James Patterson - Owner of Rib Club Global

James Patterson, owner of Rib Club Global, knows all too well how much work goes in to owning a boat, but also how much joy they can bring. He tells us what is so special about his job and about living and working on the beautiful island of Mallorca.

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in your profession / in general?

Unspoilt coastline, crystal clear waters and beautiful scenery sum up Mallorca in my opinion. There is no better way to experience this than on the sea with your friends and family. Pure escapism in my book. What I personally love about Mallorca is its diversity. Members of Rib Club Global can take advantage of all ribs in all locations we have around Mallorca right from the far north of Pollensa to the beautiful south of Andratx.

What are the best bits about your job?

My friends thinking I am on a constant holiday always makes me chuckle… but more importantly being able to contribute to making sure families have the perfect holiday. I have been thanked by many members of Rib Club over the years for giving their families really exciting opportunities to spend time as families; many saying it keeps the older children still wanting to go away with the folks for many more years than anticipated. Our membership packages are offered as family packages. Tell me which young adult wouldn't want to be going to the same holiday destination as their parents thanks to the use of a boat! The young kids like my two children Rocco (8) and Lukie (5) as you can imagine love being out on the water and we take every opportunity we can to be out there as a family.

And the worst bits?

Just the travelling I suppose. Our head office is in the UK so I must visit Gatwick airport 60 times a year at least. I even know the security workers there!

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

I have some pretty aggressive expansion plans over the next 5 years throughout Europe and beyond. We are opening in Tenerife from November which opens doors for the whole of the Canary Islands. My most exciting enquiries regarding franchises have come from Australia and Barbados. As a member of Rib Club you are awarded points, and those points can be used in any location around the world at no extra cost.

Where is your favourite place for lunch or dinner, if you're just looking for a quick bite to eat?

Canta Napoli in Santa Catalina springs to mind. All pizza and pasta are around €5 and taste amazing. The restaurant is always busy and the staff make you feel you have been going there for years even on your first visit.

Where will we find the best coffee, paella or empanades?

I’m a tea boy so can't comment on the coffee, but paella for me is at Restauratante Pesquero on the Paseo Maritimo here in Palma. Personally I like the caldereta...you should give it a try.

What has been your best ever day in Mallorca?

Rocco standing up on waterskis for the first time when he was 7 years old. Proudest dad in the world!

Do you remember your first trip to the Island?

A stag-do to Magaluf. What goes on tour stays on tour!

What do you do when you're not working?

If I am not working I am pretty much with my fiancée and my children. We have a fab time together. The four of us went to Orlando at the beginning of the summer and it was safe to say that I enjoyed Mickey Mouse as much as the boys.

Yachts or speedboats? What's your preference & why?

Speedboats otherwise I would be in the yacht business. The only advantage with sailing is you can actually hold a glass of rose while going along without spilling it. Only as a passenger of course!

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort?

I’m biased and would naturally say experience the island by sea, but would also suggest a trip up to Deia. It’s so beautiful

Where is your favourite beach?

Personally I don’t like sand but there’s nothing like being anchored off some of the beaches near Andratx. The scenery is amazing.

What's your tip to escape the crowds in the summer?

Simple – become a member of Rib Club and experience many of the secluded beaches and calas only accessible by sea. If not, simply like our facebook page, get your friends to do the same, and you could be the winner of a complimentary day out to one of these secret locations with your friends and family!