ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

Put a
Price on it
David Price talks to Frances and Michael Howorth
about the exciting technical challenges on board the
innovative Black Pearl as the ETO
What made you join the superyacht industry?
I moved to London in 2010 after university and was
working in IT. I discovered London was far too cold
for an Aussi boy, so I went to the South of France
seeking a job. I had no idea at the time that being
an ETO could be a career. It took four weeks of dock
walking from Cannes to Monaco before a yacht took
a chance on a green ETO.
What was your first superyacht and when did you
join her?
Motor yacht Anna the 67 metre, not the latest and
larger one. I stayed there four years. We had a very
good crew on board, they are all good friends still.
What do you most like about your current job?
The working day is always varied from one task to
the next, it is rare if I am sitting down at the laptop.
The yacht has many systems on board that you do not
get on your standard motor yachts, which is a good
technical challenge. The Sailing System is a great
piece of engineering and her ability to regenerate
electricity as she sails along is phenomenal. It is a
marvel when she sails! It is great to be part of
the team.
And least like?
There is not much to dislike here except perhaps the
height of the engine room. It’s not easy for a tall guy
like me to move around in easily.
What is your favourite restaurant or bar in the
Mediterranean and why is it special?
In Porto Montenegro there is a bar called Big Ben
on the beach which is a great place for sundowners.
Ponta Veranda is a great family run place for a steak
and beer.
If you could recommend a Mediterranean service to
a colleague, what would it be?
Locally here in Porto Montenegro, Cristo does great
things with stainless steel. But one thing I would
always be happy to recommend to others is the
marina here at Porto Montenegro. From a crew
point of view, it has a lot of activities to keep crew
entertained after work and if you have time off, the
surrounding area has some great hiking and vistas.
The ski resort is about only 3 hours or so away from
here and that is just one of the many things to do
here. Montenegro is a great country to visit while
you work.
If you had a magic wand what would you change
in job?
It would be nice to see more diversity in the industry.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of
working as crew on a yacht?
Learn! Get qualifications as early on in your career as
you can. I sometimes feel I left things a little too late.
What makes you stand out as a crew person?
I enjoy helping people with their problems and fixing
things. I suppose that is my job! I enjoy it. To always
be willing to help others.
QUICK FIRE
Are you a morning or night-time person?
Night
What was the last film you saw in a cinema?
Top Gun Maverick
If you could live anywhere in the world,
where would it be?
Perth
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Fruit salad and left over chicken nuggets
What is your favourite style of cuisine?
Italian
What foods do you dislike most?
Shellfish like mussels and oysters
What would your last supper be?
Lasagne and cheesecake
Name three of your dream dinner
party guests?
Elon Musk, Thor the God of Thunder, and
Queen Elizabeth II
Where in the world would you visit if you had
the chance?
Outback China and Antarctica
What is your nickname?
Fatty
38 | AUTUMN 2023 | ONBOARD