Serendipity I
- 45m | Perini Navi | 2011
Fresh in the ranks of captain, Ashley Taylor has been at the helm of Serendipity I for the last two years, and he says the crew is where the superyacht – which he describes as a ‘home away from home’ really shines.
“We are professional but friendly,” he says. “We enjoy what we do and love to show our guests what we love about our jobs and our surroundings. Our sense of adventure is infectious and yet we are always safe and professional.”
Delivered in 2011, the 45m Serendipity I is a superstar of the sailing world. Her hardworking crew of six are led by New Zealand-born captain Ashley Taylor, who joined the industry many years ago after a chance meeting with a yachtie in Brazil, and now spends his days cruising the Med, the Caribbean and everywhere in between.
Here Captain Taylor talks adventure, cuisine and his love for the great unknown.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got into yachting?
Being from New Zealand, the sea is in my blood - I learned to sail at school when I was 10 years old. I backpacked around the globe for many years and just happened to bump into a yachtie in the jungles of Brazil who told me about the superyacht industry, so I headed to St Martin with a few hundred dollars in my pocket and made a go of it!
When did you join Serendipity I?
I joined the sailing yacht Serendipity I in San Diego in November 2018, when she was known as Clan VIII.
How would you describe the owner’s vision for the yacht?
This boat is the owner’s home away from home. His crew are his family, and he loves adventuring to new and interesting places - preferably with as few other boats around as possible.
How would you describe the style and ambiance of Serendipity I?
She comfortably luxurious without being ostentatious. The ambiance is created as much by the crew as it is the décor, and both blend into a sense of relaxation, safety, comfort and function.
Which types of client are most attracted to charter the yacht and what experiences can you offer them?
We tend to attract the adventurous, down-to-earth, nature-loving explorers. Our greatest experience is the location of the yacht – we want you to come and see the world with us!
How would you describe the style and approach of the crew with charter guests?
We are a polite and courteous crew, very professional and capable. But we are also approachable and friendly, so you won’t find anyone who is stand-offish and cold. This boat will feel like home.
Are there any interesting personalities or talents among the crew?
We have a very talented free diver and spear fisherman on board who is very happy to head off to get lunch for the guests.
Can you share some examples where you and your crew have gone above and beyond to make your guests’ experience as special as possible?
To be honest I don’t think there is an above and beyond – wo do whatever it takes and that’s the norm!
How would you describe the cuisine on board?
We have an eclectic range of cuisine styles on board to cater for all tastes, but it is always fresh and healthy with locally sourced produce and fish.
What have been some of the highlights or your favourite memories as captain of the yacht?
On one of the last trips we did in Huahine, French Polynesia, we were inside the reef motoring towards the anchorage inside the lagoon when a pod of whales surfaced around the boat. We shut off the engines and drifted among the pod as they lazily made their way into the lagoon with us. We launched the tender and took the guests whale watching in the lagoon. It was an incredible experience.
What are your usual cruising grounds?
Right now, we have no ‘usual’ cruising grounds, but instead are seeking out the unusual.
Which destinations and your personal favourites and why?
So far New Zealand has been my favourite destination. Ok, the water is cold and the visibility isn’t as amazing as in Polynesia, but the variety of cruising grounds and the amount of wildlife you get to see are like nowhere else in the world.
Which areas of the yacht do guests tend to gather on board and which facilities are most used?
We find most guests lounge in the cockpit with comfortable loungers, or sunbathe on the beanbags on the aft deck. The swim platform is very popular.
Tell us about the toys and tenders on board – and which toys are the most popular with guests?
We have a 5.5m jet tender which is the favourite for the type of people we have on board – the type that want to explore the mangroves or get close to the reef which the jet drive allows. The SeaBobs have also proven popular among younger guests, and the older guests love our paddleboards.