LOOKING OUT FOR


EACH OTHER ON BOARD


No doubt the past 12 months or more have been tough for society as a whole, but there is anecdotal evidence that seafarers have perhaps suffered more than most. Even if the outside world sees yachting as a glamorous industry, we know only too well that in these times of stress and anxiety, we need to look after each other, show compassion and stick together Words: Erica Lay


vaccine programmes are rolling out it’s starting to feel like there’s no end in sight to this cycle of restrictions, wherever we find ourselves in the world. Academic surveys have been emerging across the world, analysing the effects on our psychological wellbeing being in lockdown is having, and honestly the results are not good.


W


With a vast majority of people citing they were experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression, sadly also the vast majority were not, or have not, sought mental health treatment to combat this. Perhaps it’s human nature, but many of us have a tendency to “soldier on” and keep that “stiff upper lip” attitude which may not be the best thing to do, instead of just admitting to needing and wanting some


ell, over a year into the Covid-19 pandemic and countries are still going into more lockdowns, although the


help. Let’s face it, we’re all suffering from pandemic fatigue to an extent, so how do we tackle this?


Where land based people are confined mostly to their homes, what about yacht crew, confined to their small (we can’t call them cosy, come on) living quarters and shared common spaces, often stuck at anchor with guests living on board and more importantly away from family support?


We are all well aware that working in the yachting industry requires a fair amount of self-discipline, respect for others and the ability to overcome the fact you’re away from home and loved ones for long periods but now moreso than ever. During these seemingly endless times of confinement, it’s super important we give our physical and mental health the attention it deserves, but as yacht crew, it’s also important to think about your co-workers too.


Yachting is inherently social as an industry, when starting out we encourage new crew to walk the docks and introduce themselves to other crew members, ask in person for work, and attend any kind of networking and social event. As our careers progress, we continue to socialise and expand our yachtie networks, that’s what leads to the next opportunity. Maybe it’s living in the close quarters, but most yacht crew love an excuse for a night out to let off some steam; bumping into old friends and acquaintances, the buzz of meeting new people, these have huge impacts on our mental health. As does that wonderful sensation of being somewhere new, being able to get off and explore different places, often those you’ve heard about from other crew and friends in yachting. How excited were you to first get to Antigua or Palma?


Fundamentally we’re social creatures, so taking the people element away from yacht


32 | SPRING 2021 | ONBOARD


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140