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