INTERVIEW
ABOVE GB Ferries’ newest vessel GB Dream, capable of carrying 50 passengers, launched in November 2014. LEFT The first vessel, GB Express, was salvaged from boat builder Rebel Marine’s boatyard.
morning I went to Rebel Marine and told David Carty that I’d needed a boat right now for a business I had started. He told me it would take me 5 months to get one built. He then showed me an old fishing boat that was for sale. I negotiated with the owner, and he gave me a good price for it. We bought and refurbished it, and in a month it became GB Express. I saw favor in that whole process, so that’s why I named it God’s Blessing… GB.
at sea level THOUGH LYLE CONNOR HAD HIGH ALTITUDE PLANS, HE'S FOUND HIS HOME RIGHT ON THE WATER. as told to Orrett H. Wynter HOW’D YOU START?
Originally, I wanted to be a pilot, and I used to fly with a friend of mine pulling cargo from St. Martin. I even started studying to get a private pilot’s license, but the thought of flying gave my mom nightmares. Also, the need arose when my father, who had a ferry going to the French side, needed my help. But, I’d always had a passion for the sea. I was always on the sea when school was out. But I started taking it serious where I started to pursue being qualified in the field. I then applied for and got my captain license. I’ve been trained in sea survival training, first aid, firefighting, and I'm also a qualified ship security officer and company security officer. I got involved in the charter service and running smaller boats, after leaving my father’s boat. I saw that it was possible to do things a bit different, that was focused on comfort and giving people the value for their money.
“IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO BE PART OF SOMEONE HAVING A GOOD EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY VISIT.”—Lyle Connor
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
GB is about service. Our top 3 priorities are safety, comfort, and time. I think it’s a privilege to be part of someone having a good experience when they visit. YOU LAUNCHED A NEW VESSEL RECENTLY. HOW HAS THAT BEEN?
It’s is a great vessel and we've been getting great comments. The ride is a little bit longer, but more comfortable and there's also a reason we take the routes we do. Depending on the sea conditions, or the direction of the winds, we’ll adjust the route, as well as how we have people sit on the boat to help with a technique called trimming. We do that to make for a smoother ride, and keep the bumps to a minimum. Every little thing, even the thickness of the cushions, makes a difference. These are things that I've learned over the years. GOALS FOR GB?
I want to get to a point where we can provide a steady service without hiccups. I want to perfect travel from the airport. I want to get at least 2 more vessels to be able to do better time management between trips. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT ON THE SEA?
[Laughs] My life is centered around the sea. You can bet that if I’m not on the boat, I’m doing something for the boat, usually service or maintenance. I do all my servicing for myself when time permits it. In the summer, we’ll take the boats out of the water for a month or so and that’s when we’ll do major repairs. After 6 to 8 months stuff happens, there’s always wear and tear. SO, IS GB AIRWAYS GOING TO HAPPEN?
WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH?
GB came out of trial. It started as Anguilla Ferry Charter Services in the latter part of 2009. I had leased a boat for that service, but that didn’t work out. My wife and I prayed about it and one 28
www.designanguilla.com
Who knows! I still have the ambition to fly, although I’m afraid of heights [laughs]. I have all the books, but just never completed the classes to get my license. I probably wouldn’t be the one operating the planes.