Every month, superyacht owners reveal where they are in the world and share their future plans. This month, BOAT speaks to the owner of the 31.4-metre Brooke Marine yacht Eros about cruising in New England, finding a captain who understands an older classic and his favourite dish to tuck into on board.
Cameron Riddell, owner of Eros
Length: 31.4m
Year: 1939
Location: Maine
I see you’re up in Camden. What’s the cruising like in Maine?
Maine offers some of the most gorgeous summer cruising anywhere. You definitely don’t swim much up there, but you do enjoy incredible natural scenery, small towns full of Maine character and lobster pots as far as the eye can see. The wind generally comes up in the afternoon so you can get in some sporty sailing, then anchor on an unlimited number of glassy bays without a boat or house in sight.
Do you have a favourite corner of New England?
My family and I really enjoy Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. They can both be a bit touristy, but arriving by boat is so much better than flying in or taking the ferry, and driving on the roads can be slow going. Almost any waterfront town in New England is so charming, and the locals are so welcoming. It’s truly magical.
How is Eros running this season?
Eros has been very busy with charters. My family spent the 4th of July week on board in Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, enjoying the fireworks show off a barge about 1,000ft off our stern. One of the best views ever.
She’s a true classic. How much upkeep does she need?
Eros demands a lot of TLC from our crew and the occasional shoreside mechanic. We have a lot of varnished teak on deck, including masts, hatches, deckhouse, cap rails and it’s a never-ending job. But it’s worth it when guests step aboard and are amazed by the brightwork. Of course we see flaws they never will, but overall she looks pretty good for a boat that is constantly on the move.
Do you have to find crew with specialist knowledge?
As an American-flagged vessel we can only hire US crew. The biggest challenge is finding a captain who loves and understands an older classic, loves to sail and has the right licenses. Most of our crew come from the New England area because there are so many old schooners plying the waters up there, especially dayboats that take 20-30 people out for a two- or three-hour sail.
Have you had many great sailing days this season?
We were sailing from Martha’s Vineyard to Nantucket in July and the wind picked up to about 25 knots off our port quarter. We were making 12 knots without our jib, which is as fast as we’ve ever had her going, including racing in Antigua with our large jib and fisherman up. It was thrilling but definitely near the yacht’s limit. It was a relief to get the sails down that day I can assure you.
What’s your favourite thing your chef makes?
Our chef makes the most delicious Key lime pie. It’s not as sweet as most; it simply cannot be topped.
First published in the October 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.