New England - TIME FOR US captain interview.

Captain Scott Ellison of the 46.1m (151ft) TIME FOR US talks to us about the yacht and what he loves about cruising her in New England

How long have you been a captain? 

I began working in yachting in 2003 and took my first captain’s job in 2013 for the same family I work for today.

What inspired you to become a captain? 

The job is incredibly multi-faceted and even more unique. What’s better than being anchored out in a quiet bay with calm water, a beautiful sunset and dolphins swimming by and you’re the only yacht around for miles to enjoy it? A captain plays a lot of roles but ultimately you are a creator of experience and I wanted the opportunity to create a space for crew and guests that was positive and rewarding for all.

Why did you choose to work on TIME FOR US?

I first started working for the TIME FOR US family as a first officer back in 2008 on their Feadship and spent a year and a half with the family. When they decided to get back into yachting in 2013 I was humbled when they contacted me to be their captain and thrilled to be working again for a great family.

What is your personal favourite feature or area of the yacht and why?

The outside deck spaces on this yacht are excellent. All of the toys are forward on the bow leaving a massive sun deck free of toys and working crew for guests to enjoy the quiet and fantastic views and the bridge deck provides great protection from the elements for outdoor dining.

How much experience do you have cruising in New England?

We have spent seven of the last eight summers cruising the greater New England area from Long Island up to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes.

What are you most looking forward to experiencing when you are there this summer?

The summer of 2020 will be unique for everyone. I really enjoy getting the boat out to quiet anchorages and finding small bays where the guests can feel alone and enjoy some peaceful solitude. This is particularly exceptional in Maine.

What is your favourite activity to create for guests on board TIME FOR US?

This is difficult to narrow down to one favorite but certainly I enjoy getting our guests to enjoy the beauty of nature. Picking a great anchorage, getting the toys out, setting up a lobster BBQ on the beach, and letting everyone be themselves. A lot of times removing the distraction of town, people and technology allows families to spend real quality time together and we’ve had families become a lot closer during the week they are on board and express their gratitude for the opportunity that being on the yacht provided for this to happen.

What is your personal favourite spot in New England and why?

I love the Penobscot Bay region of Maine for it’s quaint little towns, the hundreds of islands that can be explored, the solitude of great anchorages, and the calm and protected cruising it provides in the rare occasion of poor sea conditions. The locals are also incredibly friendly and love having us up there.

One piece of advice for what to pack for a New England charter?

While the weather is generally always pleasant and warm in July and August you will always want to pack a light sweater for the evenings as they can be cool at times, particularly if you enjoy dining outdoors, which we highly recommend. There is also a lot of opportunity for activity in New England, like bike riding or hikes so some exercise clothing is always handy.

What do you think will surprises guests the most about New England?

For those who have never explored New England by water I think they will find a nice combination of sophistication and simplicity. You can find all the great restaurants and shops that you want and not far away is beautiful nature and solitude.

What one dish typifies the New England dining experience?

Try the fantastic oysters or a New England clam bake which we all love and are quintessential New England dishes but for me it doesn't get any better than a great lobster roll! Done simply but right, a great bun and fresh lobster you just pulled out of the sea, it's a 'must-eat' for anyone visiting New England.

What advice would you give to a first-time charterer?

Get ready to have the time of your life!

What do you hope to bring to the TIME FOR US experience?

I really enjoy being involved in all aspects of the charter from start to finish and participating with all of our departments to ensure the guests are getting the experience they were anticipating. Each trip is different so learning about and adapting to each group is always a fun challenge.

Do you have any special traditions on board?

When we have families on board we like to get the kids out on the tubes and towed around the yacht while the parents shoot water balloons at them from the sun deck.

What, in your opinion, makes TIME FOR US crew so unique?

One comment we hear a lot of is that we have a fun crew that are genuinely happy and sincere in our effort to give the guests an amazing experience and this shows in our service.

One line on something that nobody knows about TIME FOR US?

Crew longevity is something we are very proud of and demonstrates not only the stability of our programme and the environment on board but also greatly improves the consistency and efficiency of our service and the experience we are able to provide to guests.

Interview: July 2020

Read our Insider Guide to New England and another New England Q&A by Captain Alex Tookey of CARPE DIEM.

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