Superyacht Captain Olly Lewis on Charter Pressure, Crew & Command | On The Bridge

What does it really take to lead a superyacht when the pressure is high, the decisions are yours, and everyone onboard is looking to the bridge?

In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd, speaks with Superyacht Captain Olly Lewis about the realities of command, charter leadership, crew morale, safety, rotation, recruitment, and life at sea.

Olly’s route into yachting was far from ordinary. After training as a ship’s joiner at Pendennis in Falmouth, he helped build the yacht that would later become his first deckhand role, giving him a rare understanding of the vessel from the keel up before his career at sea had even properly begun.

From there, he worked his way through the ranks with focus and discipline, using his leave to train, progress, and keep climbing. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship, particularly the role Captain Bill White played in giving him an opportunity and helping shape the captain he would become.

The conversation explores what makes a strong charter captain, from preparation and guest communication before anyone steps onboard, to building trust with clients, supporting heads of department, and making sure the team behind the operation is properly recognised.

Olly also speaks openly about the harder side of the job, including being away from home, raising a family while working on rotation, and the loneliness that can come with command. For all the privilege and excitement of the role, he makes clear that being captain still comes with pressure, sacrifice, and responsibility.

One of the most gripping parts of the episode is Olly’s account of a Gulf of Aden security incident, where an approaching skiff, armed security, a secured vessel, and a fast-moving situation left him standing alone on the bridge, making decisions under real pressure.

Alicia and Olly also discuss crew morale during intense charter seasons, why captains need to stay grounded, what he looks for when recruiting crew, how additional skills can help people stand out, and why safety must remain the final line when guest requests push against operational limits.

This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, preparation, calm under pressure, and the human reality behind the title of captain.

Guest:
Captain Olly Lewis
Superyacht Captain

Host:
Alicia Store
Chief Operating Officer, dsnm Ltd

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On The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International Radio

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