Timbuktu
- 41.8m | Baglietto | 2009 (2016)
A highly experienced charter captain with over 20 years in yachting, Captain David Burke was born and raised on the rugged Atlantic coast of Ireland. He has long nurtured a passion for the sea, and began his yachting career at the ripe age of 20 while still at university. Over the years, he has moved up through the ranks and in 2006 he joined the 52m MY Sea Jewel as first mate. He was quickly promoted to captain, and held this position for the next nine years.
Next, Captain Burke took command of the very busy and successful charter yacht Wild Thyme which, under his command, became Aura, and he completed four successful seasons of back-to back charters with a lot of repeat clients. He joined Clicia in April 2019 and has been sailing with the owner, crew and guests ever since.
David has extensive experience of the Mediterranean, and when not on board, he enjoys spending time with his two children.
With multiple seasons cruising in the Mediterranean under his belt, Captain Burke is an expert in destination hotspots, with first-hand knowledge of the east Med's hidden treasures. Enthusiastically leading Clicia’s professional crew of nine, he always goes the extra mile to deliver a memorable experience on board, ensuring that guests return home satisfied and ready to book their next charter immediately.
What is your background and how did you get into yachting?
I started working on yachts as a summer job when I was a student, and after that I moved onto shipyards in France, Spain and Florida before finally committing to the industry as a career.
How long have you been a captain and what are some of the yachts you’ve worked on?
I took my first command of Sea Jewel 52m A&R between 2009 and 2014, and then changed to charter yachts, working on board Aura - a 37m Benetti - from 2015 to 2019. I joined MY Clicia in April 2019 and the rest, as they say, is history.
How would you describe the owner’s vision for the yacht?
He definitely believes that treating crew well and offering a genuine smile lead to excellent performance and the highest standards! He also spares no expense in maintaining the yacht to keep her in top condition, so a charter on board is a real luxury experience.
How would you describe the style and personality of MY Clicia?
Friendly, welcoming and fun, with excellent service and high standards.
What’s your personal style as captain?
While I am formal when required, generally I have a calm, measured and friendly nature, and get along well with everyone.
What’s the best thing about working on MY Clicia?
The owner and crew, of course! But also, for me, the manoeuvrability of the yacht is exceptional and this makes a big difference at important moments.
What are some of the standout features of the yacht?
The volume is surprisingly large relative to the LOA, especially in the main salon and sun deck, so guests tend to gather there a lot – especially thanks to the sun deck’s jacuzzi, which also has good shaded areas if required. The skylounge and bridge deck aft are also often used for dining, so these spaces are very special too.
Which types of client do you think are most attracted to a charter on board?
We are an extremely adaptable yacht so we appeal to all types of audiences, but generally we tend to have families with children, parents and grandparents on board.
What types of experience can you offer charter guests?
We offer bespoke service for our clients, and spend a lot of time getting to know their requirements in advance so we can be sure to meet their expectations of what a great trip means for them. If we’re lucky, we’ll blow those expectations out the water! We have a wide range of watersports for guests to enjoy, plus high standards of service and delicious cuisine.
Can you share with us any examples where you and the crew have gone above and beyond to make the guest experience as special as possible?
There have been too many to count, but one that comes to mind is throwing a birthday party with a fireworks display on the beach, plus a DJ on a remote island. It was logistically challenging but really great fun and a huge success!
How would you describe the cuisine on board?
Excellent! We are able to serve world-class catering for all tastes and dietary requirements. I always receive very positive feedback from charter clients regarding the food, and the chef is such a nice person. He loves discussing menus with our guests in advance to ensure that everyone is happy and satisfied.
Tell us about the toys and tenders – which toys are the most popular with guests?
Our clients tend to love the big scorpion chase boat which is great for both sports and cruising.
What are your usual cruising grounds?
We tend to charter in the South of France, Corsica, Sardinia, Amalfi Coast and Liguria – all exceptional destinations!
Which destinations and your personal favourites and why?
It has to be Corsica - I love the west coast. However it can sometimes be exposed to mistral (strong, cold north-westerly winds) which can be challenging. I find Croatia to be the most relaxing cruising area.
What have been some of the highlights or your favourite memories as captain of MY Clicia?
Picking up the owner in Venice to begin a big cruise south was a special moment for me and very exciting. I love Venice!