INTERVIEW WITH A CHEF: Eternity & Chef Nick Walden

It’s not easy to decide between a beach vacation and a city getaway. Everyone wonders this at some point, and you may be wondering, “God, give me a sign; what should I do?” Well, this is the sign you have been looking for: welcome aboard M/Y Eternity, one of the most fashionable superyachts in the world and, an opportunity to take that holiday you’ve been dreaming of.

The 65-metre Eternity is a superyacht that immediately stands out from the crowd. The luxury charter yacht has striking grey highlights on the upper decks, whereas most others have either a white or brightly coloured hull. Upon boarding, passengers will find a large lounge area to the rear of the main deck, with glass sliding doors leading into the main saloon. Guests love the al fresco eating area, the formal dining room, and the flexible social space found the yacht’s top deck that’s ideal for entertaining by day or night.

M/Y Eternity

When it comes to dining, there is one guy on board who can make your holiday and time spent on the yacht just that bit more unique and unforgettable, and his name is Chef Nick Walden. Nick begins, “I’ve been in the business for two decades, splitting my time between land and sea. Half of it is slinging plates in restaurants; the other half is dominating the high seas with my culinary magic.”

When I get the chance to chat with a chef, one of my favourite topics of conversation is how they became interested in the culinary arts. This is because, ultimately, the people in a person’s life and their experiences as children shape who they become. “For me, it’s a mix of adrenaline-filled kitchen services, a fiery passion for cooking, playing with sharp knives, the sense of teamwork that comes hand in hand with cooking, the simple pleasure of making someone’s day with a dish, the ability to create something new every day, and well, let’s be honest, my love for food and the wanderlust inducing opportunity to explore new cuisines.” Said Nick.

But we know that as a chef, you don’t just decide one day that you want to be a chef on a superyacht, Nick continues, “My big brother was a certified diving guru on a massive sailboat, and he sold me on the idea that it would pave the way to buying my dream restaurant.” And naturally, there are big differences between cooking on a yacht and in a restaurant. “On board a yacht, not only do you get the opportunity to experiment with an array of exotic ingredients from far-flung corners of the globe, but you also have to tackle the unique hurdles that come with cooking on water. It’s a real test of your ingenuity to keep the dishes just as delicious and inspired as if you were safely ensconced on dry land.” Nick added.

With a master bedroom on the main deck, four guest doubles, and two twin cabins, each with additional Pullman bunks, Eternity can accommodate 12 guests, and preparing meals for that many can be a challenge. The master suite has a private balcony, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub for two. The yacht’s audiovisual system is state-of-the-art, and there is a gym with a Peloton cycle and other fitness equipment on the sun deck. The yacht’s interior is light and has a casual elegance thanks to the periodic swapping of stunning works of Bahamian art.

During a charter, Nick gets some interesting food requests from guests, “From foie gras for breakfast to whipping up 10 fried quail eggs, and even preparing food to feed the sea creatures… It’s like a culinary adventure on the high seas!” shared Nick. But when you are travelling from port to port and visiting different locations, it can make it easier to get inspiration for new dishes. Nick adds, “As a yacht chef, I am constantly inspired by the unique ingredients found in each destination we visit. From juicy tropical fruits in Hawaii to fiery chilli in Thailand and fresh halibut caught in the Arctic, the possibilities are endless. I thrive in an ever-changing culinary environment.”

“As a yacht chef, it’s not just about cooking on the high seas but also about sourcing fresh ingredients from local food markets. It’s all part of the job. Plus, the early morning market scene is a great way to see local producers, growers, butchers, and fishermen in action. It’s important to appreciate where our food comes from, and let’s be honest, which yacht chef wouldn’t appreciate a good food adventure on land every once in a while?” The planning of each dish and how Nick will make the overall dining experience memorable is also a key part. “Personally, I go through a few stages. First, I look for inspiration, whether it’s an ingredient, a fancy restaurant, or even just a cool location. Then, I let my imagination run wild with my own interpretation and creativity. And let’s not forget the thrill of sourcing fresh, local ingredients and presenting them all on the plate. It’s like adrenaline-fueled performance art.” Said Nick.

And having said that, I had to ask him if he had a signature dish. “I’ve got a few delicacies that crew members are crazy for. They say I’m “world famous” for my sticky BBQ ribs and nutty granola, and I can cook a mean BBQ. I can’t take all the credit. Top-notch chefs along my culinary journey have taught me these recipes.” Answered Nick.

I asked Nick, with his many years of experience as chef onboard a yacht what his thoughts were on the yachting industry and if he had a favourite destination, “I think it’s a fantastic way to mix and mingle with some seriously skilled individuals from all corners of the globe.” Nick continued, “My top picks for yachting destinations are Costa Rica, Alaska, Raja Ampat, and Hawaii. Trust me, the food alone is worth the trip!”

M/Y Eternity

Eternity’s charter guests may enjoy a wide variety of watersports equipment, including WaveRunners, SeaBobs, an electric hydrofoil board, and a Flyboard, as well as an on-water trampoline, an inflatable climbing wall, and a slide that launches you into the water at high speed. In addition to the two jet tenders that come equipped with the Eternity, a 53-foot pursuit boat and a 50-foot sportsfisher are also available for hire. So while guests are having fun, what about Nick? When he relaxes, what is his favourite drink? “Personally, I can’t resist the delicious bitterness of a Negroni. It’s the drink for those who appreciate the finer things in life—like classy cocktails and a strong buzz.”

With our conversation coming to an end, I asked Nick if he had any advice for those who are new to chartering: “As a yacht chef, I thrive off knowing every detail of a guest’s culinary desires; it’s what sets a luxury experience apart. Whether my guests have a meticulous preference or simply want to be surprised, I’m always up for the challenge.” He continued, “So, trust the chef! Give them some basic preferences and let them work their culinary magic. The more freedom you give them, the better the food will be. Sit back, relax, and let the chef do their thing. Bon appétit!”

M/Y Eternity is available to charter with Hill Robinson.

Discover More: M/Y Eternity & Hill Robinson