Nov 2024
Where did you grow up and what were your early ambitions? 
I was born and grew up in Dominica in the Caribbean. The local jobs were in construction and all my friends worked in construction, and that’s where I started out.
What did you study at college, and did it prove useful for your future career?
I studied science. My background in construction and maintenance has been useful at IGY, especially with practical jobs such as cutting and replacing wood in the docks.
When did you discover your love of the water?
When I joined IGY Marinas!
How long have you been with IGY?
I’ve worked here for 13 years, and I love what I do. Working at Yacht Haven Grande for IGY is the best job.
How did you become Dock Master at Yacht Haven Grande?
I started in maintenance and worked my way up the ladder. My boss at the time said new roles were available and I applied myself. I had limited experience, but I was diligent and worked hard. I was new to tying boats, fueling, gas, visas or and things like that. It was a very busy period, and we had enormous several hundred meter vessels and the marina was completely full. It was a huge learning curve, but I loved it. I became Dock Supervisor and then, in 2017, I was promoted to Dock Master.
What does your current position involve day to day – what are your greatest challenges and what do you most enjoy?
As Dock Master, my job involves guiding megayachts into the marina, tying up boats, fueling, oil changes, waste disposal, customs duties and dealing with customer requests. The biggest challenge was learning how to drive a golf cart along the dock. It’s easy on a golf course, but you have less room to maneuver in a marina! I strive to lead by example. No job is too small or too big.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Yacht Haven Grande and what types of visitors come here?
We are like a family. We have a strong team with great work ethic, from hospitality and greeting customers through to day-to-day maintenance. Our visitors tend to be captains and crew stopping for supplies or to fuel. Our customers often need a lot of support and sometimes there is a lot of pressure, and that’s when we really come together as a team. We work very closely together and have each other’s back to deliver for our customers.
What types of vessels come to Yacht Haven Grande and what’s the busiest time of year?
Because of our location and full-service facility, we welcome many of the world’s largest superyachts and megayachts. The marina is open 24/7 throughout the year. The busiest time is from November to May when I can get calls at 6am or 6.30am and often don’t finish until 6, 7 or 8pm, depending on customer needs. Even out of season Yacht Haven Grande can be busy.
On a personal level, what are you most proud of?
I’m very proud of my job. It’s like my second wife!
What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
Spending time with my beautiful wife and family.
If you had access to any yacht in the world for two weeks, where would you go and what would you do?
I would ask my wife!
[Earl was initially stumped by this question. He’s so devoted to life at Yacht Haven Grande, he can’t imagine going anywhere else at the moment. Even when he’s on holiday he stays local. His colleague, General Manager Charlie Irons says he has to remind Earl not to look at his phone while he’s on leave!]
What’s a lesser-known fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?
I have two sons who may follow me into marine life. The eldest is a diesel mechanic in Florida and the youngest, aged 13, says I am his role model, and he wants to follow in my footsteps.
