Checking the Tide: What are you good at?

We decided to take a little different spin on our regular survey this week and asked a broader question to learn more about crew, their hobbies and skills. So we asked What are you really good at? It took most crew we talked to a minute to think about it. Some thought immediately about their yachting careers, but others looked at their whole life and shared a few insights into what they are like as people. The diversity of crew never ceases to amaze us.
— Compiled by Lucy Chabot Reed

Deckhand Illan Kearn, M/Y La Pellegrina a 50m Couach
Traveling. I just finished a six-month trip alone, visiting 10 countries. It’s the best experience of self-growth, open mindedness, seeing how other people live. When you live out of a suitcase, you learn to appreciate a sunny day instead of a fancy watch.

Stew Medea Hendrei, M/Y Gigi a 125’ Hargrave
Creative. Creating decorations from scratch. I make all our own decorations.

Mate/Eng. Scott McClain, M/Y No Comment a 125’ Heesen
Guest requests. I make them happen. Middle of nowhere, middle of the night. Give me a black card, I’ll make it happen.

Bosun Ryan Hawkins, M/Y Blue Ice a 150’ Palmer Johnson
Surfing, and all water sports. Being good at those hasn’t really helped him land jobs on yachts. “What helps is hard work and luck.”

Eng. Brad van Aswegen, M/Y Amarula Sun a 40m Westport
Riding dirt bikes. He competes internationally in this sport, but working on yachts has left him little time to train the past few years.

Deck/Stew Stephanie Symonds, M/Y Gigi a 125’ Hargrave
Taking a joke. [So people play a lot of jokes on you?] On this boat, all the time. I have a lot of blonde moments.

Deckhand Jaco du Toit, M/Y Katya a 151’ Delta
Sports, and working with my hands. I’m a carpenter by trade.

Stew Margaret Hill, M/Y Double Down a 108’ Broward
Setting the table. It’s what I’m good at and what I enjoy most. I love creating something fun and unique every time.