Captain Graham Paull of M/Y Teleost shares his insights on captaining a charter yacht through the magical waters of the South Pacific.
Having charted a course through many remote corners of the world, from Patagonia to Norway, onto the islands of the South Pacific, Captain Graham Paull, M/Y Teleost, shares his insights on captaining a charter yacht through the magical waters of the South Pacific.
What first drew you to bringing a superyacht to the South Pacific, and how many seasons or trips have you now done there?
M/Y Teleost has spent many seasons exploring the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, but has not visited the Pacific for over 20 years.
In summer 2024 we were in Norway and when discussing new horizons to explore, the South Pacific was an obvious choice.
At the end of the Norwegian summer, a long passage south brought us to Patagonia where we cruised from December until March. We then entered the Pacific and Teleost arrived in French Polynesia in May 2025.
How does cruising the South Pacific compare to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or other regions you’ve worked?
The South Pacific offers both challenges and rewards that you will not find in the more established cruising areas elsewhere in the world. The distances involved require careful logistical planning, but the stunning variety of destinations, the range of unique sea life and the friendly and welcoming communities across the Pacific should have it at the top of every bucket list.
Which countries or island groups did the itinerary cover, and how did you sequence them?
M/Y Teleost was based in French Polynesia from May to September 2025 and we explored the wide range of cruising there, from the remote Tuamotus to the resorts of Bora Bora.
In September we cruised west to Tonga and spectacular encounters with humpback whales and their calves, then continued south to New Zealand. We experienced the full range of New Zealand cruising: a circumnavigation of the South Island and the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Stewart Island and Fiordland.
In April 2026 Teleost cruised north to Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, in 2027 we are looking forward to visiting Australia starting with the Kimberley region.
What surprised you most about the region once you actually got there?
Although the region is famed for its hospitable and welcoming nature, to experience this first-hand across such a variety of cultures is humbling.
On a more practical note, the reliability of satellite internet coverage across the Pacific has consistently surprised us. From southern Patagonia to the Solomon Islands, we have had fast and reliable connectivity which offers an obvious value to our guests as well as practical benefits such as access to weather data.
How would you describe the anchorages and cruising grounds: untouched, remote, technically challenging, safe?
All of the above! Often the most beautiful and untouched areas have the least reliable navigation information, but we worked with local guides and agents who were invaluable, and received and shared information with other yachts of all sizes.
What’s the diving, fishing, or watersports experience like compared to more established yachting destinations?
Scuba diving is a primary focus for M/Y Teleost, and the South Pacific has not disappointed. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Consideration must be given to the remote nature of the area, Teleost carries a hyperbaric chamber for example, but for anyone who wishes to experience the best scuba diving, fishing or surfing, this part of the world is very hard to beat.
For anyone who wishes to experience the best scuba diving, fishing or surfing, this part of the world is very hard to beat.
Captain Graham Paull, M/Y Teleost
How receptive were local communities to a superyacht arriving, and what was guest interaction with island culture like?
The welcome from the local communities across the Pacific has been incredible.
Any standout moments that captured why this trip was special?
So many to choose from! Swimming with humpbacks in Tonga, diving with sharks and spawning grouper in the Tuamotus, meeting local villagers in the outer Solomon Islands, sunsets over Mo’ore, the sun shining through the waterfalls of Fiordland after a night of heavy rain.
What would you say to an owner or captain who’s hesitant because of the distance or perceived logistics?
Planning and preparation can mitigate the logistics of cruising these waters.
Who is the South Pacific best suited to: first-time charterers, seasoned owners, families, dive enthusiasts?
There is truly something for everyone. Families and first-time charterers may enjoy the relatively easy access to the Society Islands of French Polynesia which offer a wide range of activities both afloat and ashore. Dive enthusiasts will have the trip of a lifetime across the Pacific from the sharks of the Tuamotu Archipelago to the wrecks of the Solomon Islands, and experienced owners can visit remote & unique areas only accessible by private yacht.
What’s your single best piece of advice for a captain considering the South Pacific for the first time?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the yachting community for advice and navigation information.
Any final thoughts on why owners should be looking at this region right now?
With ports and anchorages in the Mediterranean and Caribbean getting more crowded every year, there has never been a better time to explore the Pacific.
Chartering M/Y Teleost
The 49.1m/161’1" ‘Teleost’ motor yacht built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship is available for charter for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. This yacht features interior styling by John Munford.
Currently based in the magical water of the South Pacific, M/Y Teleost is ready for your next luxury charter. With its luxurious interiors, vast array of onboard facilities and a highly-trained and professional crew, a luxury charter onboard promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
For more information on chartering M/Y Teleost please visit: https://thesuperyachtpeople.com/yachts/teleost-2/
Featured in Superyacht Australia Magazine Issue 14. Explore the full digital edition for more destination guides, industry news and interviews from across the Asia Pacific superyacht sector: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/197365019/
