Oscar Siches has more than earned his citizenship of the oceans. After a short but illustrious career racing sailboats and many years as the skipper of charter yachts, he settled in Palma de Mallorca, where he designed, built and managed the kind of luxury marinas that attract the most prestigious of vessels.

These days he is in demand as the creator of exclusive waterside developments under the Yacht Club de Monaco brand name.

But Oscar's certainly no snob or social climber. He enjoys the simple pleasures: a boat, a beer and a good conversation.

Mike McDowall joined him for breakfast at his home.