Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Dane Kolo I am the Captain aboard M.Y Robbie Bobby, a charter yacht which is based in Palma during the winter. I am originally from Ballina, Australia and used to be a commercial fisherman before my yachting career, which started around 12 years ago. Palma was the first place I came to when looking for a job on yachts and I have been living here on and off since my first arrival.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of it is being able to explore. From visiting new coves and caves around the islands in the tender to being able to go diving and discover old shipwrecks. Also finding new fishing spots out in the middle of the sea that only a handful of people have ever fished in.

Flying in a helicopter over some of the most remote islands in the south pacific, finding new surf spots. This career has given me the chance to travel around the world and see so many things, places, cultures and people that I will be forever grateful for.

Describe each of the Balearic Islands with one word:

Ibiza / Party
Mallorca / Experience
Menorca / Relax
Formentera / Pristine

What are your hobbies here in the islands?

Surfing, fishing, diving, spear fishing, jet skiing, camping, airsoft. I love exploring the island and looking for new surf spots or secret little beaches for relaxing days!

Spending days out driving around the island and then finding great little places away from the main towns for delicious food and a cold beer. Driving through the mountains in the wintertime is also one of my favourite things to do.

What’s your most memorable experience in the Balearics?

There are so many, I think the most memorable that comes to mind was back in April this year. I went fishing for tuna out in the bay of Palma early in the morning, after hours of not turning a reel all day long, late in the afternoon the water all around me started erupting with splashes everywhere.

I hooked onto a 200kg Bluefin around 8pm and ended up fighting with it until around 11.30pm, after getting it to the boat a few times and then I released it back into the water to swim away. I will never forget this experience!

Which is your favourite beach in the Balearics?

There are too many to choose from! You are extremely spoilt for choice in the Balearics, this is one of the reasons I keep coming back here! My best advice is look where the wind is coming from and then go to the opposite side of the island where it’s more sheltered. There will be an amazing beach wherever you end up!

What is your opinion about the future of the yachting industry in the Balearics?

I think it’s going in the right direction with regards to infrastructure and renovating and expanding ports. The shore side facilities for contractors are, in my opinion probably some of the best in the whole Mediterranean for parts, services and support.

I think the islands need to address the issue of the Posidonia and anchorage areas. I’m all for saving the Posidonia and preserving the inshore ecosystem. I think that the government needs to put in sufficient anchor buoys and moorings for larger vessels to accommodate yachts in the future around the Posidonia areas.

France seems to have had a big hit to the number of yachts this year due to the new rules in place. Hopefully the islands can keep an eye on the situation on the south of France and implement something to avoid ending up in the same situation.

What advantages do you think the yachting industry has in the Balearic Islands, compared to other places?

One of the most important aspects is how close everything is ashore. Between the centre of Palma to Port Adriano, within 30 mins you have nearly everything you could ever want. It’s a great place for crew with lots of different activities, sports and restaurants to keep them entertained.

What’s your proudest moment as a captain?

Getting great reviews from charter guests.

If you had to recommend the islands to another captain what would you say?

It has everything you could want and more!

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