This job is mostly seen as an easy going sailing on the sun, swimming at unbelievable nature while exploring different locations We asked Ana how does she feels when the conditions are not perfect and the boat is in her hands. She told us about her experience as a skipper, and all we can say is – wow.
What is the most challenging thing about this job?
Challenge starts when weather goes bad and you need to take care of boat and people being safe and entertained at same time. When you accomplish that, it’s the best reward you can get. Usually people think good reward is good feedback and tip at the end, but they forgot about new experience like discovering new places and gaining new worldwide friendships. I think that is priceless.
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Best part of sailing
Navigating a sailboat takes a special combination of concentration and skill. Releasing moorings or pulling up anchor, making way for the next destination, sailing depending on winds, socializing with crew, docking the boat, organizing excursion and making sure the boat is safe at its final destination of the day. I think technical routine is good and welcome. It makes your subconscious mind safe and steady through repetitive motions and expected outcomes.
My favorite thing to do on boat is definitely putting sails up with guests that are first time on boat and they are adrenaline kind of people. Their thrill of heeling over as your sails fill and your speed picks up is always giving me special satisfaction. Also teaching them to do it and make all group work together as a team. It makes them feel good and it’s also building healthy positive energy on board.
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The most common question people ask you is…
…what it’s like to be a female skipper? Honestly, there is no difference between male and female skippers. Except the feeling that everyone want’s to help us girls. For me only challenge was to handle the boat best possible way in a lot of different situations under different weather conditions. I knew if I do it good than I will be at even better position than male skipper. Being female skipper is even easier than being male skipper in my opinion. From my experience the moment people see girl controlling boat they respect her immediately and treat differently. For example where ever I dock there will be guys ready to help with smile and special treatment of course just because I am female. I think that it’s normal because it is a male dominated job and they are happy to see female as a skipper.
Last season I met 3 female skippers and I am aware they’re more although in a significant lower number. I would like to see more female skippers because any gender could do this job. Main reason there are not many females is because it’s not popular among women. From male conversations I came to conclusion they would like to see more women as a skipper anyway.
Ana says that woman choosing this career should be brave and look at this job as any other. If you feel you are ready for this kind of work environment you should definitely go for it – you can’t lose anything but you will gain good experience.
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