From overseeing navigation, safety and operations to enjoying prime access to the most stunning ports on earth, it’s all in a day’s work for this seasoned seaman.
From overseeing navigation, safety and operations to enjoying prime access to the most stunning ports on earth, it’s all in a day’s work for this seasoned seaman.
O Captain, my Captain! Who better to fill us in on life aboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection than one of its head mariners, Captain Darin Bowland? When he’s not at his home in Finland, the passionate yachtsman and 25-year veteran of the cruise industry is in his element on the bridge, the ship’s high-tech command center. We waited for a rare off-duty moment to catch the captain on terra firma, where he graciously answered our questions about life on and off the high seas.
For those who are first-time cruisers, what is the main role of the captain?
Darin Bowland: The captain is the ship’s Master, by virtue of the authority which law and custom assigns him/her, and holds overriding responsibility and authority for all matters concerning the safety of the ship, passengers and crew, as well as environmental protection and the overall operation of the ship.
Who would we normally find on the bridge?
Darin Bowland: The management of the bridge is very much a team game, so at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the bridge team consists of a staff captain, a safety officer, and three senior and junior watchkeepers. At sea, there is always a senior watchkeeper and junior watchkeeper on the bridge along with two quartermasters. Depending on traffic, weather and navigating into port, this watch is supplemented with the presence of the staff captain and captain.
What are some of the interesting systems and technology that are featured on the bridge?
Darin Bowland: The bridge of Ilma is really a technological wonder. It represents the latest in marine technology today. The bridge is fully integrated with electronic charts, high-definition radars, azimuthing podded propulsor drive systems and a full safety center. Beam me up, Scotty!
Many of our guests are interested in the stability of the ship — sometimes you can’t even tell that we are moving at sea! Can you share with us a little bit about the different technologies used?
Darin Bowland: The stability of the vessel for the most part is engineered through the building and design stage. Our measure for this is metacentric height, or GM. This value is a measure of the vessel’s stability. The higher the GM value, the harder it is to get the vessel to heel. Ilma has a very high GM. We are also fitted with gyroscopic stabilizers (gyro stabilized) and vertical heeling tanks to counteract the effects of a heavy wind on one side of the vessel.
What are some of the features you think will most surprise and delight guests when they step aboard Ilma?
Darin Bowland: The first time I was on Ilma, the overall build quality of the vessel was impressive. It feels like luxury.
Are there any itineraries or regions of the world that you’re particularly keen to navigate in the coming seasons? What makes them so special?
Darin Bowland: There are so many wonderful areas in the world to sail. This summer in August Ilma will be in Iceland. The hot springs there are awesome.
While it’s difficult to pick a favorite, are there any ports that stand out to you as having a particularly beautiful sail-in?
Darin Bowland: Helsinki is one of my favorite ports in the world. This has nothing to do with the fact that I live there, of course! In the Baltic, the four-hour arrival and departure in Sweden through the Stockholm archipelago is stunning. Always enjoyable. Find a comfortable spot on your terrace or the upper decks and take in the scenery!
To date, what are some moments as a captain for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection that stand out as truly memorable — or magical?
Darin Bowland: My first personal “wow” moment is when I joined Evrima for the first time. I was up in The Observation Lounge. The doors to the open decks were all open, and it was a beautiful Caribbean evening with a light sea breeze blowing through the space. I knew at that moment that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection was the right place for me. One of my favorite parts of my job is meeting so many of the Ladies and Gentlemen on board from such diverse backgrounds. I had the honor of conducting a renewal of vows ceremony on the bridge for two airline professionals. It was a very moving experience and something I will never forget.