. I like to instill within them a love of the ocean and a desire to return aboard and continue to build lifelong memories.

Do you have any special traditions on board? 
The Captain has a cold beer after the charter guests leave!

What, in your opinion, makes CARPE DIEM's crew so unique?  
We have a multi-national crew, from differing cultural backgrounds with experience from differing careers before yachting beckoned. Fun people.

One line on something that nobody knows about CARPE DIEM? 
We maintain a small zoo aboard and grow our own food - NOT - but we do have a sense of humour!

Interview: July 2020

Read our Insider Guide to New England to get a better flavour of this famous cruising destination.

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