On board DAISY D with Captain Ian

DAISY D’s captain, Ian Insull, reveals his favourite cruising locations and shares stories of some of the Hollywood stars he’s met over his career.

How long have you been captain on board DAISY D?

I joined the project in late 2017 during the last six months of her build [she was delivered in 2018]. For the first five years I was on board we had Russian owners and she was a one season boat. But last year the boat was sold and we have Australian owners who use it completely differently. Despite being on DAISY D for seven years, I’ve had completely different experiences.

How did you get to be captain? Could you tell me a little about your career history?

I started as a deckhand in 1987 and worked my way up on various boats and through various ranks. After I got my full captain’s qualifications, I became captain on my first boat in 2000.

Can you tell us a bit about DAISY D?

She’s the perfect size at 50m, super comfortable for 12 guests with enough crew to look after you. And at 50m she’s not too big so it can still go to the quiet anchorages and little hidey holes. That’s why I think this size especially has been perfect for chartering.

How do you and the crew personalise each charter?

I think the most important thing is engaging with the guests and trying to make the experience fun for them. 

What are some of your favourite destinations?

The main charter area around Corsica and Sardinia is my favourite. Going in and out of Bonifacio is just magical – it’s the most amazing entry into a port. The top of Sardinia has some beautiful bays and a classic Italian vibe.

What’s the most exciting part or the part you love most about your job as captain?

The challenge of getting everyone from A to B safely, comfortably, and making sure everyone’s having fun. I love a challenge, and even just the basics of being a captain can be quite a task: making sure the boat is where it’s meant to be, when it’s meant to be there, and all in good condition.

Can you share a memorable story from a previous charter?

I was very lucky many years ago to be on TALITHA G when we used to charter in Italy with the Hollywood set. We did charters with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, and Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. And before that, chartering with Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck. That’s how old I am! Just rubbing shoulders with people like that is really memorable.

A great memory that stands out is a charter with Robin Williams and his family. He was such a funny and super guy. We were playing Pictionary – the crew and guests – with him when he picks a card, looks at it, and says “guys, I can’t do this”. We were trying to get him to have a go, but he was adamant “no I can’t do this”. So we had a look at the card and it was Bognor Regis. As a non-Brit, he would’ve had absolutely no idea where or even what Bognor Regis was. It was such a fun charter and that’s a really lovely memory to be able to look back on.

What advice would you give to those new to yachting who might be considering their first charter?

Number one: don’t watch Below Deck! Other than that, just try to manage your expectations. Don’t be fixed to an itinerary and be ready to go with the flow. We have to react to the conditions and the availability of berths, so things can change last minute. Just come on board ready to enjoy yourself and try to leave any stresses behind. That way, it doesn’t really matter where you are as you’re having fun out on the ocean.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a captain?

The places I’ve visited are just astonishing. There really aren’t many places I haven’t been to. Visiting the Galapagos Islands, the Hawaiian Islands, Tahiti and the Society Islands, Tonga… Just unbelievably beautiful places that even if you go on holiday to you won’t see them like you would on a yacht. And the best thing was I was paid to go there!

Top destination?

It would have to be Tahiti and the Society Islands. Everything is incredible, from the sea life and the coral to the crystal-clear water. You’re just cruising along and there are whales and rays jumping out of the water alongside you. When I visited there, it was on a long cruise starting in the Galapagos going along to Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia and then ending up in New Zealand. The whole thing was astonishing, but as a standout, it would have to be Tahiti and the Society Islands, or French Polynesia as most people know it by.