GENERAL MANAGER , CAVALLO POINT LODGE , SAUSALITO , CALIFORNIA

Euan Taylor on the deck of the French Energy Team boat

Not many hotel GMs have sailed in America ’ s Cup races , but Euan Taylor met Bruno Peyron , one of the brothers heading the French Energy Team in the America ’ s Cup World Series , when the team stayed at Taylor ’ s hotel . Impressed , the team asked Taylor to be the sixth man on the boat last fall for two of the World Series races in San Francisco Bay . Here , Taylor discusses his experience sailing and much more .

How long have you been GM at Cavallo Point Lodge ? One year .

What did you do prior to your current position ? I started out with Four Seasons London and transferred to Four Seasons Chicago . I have been based in Sausalito for the last six years .

What were you thinking when you were in the boat ? “ Hold on !” I was very concerned about being a successful member of the team and not falling off the back of the boat .

Do you see more boating in your future ? Yes , I race locally with the Sausalito Yacht Club on Tuesday and Friday nights .

Why did you enter the hotel industry ?

I really enjoy hospitality and have a natural feel for providing great service .

What is your best hotel memory or experience ? My favorite hotel memory is hearing the bagpiper playing at sunset at Turnberry Resort & Spa in Scotland .

What is your most embarrassing professional moment ? Checking Woody Allen into a suite that was still being made up after the previous guest .

If you weren ’ t a hotelier , what would you be ? I would be a veterinarian . I am a border collie enthusiast , with two wonderful dogs , Moss and Tallie .

Who taught you your biggest lesson , and what was it ? Ivan Goh , previously a senior vice president with Four Seasons

Hotels and Resorts and now senior vice president , operations , at MGM Hospitality , told me , “ Always leave the door open .”

Your hotel pet peeve ? Lack of follow-through

What do you wish you had more time for ? I wish I had more time for downhill skiing .

If you could have anyone — including historical figures — stay at your hotel , who would it be ? Mahatma Gandhi

What is your favorite travel item ? My iPhone

What music is on your iPhone now ? Right now I enjoy the music of Pat Metheny , an American jazz musician .