Captain Richard Fuller on SIREN.

Where are you now (November 2020)?

At my desk, managing various aspects of an intermediate survey and periodic maintenance at the Sud Marine Shipyard in Marseille.

What is going on in the Caribbean right now?

There is a concerted effort being made to have some semblance of a winter yachting season while protecting the islands’ populations from the COVID virus.

How did you first get into yachting?

I visited my brother in Antibes who was a chef on a yacht. For want of money, a job or a direction in my life, I became a yacht chef too, which, 25 years later, finds me here as the captain of SIREN.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

I’m a workaholic and on a yacht there is always something to be done. The worst part is being away from home and not seeing my son grow up.

You have worked on a number of high-profile mega yachts. How does SIREN differ? What do you believe makes her stand out from the crowd?

SIREN’s greatest quality is the amount of outdoor space, whether it is the vast sun deck and outdoor cinema, the interior main deck that seemingly flows into the spacious outdoor spaces or the extra wide stairs leading down to the generous swim platform. The main deck in particular is complemented by 2.3m (7.5ft) interior doors and 2.8m (9.2ft) exterior headroom so that there is comfort for even our tallest guests.

Where is your favourite area on board SIREN?

SIREN provides guests with a stylish and multi-faceted venue. The atmosphere, ambience, cuisine, along with the professional and experienced crew, all combine to make SIREN the perfect setting for private parties, events and celebrations. My favourite area has to be the main deck outside area; it’s very spacious and has hosted a cocktail party for 50 people in the rain without difficulty, but it remains intimate for smaller groups.

What is your favourite amenity on board SIREN?

I’m looking forward to the delivery of our new Ribeye Beachlander tender and making full use of the new Bluesound audio system. We've got entertainment covered; we're here to co-ordinate and entertain guests the minute they step on board.

What is your favourite activity on board SIREN?

Waterborne obstacle races with the children, big and small, is always an exciting way to spend a few hours. SIREN’s new toys, the e-foils, and the flyboard offer endless hours of fun too. The crew also host various games and themed events for the guests to enjoy. We always like to think outside of the box.

What is your favourite feature on board SIREN?

SIREN is a sophisticated playground with many pleasures designed for al fresco living; she has infinite sunbathing options, an outdoor cinema and a wide choice of dining areas. It is hard to choose just one feature. Among my favourites are the fold-out balcony in the master suite, the indoor cinema and our signature beach club and gym with a Peloton and Pilates Reformer. 

What essential item would you recommend every guest takes on charter?

Willingness to explore, dream, and discover. With knowledge of a charterers' preferences, we can create the ultimate experience.

What two recommendations would you suggest to enjoy a charter on board SIREN to the full?

Firstly, it has to be to enjoy SIREN’s gastronomic offerings. The epitome of luxury living is the haute cuisine prepared by SIREN’s award-winning chefs. Tailor-made menus for our guests include dishes featuring signature tastes and spices representative of all the countries SIREN and her chefs have visited, including delicious salads, creative sushi rolls, original seafood entrees and signature desserts. Whether it's elaborate formal dining on the bridge deck, a beach BBQ, a sunset grazing platter on the swim platform, or tapas and champagne around the jacuzzi, SIREN and the crew offer the ultimate dining options for every occasion.

Secondly, spending time on the beach club which is home to our recently refurbished gym and spa. SIREN also has a dedicated personal trainer (and Pilates teacher) and spa therapist within the crew to ensure guests experience the area to the full.

What is your favourite cruising ground?

I was fortunate to spend time cruising Alaska. The space is so vast and peaceful. Getting up-close to feed humpback whales and spotting bears on the beach – it was truly an amazing experience for all on board. Of course, I still get a buzz from the usual Mediterranean haunts.

SIREN is available in the Caribbean this winter. How much experience do you have cruising in the Caribbean, and do you have a preferred itinerary/ archipelago?

I enjoy the adventure and planning involved when discovering new areas, and of course, after 20-plus years in the industry I have cruised in the Caribbean a number of times. In particular, I love the Exuma archipelago in the Bahamas.  

What is your favourite Caribbean island? What three things would you recommend doing there?

It has to be the Exuma islands. What to do? Well, one has to swim with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay, feed the pigs at Staniel Cay and enjoy an elegant lunch on the beach after an obstacle course set up by the crew at Sandy Cay.

What is your favourite activity while in the Caribbean?

Scuba diving at all levels is available in the Caribbean. Finding some peace underwater is both invigorating, relaxing and, occasionally, a challenge.

What makes SIREN’s crew stand out?

SIREN’s multinational crew bring with them additional skills and cultural experiences from their lives outside of yachting. Apart from their energy, enthusiasm and passion for hospitality at sea, they have great banter and thoroughly enjoy spending time ashore together. They all get involved; whether it's a themed evening on the sun deck or watersport Olympics, they always give their all, making the impossible, possible.

What do you think will surprise charter guests the most about SIREN?

A charter aboard SIREN is diverse, with no two days the same. Whether it's an active break hiking, working out with the personal trainer, scuba diving, a beach BBQ, a relaxed morning in the spa, or an al fresco cinema night on the sun deck, the crew will ensure every day is unique.  

SIREN offers bespoke itineraries catered to the individual needs of each charter party, ensuring that only the places that are of interest to the guests are included. Whether the guests prefer to spend their time on the beach with a Pina Colada or hitting every recommended spot, we design itineraries unique to each charterer, devised to suit the personalities within the group so that every guest is happy.  Of course there is always plenty of room for serendipitous experiences.

What measures do you have in place to reassure guests that SIREN is a safe place in light of COVID?

SIREN’s crew will complete a COVID test prior to transiting to the Caribbean (or before re-joining there) and, as appropriate, will complete further tests and quarantine on board prior to transiting to other islands. Crew interaction ashore will be limited. The yacht is deep cleaned thoroughly regularly, non-essential personnel are not permitted on board and essential personnel only with masks and sanitizer.

How do you foresee the Caribbean winter season going with regards to COVID and access to the islands?

It is going to be a challenge for the local people, providers, governments, guests and crew, but we must all take responsibility to mitigate the spread of the infection, hopefully to return to a 'normal' situation as soon as possible.

Where next for SIREN?

In spring 2021 we'll be crossing the Atlantic for the summer season and we're very much looking forward to welcoming guests on board SIREN in the West Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Interview: November 2020