Getting crew jobs in the Caribbean pretty much secures you a winter in the sand and the sun. And what more could you possible want than a season spend island hoping around the Caribbean? There’s beauty, there’s crystal clear blue water, all your nearest and dearest friends are just around the marina, the sun is hot and the drinks are cold – its pretty much right out of a catalog. However, before we get your hopes up this is not an all-inclusive beach resort for one, you are going to be putting in some serious over time when it comes down to it and we just want to prepare you for your first winter season spent in the tropics, it would be rude if we didn’t.
The ‘Caribbean Season’
While a yachts itinerary is always changing, we are willing to bet that unless you’re heading to the South Pacific for the winter months, or your owners have chosen to have the boat stay in the Mediterranean, you’re most likely heading to the Caribbean. Most yachts will hang around State side, and check out the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and/or do some refits before making the journey down there. However, typically around the beginning of December, the crossing from Fort Lauderdale begins and it takes anywhere from 4 to 6 days, depending on which island you’re getting to. Crossing the Gulf Stream makes for a great journey, and remember to keep your eyes out for hump backs around the Silver Banks. Another thing you’ll want to partake in for your crossing is all the fishing – make sure to hype the crew up for some tuna and mahi mahi catching!
Cruising the Islands
Of course you don’t naturally get to choose the course of the yacht, and getting off at any anchorage is a privilege, not a right. However, if you get the chance to explore make sure to take in all the great culture that islands host, the restaurants, the unique and quirky bars, the markets. If it’s truly your first time, make sure to take in the beaches, the marinas and even the hikes! They’re all too exciting, however, as your fourth or fifth season approaches your enthusiasm could not to be high for these things, so take advantage while you can. One thing that gets over looked here, is how easy it is to bounce around from island to island, whether that’s on your own boat and you’re changing islands regularly for your charter guests. Or if you’re exploring on your own for a few days, there are a number of ferries you can hop on to encourage your adventuring streak.
Crewing in a Yacht Regatta – Set Sail
The Caribbean is home to several regattas, and you’ll become readily aware of when one is happening due to all the crowds. They draw in some great people and are great fun to watch, but it does mean that things tend to get a bit squishy at the docks – much like it does on Christmas, NYE… etc.
Yacht Jobs – Working in the Caribbean
Much like other areas yachts circulate, the Caribbean has lots of services and provisioning companies, so getting things is not overly difficult. While there are those odd days you’ll bargain for a $40 box of lettuce with 50 other chefs, things can be found and you can make due (or maybe your friend’s boat docked around the corner even has it).
The climate is obviously warm while working in the Caribbean, so its important to keep well hydrated while out on the water, especially with that tropical sun, and all the locally made rum you’ll be consuming. While we’re at it sunscreen, sunglasses and baseball hats are much needed for working outside here, as well as light breathable clothing – which is why your uniforms will typically change to match the climate, depending on where you are in the world.
The islands are certainly a fun time, and hard work. You’ll find a new hatred for sand in the bathtubs, and pulling the jet skis in and out of the water for every guest. Charter seasons in the Caribbean are what you make of it, and make sure you have a great time – and definitely do not leave without making an honorary visit to the Soggy Dollar!
