Navigating Fatherhood and Life as a Captain with VALINOR’s Fabio Marchesi

Captain Fabio Marchesi is no stranger to high-pressure navigation, be it charting courses through remote corners of the globe or managing the day-to-day operations of a world-class charter yacht. But in the past year, he’s taken on a new challenge: fatherhood. As the captain of M/Y VALINOR, Marchesi is learning to strike a rare balance between life on board and life back home, proving that you don’t have to choose between a career at sea and a grounded, connected family life.

Marchesi has been with VALINOR for four years, leading the yacht through extensive travels. He recently welcomed his first child and is learning to merge the two worlds. “I just became a father last year, so I’m still figuring out how to make family life and a career at sea coexist,” he says. “I’ve been incredibly lucky. Our current owner is a huge family man and really understands how important it is to show up for your loved ones.” That kind of support, Marchesi notes, is rare and invaluable.

His love for the ocean started early. From scuba diving and fishing as a child to becoming a PADI dive instructor, Marchesi was always drawn to life at sea. That path led him into yachting, where he started as a deckhand and worked his way up. “I put in the hard grind and longevity to get where I am today,” he recalls.

When asked if it’s difficult to find a program that accommodates both career and family, Marchesi doesn’t hesitate: “It’s still a work in progress. But having an owner who prioritizes family really helps. He gets it.”

Back home in South Africa, Marchesi says that the skills honed on board VALINOR serve him well. “Funny enough, a lot of the structure and organization that keeps things running smoothly onboard has filtered into my home life too,” he explains. “Being organized is key to making the most of time at home.”

Juggling the emotional complexities of yachting life is no easy feat, especially for couples. Marchesi credits open and honest communication for making it work with his partner. “Clear, concise communication,” he says. “We really respect each other and understand the emotional and mental ups and downs that come with this life.” Connection is everything when you’re away from home. “FaceTime and video calls, whenever the schedule allows. It’s not perfect, but those moments mean everything.”

When he’s home, it’s all about simple pleasures. Braais (South African BBQs), long walks, and quality time with his wife and little one. “That’s when I feel truly grounded,” he shares.

Becoming a father has even changed his leadership style. “It’s made me more sympathetic to crew,” Marchesi admits. “It’s changed the way I see and support my team.”
There are plenty of misconceptions about life as a yacht captain. “People often think it’s all smooth sailing,” he says. “But the responsibility is massive. From managing crew to monitoring weather, to handling regulations and accounts, it’s like a duck gliding on a pond: calm on the surface, but paddling like crazy underneath.”

To stay grounded during long stretches at sea, Marchesi sticks to a few simple rituals: “Video calls with my family, regular exercise, and playing golf. Keeping my mind active helps keep me balanced.”

His advice for aspiring yacht captains, and dads, is a valuable reminder. “Life is about balance,” he says. “Find a way for your professional and personal worlds to work together—don’t let one dominate. If you put in the effort, it’ll pay off.”

From all of us at Northrop & Johnson, Happy Father’s Day .