Haslet Sever: I started my captaincy career with the encouragement of my father Ali Sever. I entered the 'Maritime Tourism' school in 1994, which was Turkey's first high school focused on yachting. Growing up in Bodrum, a coastal city, made this decision easier for me. During my high school years, my teachers, especially Fehmi Gürbüzoglu and Nezih Mekik who were from the Turkish Navy, had a great influence on me. I took my first significant step in my career in 2001 as a deckhand on the STS BODRUM sailing training ship. Here, I had the opportunity to work with notable seafarers such as the late Sadun Boro and Yücel Koyagasıoğlu who is the designer and sail master of STS BODRUM. In 2002, after successfully passing both written and practical exams, I obtained my captain's qualification and started my management career as a second captain on the school ship.
S.N: What was the most challenging situation you encountered as a yacht captain, and how did you overcome it?
H.S: After all these years, I can say that being away from loved ones is the most emotionally challenging part of this job. Technically, one of the most difficult moments was in 2006 during the Tall Ship Regattas, when we encountered a fire and water ingress in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Bay of Biscay between Portugal and Spain. The excitement of youth, combined with the heavy responsibilities I had, made that day particularly stressful. However, by staying calm and taking swift action, the crew and I managed to overcome the situation. It remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my career.
S.N: What are the most important skills a good captain should have?
H.S: Loving the sea is the fundamental requirement in this profession. Many of my newer colleagues may be drawn to this career for its financial rewards and cultural experiences, but it’s impossible to do this job well without a true passion for the sea. Patience, continuous learning, and self-improvement are critical qualities for any captain.
Additionally, as a captain, it’s your responsibility to constantly train your crew and prepare them for all potential challenges. Keeping up with the latest technology, maritime regulations set by flag states and classification societies, and being aware of the geographical region you’re navigating are also vital. As a yacht captain, it’s essential to provide the best service to your guests, so you must ensure that your crew delivers top-notch service and stay updated with the latest systems and techniques.
S.N: How important is safety to you, especially at sea, and what measures do you take?
H.S: Safety is the top responsibility of any captain. Ensuring the safety of both life and property is the greatest obligation a captain has. This responsibility includes making sure that the yacht's technical equipment is functioning correctly and that the crew is fully trained and knowledgeable about safety procedures. Regular inspections of both the equipment and crew are essential parts of my role.
In commercial yachting, the drills mandated by flag states, such as fire drills, man overboard exercises, and abandon ship procedures, are crucial. We carry out these drills monthly, semi-annually, or annually to identify any deficiencies and correct them. Additionally, respecting nature and adapting to environmental conditions, rather than fighting against them, is one of the most important safety measures we take.
S.N: What should we know about the maintenance and repairs on a yacht?
H.S: Yachts are like a second home for seafarers, and keeping them clean and well-maintained is crucial for safety. In yachting, yachts are treated like a jewel by both the owners and captains. Having a crew that understands materials and preventive maintenance helps avoid damage caused by the misuse of chemicals, for example. Even something as simple as a stewardess using the wrong cleaning product can cause significant damage.
Maintenance and repairs are performed at different times throughout the season—before, during, and after the yacht's use. Being knowledgeable about material handling, equipment maintenance, preventive care, record-keeping, and following manufacturer guidelines is crucial. Today, there are many programs and software available to help manage this process efficiently. Ensuring that your entire crew is part of this system helps reduce maintenance costs and enables more timely interventions.
S.N: What methods do you use to communicate effectively with your crew?
H.S: We often spend more time with each other than we do with our loved ones. This makes mutual trust incredibly important. Clear, transparent, and accurate communication is one of the most essential aspects of leadership on a yacht. It’s crucial to create an environment where crew members understand their roles and responsibilities, and where they feel comfortable sharing feedback.
Being transparent fosters trust and helps build the right team spirit. Daily meetings with team leaders, briefings before each voyage, and holding regular meetings where the crew can voice their concerns are all part of effective communication. Additionally, organizing social events, such as meals or small parties, helps relieve stress and builds camaraderie.
