Capt. Palmer Cole,
Motoryacht Kelly Sea

Date interviewed: June 2008

How did you realize you wanted to become a captain?
I’m from Louisville, Kentucky. My dad had me on boats there since I was 12 years old. He had a 40-foot express cruiser in the Gulf of Mexico, and on the Ohio River we had a Nordhavn 40-foot trawler yacht. We did the Great Loop together when I was 24, cruising up the Mississippi, across the St. Lawrence Seaway, down the Intracoastal Waterway on the East Coast, and then back home across the Gulf of Mexico.
     That’s when I decided to get my captain’s license. The cruising is what got me. I loved it. I just enjoyed it so much, especially the fishing. I figured my office would always have a good view.
 
What training did you undergo to become a captain?
I earned my 200-ton yacht master license in Fort Lauderdale when I was 24. My first job was doing deliveries, including being the captain of a 64-foot trawler yacht. In 2005, I got involved in helping with my first build, which was this boat, the 112-foot Westport Kelly Sea.
     I ran her as a private boat for a year and a half, then moved up to run a 130-foot Westport, and then came back to Kelly Sea in March of 2008. She’d done a few charters but the owner wanted more, and I was interested in becoming a charter captain. As it turns out, I like it. I like meeting people and making them feel special.

What do you think makes Kelly Sea unique?
The fishing program on our boat sets us apart. We like to fish. We like to be adventurous. We tow a 32-foot Whaler Outrage that’s great for fishing. We’d love some charter clients who want to go off the beaten path.
     We’re also different because we’re one of the few charter boats with an all-male crew.

How do you determine what itinerary you will set for a given charter?
I like to be involved with the client and the broker during the planning phase. I love to research and plan different options in case the weather is bad, and I try to outline a whole week within 40 to 50 miles so that it’s not long jumps from day to day.

How flexible are you about changing the itinerary on a day-to-day basis?
Our boss always changes the itinerary when he’s onboard, so we’re used to it.

What are some of your favorite cruising destinations, and why?
I like the Dominican Republic, the British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Costa Rica, Panama, the Pacific Northwest, and New England.
     For charter, I think the Caribbean, New England, and the Bahamas are the best. The Bahamas, there’s snorkeling, diving, and fishing, and it’s secluded. The Exumas part of the Bahamas are my favorite spot, especially for charters with kids. It’s safe, clear, and calm.

What features onboard Kelly Sea do you particularly enjoy sharing with guests?
We have a Kaleidescape sound system onboard, so that’s top of the line. There’s a 42-inch television on our aft deck for outdoor movies, plus a 50-inch television on our fly bridge that comes right out of the hard top, so you can sit in the hot tub and watch the game.

Describe a typical guest’s day onboard Kelly Sea.
It depends on the guests. We have guys who want huge breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and then we have light eaters who just want to play and go cruising for two or three hours a day. Whatever they want, we’ll do.
     If they’ve chartered the boat, it’s their boat. We’ll make them happy.

What kind of charter guests are your favorites?
Kids are always fun, but we’re diverse as a crew. We like everybody. We can change our whole demeanor from romance to family fun.

What awards have you won?
Our steward’s white chocolate espresso martini won a Caribbean drink contest, and we won the “best theme” award at the 2008 Boys & Girls Club rendezvous. Our theme was “Castaways.”

What else should CharterWave readers know about you and Kelly Sea?
I’m actually a chef. I went to the American Culinary Federation and did apprenticeships at four- and five-star restaurants. I used to cook on small boats. I’m great at filleting the fish we catch here onboard.

Kelly Sea is part of the fleet at International Yacht Collection. She takes eight guests with four crew at a lowest weekly base rate of $49,500, which includes use of the 32-foot fishing tender. Contact any reputable charter broker to learn more.