THE CAPTAIN
Your skipper Eric Hull is a qualified commercial Master of Yachts captain for vessels up to 200 gross tons.
Following a rather unconventional career path, Eric spent his childhood and youth in Vancouver on and near the sea. He has returned to it after a completely different life of conducting opera and symphonic concerts with some of the world’s most prestigious ensembles (www.erichullconductor.com) and living in vibrant cities such as Paris, London, Milan, Monte-Carlo, Vienna and Vancouver.
The call of the Maltese sea has proven too much, though, and he is now dedicating his energies to sharing his love of spending time in beautiful places, with good food, good company, and the best of what life has to offer.
WORKING LANGUAGES (in order of proficiency):
English, Italian, French, German and Spanish
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master of Yachts Certificate up to 200gTons, up to 150nm from Safe Haven (Transport Malta)
Accredited Engine Course (AEC)
RYA Day Skipper Practical (Motor)
Recreational Skipper
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Transport Malta Nautical Licence
STCW Basic Safety & Firefighting
VHF SRC
PADI Advanced Open Water Scuba
Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering
HINTS FOR A GREAT DAY AT OUT AT SEA
It is often hard to know what to expect on a boat, but here are some suggestions to keep things safe and cheerful.
WHAT TO BRING:
Space is at a premium, so less is more! Although we try to provide almost everything you need while on board, you may want to bring your favourite sunscreen, hat, towel, and sunglasses aside from your swimwear. We have extras if you are caught out. Jackets or wind breakers may be useful in the evenings or off-season.
We will have complimentary light snacks, water and soft drinks on hand, but feel free to use the cooler provided to store any food (that doesn’t require cooking) or drink you may want to bring on board.
ANNOYING BOAT ISSUES:
As the Captain is responsible for the vessel and everyone on board, his requests, instructions and suggestions must be adhered to. He will give you a quick safety briefing before heading out.
Feel free to use all parts of the boat (the flybridge being particularly popular,) but by law, guests are forbidden to be on the front bow while under way.
Music is welcome on the yacht, but it should not be audible by other boats. This is just common courtesy, but also the law.
If you are prone to sea-sickness, we have both pills and non-invasive pressure point wrist bands available to help.
No hard-soled shoes, please. You’ll likely be barefoot most of the time, but soft-soled shoes or flip-flops may be useful.
Marine toilets are notoriously fragile, so don’t throw anything other than (sparing) toilet paper in them. The electric flush mechanism is found under the window sill.
Please store any bags or personal effects in the Salon or in the Master cabin.
Don’t throw absolutely anything overboard, let’s try to leave the sea even cleaner than we found it.
No smoking indoors, and please use the provided marine ashtray outdoors.
Red wine is generally discouraged on boats (because of teak stains,) whereas champagne, white and sparkling wine are positively encouraged!
It goes without saying, but under no circumstances should anything illegal be brought aboard. We could lose our licence, boat and livelihood should anything be found onboard that shouldn’t be there.
CANCELATIONS:
We always endeavor to honour our commitments, but sadly some matters such as Mother Nature and mechanical failure are out of our control.
If we are forced to cancel due to a technical issue or weather of Force 5 or above (or upon the Captain’s judgment,) a full refund will be offered unless an alternative date can be agreed upon. Should bad weather be likely, we will endeavor to give you a heads-up a few days before the scheduled cruise.
