Always Moving: The Story of M/Y Moonshot
M/Y Moonshot was never designed to be the kind of yacht that simply sits in the same marina all summer. The 39.1-meter Tansu yacht is built around movement: chasing weather windows, exploring further offshore, and finding anchorages most boats pass straight by.
Onboard, days revolve around being out on the water. Think wing foiling sessions at sunrise, beach club lunches reached by tender, and long afternoons moving between swim spots before the anchor drops again somewhere new for the evening.
At the center of all of it is the yacht’s Wajer 55 S, Aether. More than just a guest shuttle, the tender is a major part of life around Moonshot. One moment she’s running guests ashore in Saint-Tropez, the next she’s towing watersports, scouting anchorages ahead of the mothership, or disappearing off for an adventurous day trip.
But one of the things that makes Moonshot work so well is Captain Thomas Milton. Having spent years cruising everywhere from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica before joining the program, Milton brings a calm confidence to life onboard that’s completely aligned with the yacht itself: adventurous, capable, and always ready to head somewhere slightly further off the beaten track.
We caught up with him to talk about adventurous cruising, Mediterranean summers spent chasing the wind, and why the Wajer 55 S has become such an essential part of the experience for both guests and crew.
Life onboard M/Y Moonshot
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to becoming captain of M/Y Moonshot.
"Following a seven-and-a-half-year journey onboard my previous vessel, visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, it was time to move on.
After a friend put me forward for the captain's position, I interviewed and was offered the role on M/Y Moonshot. I had a great feeling from the owner and his vision for the program.
I was excited to join the vessel because it represented a fresh and exciting new program, an opportunity to build something great from the ground up. Moonshot is owned by a wonderful family who are passionate about yachting and exploration, and together we’ve built a strong team with a shared vision for adventure and exceptional experiences onboard."
What does a typical summer day onboard Moonshot look like for a guest, from the first coffee to the final tender ride back in the evening?
"The first coffee on board is always the best of the day, usually enjoyed on the bridge deck while planning the day ahead. Moonshot is constantly chasing the wind, searching for epic anchorages and the perfect water sports locations.
The family is very active and enjoys off-the-beaten-track cruising, so no two days are ever the same. Days onboard move quickly, and we keep things exciting with a crew who are genuinely passionate about the boat, the program, and creating memorable experiences for everyone onboard."
How important are tender operations onboard Moonshot?
"Tender operations are a major part of the program. When the family is being taken ashore, they need to feel safe, comfortable, and well looked after. Aether does exactly that and more.
We also use Aether as a support vessel for watersports operations, including wakesurfing and wing foiling, adding another exciting dimension to the onboard experience. It certainly helps that she throws an epic wake.
She is incredibly spacious, which keeps guests comfortable and dry even during bumpier rides. The layout also allows us to operate with two dedicated crew members living onboard, helping us seamlessly deliver the same level of care and attention off Moonshot as we do onboard Aether."
What makes a really good tender during a busy Mediterranean season?
"A great tender should feel like an extension of the mothership. During a busy Mediterranean season, versatility is everything. One moment, Aether is handling guest transfers; the next, she’s supporting watersports operations; and then she's shooting ahead of Moonshot to scout anchorages.
Although Aether is 55ft, she is also extremely maneuverable, which means we can take her pretty much anywhere and quickly transfer guests, crew, or provisions with ease, making everyone’s lives that little bit easier."
"Most importantly, a tender needs to be dependable. Plans, weather, and guest requirements change quickly in yachting, so having a vessel that is comfortable, capable, and adaptable makes all the difference."
Thomas Milton
You have a Wajer 55 S onboard. What is it about the model that works so well for both guests and crew?
"The Wajer 55 S offers a huge amount of space, combined with a stylish design and an incredible presence both underway and in port. It handles exceptionally well in all conditions, which makes it equally enjoyable for guests and practical for crew operations.
We use Aether to assist with washing the hull on Moonshot and for other maintenance jobs. It’s a great tool to have.
The family also enjoys taking the Wajer out independently for day trips and exploring further afield, while still having all the comfort and amenities you would expect from a yacht."
Are there destinations or moments when having the Wajer onboard changes how guests experience the day?
"Absolutely. Having the Wajer onboard allows the family to explore further and access tighter, more secluded spots that the main vessel cannot always reach.
I’ll often send the Wajer ahead to scout potential anchorages for Moonshot, using her as a true extension of the yacht. It adds a sense of freedom and adventure to the experience and opens up far more possibilities throughout the day."
Which destinations in the Med still never lose their appeal when arriving from the water?
"That’s always a difficult question because every destination carries its own memories. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to more remote locations and places a little further off the beaten track.
That said, arriving in the South of France from the water is always pretty special. It’s where my yachting journey first began, and I’ve spent a huge amount of time there throughout my career.
Anyone who knows me knows I appreciate a good beach club, and dropping guests off at Île Sainte-Marguerite for lunch at La Guérite last summer was definitely a memorable moment. It’s a beautiful island just off Cannes, only accessible by boat.
After doing that same trip for many years, and after dropping the guests off for lunch, I had a bit of a full-circle moment, feeling grateful to be working for such an incredible family alongside such a solid team."
What do you think people often underestimate about life onboard a yacht like Moonshot?
"What I’ve realized throughout my time in yachting is that it’s the people who really make the difference. The Wajer team has always been incredibly supportive, and it’s always a pleasure working with such a professional and well-run brand.
The same goes for Moonshot; it’s the people who make the program what it is. We’re very lucky to work for a family that is genuinely kind and who want the crew to enjoy the experiences alongside them, which I think is quite rare in this industry.
When you combine that with an adventurous program, a solid crew, and the right support around you, life onboard becomes incredibly rewarding."