Okay, so, I’ve been wanting to share my experience about this “yachtie life” thing for a while now. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, let me tell you. But, it’s definitely an adventure, and I’ve got some stories to tell.
It all started when I was feeling kinda stuck in my regular 9-to-5. I craved something different, something exciting. That’s when I stumbled upon this whole world of working on yachts. Sounded glamorous, right? Traveling the world, living on the water, meeting all sorts of interesting people. I took the plunge and decided to give it a shot.
First thing I did was get the necessary certifications. You know, safety training, basic seamanship, stuff like that. It was a bit of an investment, both time and money, but I figured it was essential if I wanted to be taken seriously. It’s a bit of a process, had to study and pass tests, nothing too difficult.
Then came the job hunt. I started reaching out to crew agencies, sending out my resume, all that jazz. I also spent hours scouring online job boards, trying to find the right fit. It took some time, and there were definitely moments of doubt, but I kept at it. I did everything, you know? Make phone calls, send emails, whatever it takes.
Finally, I landed my first gig. A seasonal position on a decent-sized motor yacht. I was over the moon! Packed my bags, said my goodbyes, and off I went. The first few weeks were a whirlwind. Learning the ropes, getting to know the crew, finding my place in the whole hierarchy. It was a lot to take in, but I was eager to learn and prove myself.
The work itself? It’s tough. Long hours, physical labor, and you’re basically on call 24/7. We’re talking cleaning, polishing, serving guests, whatever needs to be done. Some days I was so exhausted, I just wanted to collapse. Oh, and let’s not forget the occasional bout of seasickness. That’s always fun. Not really.
- Cleaning: This is a huge part of the job. We’re talking scrubbing decks, polishing silverware, keeping everything spotless.
- Maintenance: There’s always something that needs fixing or maintaining on a yacht. It could be anything from sanding and varnishing to basic engine checks.
- Guest Service: This is where the “glamour” part comes in, I guess. Serving drinks, preparing meals, making sure the guests are happy.
But, you know what? It wasn’t all bad. I got to see some amazing places. We cruised through the Mediterranean, stopping at picturesque coastal towns and hidden coves. The scenery was breathtaking, and I got to experience things I never would have otherwise. Sometimes, I need to work very late. But, I like it.
The people I met were another highlight. Both the crew and the guests. Sure, there were some difficult personalities, but I also made some lifelong friends. We bonded over shared experiences, long working hours, and the general craziness of yacht life. We did everything we could to help each other, just like the old saying goes, we are in the same boat.
After a couple of seasons, I decided to take a break from the yachting world. It was an incredible experience, but it’s also a very demanding lifestyle. I needed some time to recharge and figure out my next move. I was planning to move to another place and start a new life.
Is it for everyone?
Absolutely not. But, if you’re looking for adventure, don’t mind hard work, and can handle being away from home for extended periods, then maybe, just maybe, it’s something you should consider.
Now I got a new job. I earn much more money than I did on a yacht. I have to say, I had a great time. I can’t wait to tell you guys more stories. Oh, and if you want to know more about balancing the dual-season life, Time management is a good way to help you. It helped me a lot. I’ve got to go now, catch you later!