A captain should be approachable and available, not distant. Taking the time to listen to individual crew members' needs, no matter their position, strengthens the team dynamic and promotes a healthy working environment.
S.N: How has climate change and shifting sea conditions affected your yacht operations and planning?
H.S: Although this period may seem short in human history, it’s already having a profound effect on maritime operations. Weather reports are now more accessible and accurate, but it’s still not always possible to get perfect predictions. In the Mediterranean, for example, sudden storms with winds exceeding 100 knots are increasingly common, making meteorological risks harder to manage.
In larger seas with harsher winds, I often have to adjust my routes to avoid areas with increased wind and current impact. During ocean crossings, it sometimes means making more stops and lengthening the journey. In less populated areas, fewer weather predictions make it necessary to be extra cautious, with more vigilant anchoring watches and selecting safer anchorages.
Rising sea temperatures have also led to stricter environmental regulations in countries like France and Spain, where larger yachts are now required to anchor farther from the coast to protect marine ecosystems. These changes necessitate careful planning to comply with new legal regulations.
S.N: What are the main factors you consider when planning a voyage as a captain?
H.S: First, it’s essential to know your yacht, crew, and guests well. When planning a route, I need to be aware of the yacht's physical and technical specifications, as well as weather forecasts, navigation warnings, notices to mariners, crew duties, watch schedules, resupply points, and potential route changes.
The guests’ expectations, updated navigation charts, crew responsibilities, weather reports, and resupply stops are the main factors I consider when estimating departure and arrival times.
S.N: How has technological development impacted your role as a captain, and how have you adapted?
H.S: From the introduction of AIS after the 9/11 attacks to the widespread accessibility of the internet, I’ve seen significant changes. When I first started, mobile phones were just becoming common; now we have unlimited communication technologies. IMO sets the standards for maritime communication devices, and I believe that some traditional technical equipment will soon become obsolete.
Yachting is one of the sectors where technological advancements thrive, particularly in the luxury segment where there are no financial limits. Larger yachts have introduced new roles, such as IT teams, to manage the increasing complexity of modern systems. Adapting to these changes requires constant learning, and guest demands often drive the pace of adaptation. Data security, energy efficiency, and environmentally sustainable technologies are becoming more critical, and continuous training for both myself and the crew is essential.
S.N: What was the best advice you received during your captaincy career, and how has it impacted your career?
H.S: Throughout my career, I’ve received a lot of valuable advice from colleagues, crew members, and mentors. However, the advice that has stuck with me the most is, "May the seas be calm and the wind always in your favor." This advice emphasizes the importance of staying calm and patient at sea. Maritime life can change in an instant, but remaining composed helps you overcome many challenges. The sea is not always calm, but this advice has taught me the importance of being prepared for any situation and constantly improving through education.
S.N: Can you share an interesting anecdote about cultural or local differences you’ve encountered as a yacht captain?
H.S: During my career, I’ve encountered many different places and cultures. In the Mediterranean, I’ve noticed how warm and welcoming people are, whereas in the Caribbean, people tend to be more laid-back and indifferent. In the U.S., the excitement and approach to entertainment are quite different from what we’re used to. One of the most striking experiences I had was in the Caribbean, where the local yacht agencies were slow to provide necessary services during critical times. Despite the delays, they still charged us $80-$100 per hour at the end of the day, which was quite surprising.
Another notable challenge is working with crew members from different cultural backgrounds, particularly when it comes to food. Crew members often struggle when the chef is from a different culture, and I’ve frequently received complaints about the meals not aligning with their cultural preferences. Cultural differences can significantly impact not only guest interactions but also day-to-day operations and crew management.
S.N: What does an ideal workday look like for you, and what do you enjoy most about your job?
H.S: Although there are many routines in this job, every moment offers the possibility of discovering something different. I love the sea, and sometimes a yacht can feel like its own little world. What I enjoy most about my job is the blend of routine and unpredictability — no two days are ever the same, and the sea always has a new lesson to offer. The joy of continually learning and growing, both as a captain and with my crew, makes this job truly special.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule.
Banu Demir / The Sailor's Newspaper
Prepared for Publication: Doruk Agency / Founded by Sailor's Newspaper
