Heather's Experiences of Crewing on a yacht
A Vancouver Lady, 25, Seeks Adventure.
How did this young Vancouver lady end up in the Caribbean as a crew on a yacht? All the stars lined up and events fell into place. Spring was in the air and my mind was stirring with plans for exploring life. I’d just finished my last college class after taking 4 years to complete the program while I worked full time. I really didn’t feel like slugging through that last course, but hey a completion and Diploma did provide satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. During my previous summer vacation for 10 days travelling through Arizona on my own and visiting the Grand Canyon, my heart was opened to the wonder of travel. Amazement of the vast canyon and desert, kept my soul yearning for more wonderment. I had to see the world. In April, at 25 years of age, I quit my well-paid office manager position at a development company and trusted that I would come across the right path. After one week off work, I decided that maybe taking a vacation would be a good idea. I picked up the local rag, The Vancouver Sun, and looked through the travel classifieds. A tiny 3 line ad jumped out at me:
Sun, Sand, Seafood and Sailing, 1 week charter in the Virgin Islands, call 604-555-1234.
I called and enquired about pricing and activities. I was told the package included airfare. I enquired if it would be feasible to extend the return airfare for one week, while I stayed on land for a week to look for work. Immediately the conversation changed to what kind of work and why I would want to work in the Caribbean. I was asked if the yacht owners could come to my house to show me more about the whole sailing charter vacation experience. Later that evening, the yacht owners, husband and wife, arrived with a handful of photos and stories to tell. Within 10 minutes of the conversation, I realized I was being interviewed for a job. They asked about my professional background and my aspirations. I even brought out my resume to show them my hospitality background. I told them of my recent beginner sailing course taken at Jericho Sailing Club. Within 40 minutes, on a Tuesday night, I was being offered a steward position on a charter yacht operating in the Virgin Islands. I was super excited and accepted on the spot. From Wednesday to Friday, I gave my notice at my apartment, packed and stored my belongings, and on Saturday I flew to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Let the adventure begin........
