I joined M/Y Maverick in 2024 as Captain of Cantiere delle Marche’s flagship yacht, a fully custom 45-metre steel and aluminium explorer built by the owner of CdM himself. From the outset, the role demanded a very different style of command: long-range planning, remote-area operations, extensive logistical preparation and a strong focus on creating a yacht capable of moving confidently far beyond the traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising circuits.

Over the following two years, I led the yacht through an exceptionally varied programme spanning the Red Sea, Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Norway, Svalbard, the Atlantic, Caribbean, Central America, the Bahamas and the US East Coast. The programme included extended operations in remote and environmentally challenging regions, including the High Arctic, requiring detailed passage planning, weather routing, regulatory coordination, technical preparation, fuel and provisioning strategy, crew management and close liaison with agents, authorities and local specialists.

Maverick operated across private, charter and live-aboard use, often with demanding schedules and significant distances between destinations. I was responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the yacht, leadership of a multinational crew, owner representation, technical and operational oversight, budget management and ensuring the vessel remained prepared for both luxury guest use and genuine exploration.

A major focus of my time onboard was building systems, standards and a crew culture capable of supporting an increasingly adventurous programme. Operating in areas such as northern Norway, Svalbard and the High Arctic required a disciplined approach to risk assessment, cold-weather preparation, navigation, communications and contingency planning, while maintaining the service levels expected of a high-end yacht.

The programme became one of the defining chapters of my career and was recognised with a BOAT International World Superyacht Award. More importantly, it confirmed the direction I want to continue pursuing: leading capable yachts on ambitious owner programmes, exploring less familiar cruising grounds and helping owners use their yachts for what they are truly capable of achieving.