Triton Survey: Do you wear sunscreen?

Nov 1, 2014 by Lucy Chabot Reed

Checking the tide: Do you wear sunscreen?
Prompted by an older captain who’s recently had some spots of skin cancer removed, we asked crew today if they wear sunscreen and, if they do, whether it interferes with their work onboard. While our answers were split between yes (50 percent), about half the time (33 percent) and no (17 percent), most crew noted that the greasy stuff on their arms and legs can inadvertently rub against stair rails and bulkheads, leaving them to wonder where all those smudge marks are coming from. PHOTOS/LUCY REED

: Stew Marta De May M/Y Prestige Lady 110’ Westship Absolutely, and so does the captain. (“I’m up front with no hard top, so I have to,” Capt. Ross De May said.) It’s just like flossing, either you’re doing it or you’re not.

: Bosun/Eng. Juan Feliciano M/Y Gusto 130’ Westport Yes, if I’m going to be outside. I always get the highest I can get. And I’m careful, too. It’s a little bit of an acquired skill not to get it everywhere.

: Eng. Brandon Ferguson M/Y Trisara 130’ Westport Not really. I’m an engineer. I usually don’t because I’m stuck in the engine room everywhere we go.

: First Mate Lindsey Jessop M/Y O 112’ Sanlorenzo Yes, of course. It can interfere with microfiber if you’re trying to clean, but I’m careful to wash my hands. You have to wear it. I’m also the one walking around with it, telling the crew to wear it.

: Stew Camille Rivera M/Y Gravitas 171’ Feadship Yes, sometimes when I’m outside. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable because it’s sticky and we’re serving guests. It can stain dark wood, and we have a lot of dark wood.

: Bosun Rob Solomon M/Y Top Five 157’ Christensen I try to. When we’re busy, it’s not something I remember to do. I’d say about 50 percent of the time. We’re not allowed to use the spray; the captain has outlawed it.

: Capt. Ben Stanley M/Y Firefly 73’ Outer Reef Yes, Bullfrog. It seems to last the longest. I get sweaty and wipe off a lot. I put it on first thing in the morning so it has a chance to settle into my skin. You’ve got to be super careful not to handle the isinglass. It’s gonna leave a mark.