Triton Today Survey Video: Crew describe how they become a family onboard and who plays what role.
As technology changes and options increase for communication, The Triton was curious how such international travelers as yacht crew keep in touch with family and friends.
So we asked them at the Miami Yacht Show during Feb. 15-19 on Collins Avenue. Photos by Dorie Cox and Tom Serio
Capt. Kevin Spiker
Freelance
“Phone calls and texts. Back in 2008 or 9 in Europe, before FaceTime, I used the phone, as they became more advanced they provided good VoIP service. I’m old school, I like to communicate when I communicate. Emojis are not communication.”
Capt. Jason Browne
M/Y Peacekeeper
96-foot San Lorenzo
“I use Skype. It’s the only way for the other side of the world. I put money in my account and I can use it as a normal call. I’ve got everyone I need on my hit list.”
Mate Arthur Steganov
M/Y U Wish
105-foot Mangusta
“I use Whatsapp and Facebook. Well, the Russian version of Facebook, VKontakte.”
Mate Jeremy Wright
M/Y Miss Moneypenny
94-foot Mangusta
“Just texts and Facebook. I’m not on Facebook all the time, I’m not on there surfing, but I use Messenger.”
Mate Yermaik Guzman
M/Y Ana C
76-foot Hargrave
“Yo uso WhatsApp. Y Facebook para mensajes. Me gusto Instagram, tambien. Nunca uso texto.”
Chef Katya Kavkazskaya
M/Y Miss Michelle
90-foot Ocean Alexander
“I’m usually texting what’s up when we are at sea since my mother worries. I gave her an app so she can track the yacht and know it’s still floating.”
Capt. Michael Zawieja
M/Y Lyons Pride
112-foot Westport
“I prefer phone calls, that’s my first go-to, then email and texts. We cruise the same time zone where family and friends live, so it’s not a time zone issue.”
Mate Seth Jacobson
M/Y Golden Girl
94-foot Broward
“I do prefer phoning then texting and Facebook. We often cruise the east coast and New England so we’re in same time zone as family.”
Stew Maryna Van Dyk
M/Y Winky One
82-foot Monte Fino
“I like Facebook and the app WhatsApp. On Facebook, I can post and walk away. With WhatsApp, I can direct connect and video chat or leave a message. Great for different time zones.”
Deckhand/Eng. Wouter Van Dyk
M/Y Winky One
82-foot Monte Fino
“Not really Facobook for me, but I like WhatsApp. It’s convenient and cheaper than calling, once connected to public wi-fi.”
Chief Mate Jan Meyer
M/Y Silver Cloud
136-foot Abeking & Rasmussen
“I use Facebook and email. They can follow my photos easier on Facebook. I don’t use Instagram or SnapChat but I have the apps on my phone. For work here I use WhatsApp.”
Lead Deckhand Tim Gallagher
M/Y Kismet
312-foot Lurssen
“Facebook, it’s easier because everybody has it. I can’t call and text people at home in New Zealand. For guests the wifi is good, but not for crew.”
Head Stew Katie MacAdam
M/Y Safira
129-foot Newcastle
“I use WhatsApp unless we have wifi then I IMessage and Facetime. I use Instagram just to show pictures. I really use WhatsApp to keep up.”
Eng. Braden Owens
M/Y Safira
129-foot Newcastle
“WhatsApp and IMessage, and carrier pigeon and postcards. Of course I send postcards to my parents, they’re old school. It’s a lot better than texting.”
Deckhand Andrew Orosz
M/Y Silver Lining
164-foot Christensen
“Facebook for the most part, the messenger. Then WhatsApp for everyone from Venezuela, Ohio, California to Canada. I use SnapChat for friends, but it depends where we are.”
Eng. Tony Benn
M/Y Silver Cloud
136-foot Abeking & Rasmussen
“I don’t like Facebook, it tends to drain the phone and we’re only allowed internet for a certain amount of time. But I use other apps like WhatsApp and Viber. And the phone, sometimes you just have to talk, you just have to hear their voice. I prefer text over voice message, that way I can take a quick read.”
Bosun Markus Johansson
M/Y Mine Games
203-foot Benetti
“I make calls through Viber, that way I can call Sweden for free. My parents are older and they just got used to Viber, I can video chat with them. I show them around by my phone. I Facebook message with my brothers.”