Q&A: Nat Lemieux, Shamrock V

Nat Lemieux started his sailing career on traditional schooners along the coast of his native Maine, and has since raced many of the classic yachts on the Med regatta circuit.  

Yachts have had a profound influence on his life, not only meeting his wife onboard the tall ship Soren Larsen in the Pacific, but also offering 'all the adventure and amazing people I could have ever imagined.'  

OnboardOnline caught up with Nat onboard the classic yacht Altair at the recent Voiles d'Antibes.  

OnboardOnline: How did you get into the yachting industry?

Nat Lemieux:  A terrible break up with a lady.                                

Is it how you expected it to be?

Sort of!

What do you love most about your job?

Free toothpaste. 

What is the single biggest issue affecting yachting at the moment?

Motoryachts burn way too much fuel!

What keeps you awake at night?

Women.

What would you change if you could?

All the rubbish produced.

What could you not do without?

Cups of tea.  

If you weren’t working on boats, what would you be doing?

Building bespoke furniture 

What is your favourite yacht?

Shamrock V.

Where is the most beautiful bay in the world?

Wouldn’t you like to know. 

What was your greatest experience on a boat?

Meeting my wife. 

What was your worst experience on a boat?

Meeting my wife. 

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen or heard on a yacht?

Too many to say!

Generally speaking, which nationalities tend to be the best bosses?

American.

The best charter guests? 

Brazilian.

Who do you most admire in the world of yachting?

Captain Jim Thom. 

What does the future for yachting look like?

Grim, way too much paperwork. 

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?

Growing a mullet for charity.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Running, surfing, cycling, reading, exploring, music, working with wood, building stuff

Which three objects would you take to your desert island?

A mirror, a machete and PG tips.

What is your motto?

‘The only thing you can make in a hurry is a mistake’.

What is your favorite book or film about the sea?

Moby Dick.

What will you be doing in five years?

Enjoying retirement!