Careers: How to become an offshore sailor

What first inspired your love of sailing?

My dad was a merchant seafarer, so his love for sailing was passed on to me from a young age. 

When did you first want a career in sailing?

I first sailed onboard the old TS Royalist from Poole to Brixham in 2014, but it wasn’t until I sailed onboard again a couple of years later that I really started to enjoy it. If I hadn’t gone on that first voyage, I probably wouldn’t have pursued a career at sea. It also led to me getting a job on board TS Royalist. As a cadet you have so many courses and experiences available to you.

What was it like working on TS Royalist? 

Working as a Bosun on board TS Royalist for four years was an incredible experience that I feel lucky to have had. It gave me the opportunity to develop new skills, meet and collaborate with amazing people, and grow personally and professionally. The support and inspiration I received gave me the confidence to pursue and achieve my Yachtmaster qualification. It was a rewarding journey that I will always value.

Tell us about your current role 

As crew on a superyacht, I take on a variety of responsibilities. A significant part of my role involves maintaining the yacht’s pristine appearance, ensuring it meets the high standards set by the owner. Additionally, I dedicate considerable time to the upkeep of the yacht’s mechanical and sailing systems, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. One day, I might be driving chase boats or sailing the main yacht, the next, I could be meticulously washing the entire vessel from top to bottom or stripping and servicing various pieces of equipment.

In 2024 you were chosen as the RYA’s Yachtmaster of the Year – how did that feel?

Being selected was an incredibly humbling and overwhelming experience. With over 3,000 candidates, the recognition was completely unexpected, and it made all the hard work, dedication and passion for sailing over the years feel truly worthwhile. To be acknowledged by such a respected organisation in the sailing community was a real honour. It’s a testament to the amazing people I’ve learned from, and the incredible teams I’ve worked with. It also motivated me to keep striving for excellence and to give back to the industry that’s given me so much. Definitely a highlight of my career so far.

What was it like receiving the award from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal?

I have had the privilege of meeting HRH The Princess Royal on several occasions, so having my award presented by her was an absolute honour. We had a wonderful conversation about all things sailing.

What do you find the most challenging thing about your job?

Working away from home on a superyacht often involves long periods away from loved ones and a demanding work environment. However, yachts provide excellent facilities and plenty of annual leave to ensure crew have sufficient time off to recharge and catch up during breaks. 

And what’s your favourite thing, or a highlight from your job so far?

The best thing about my job is getting paid to travel the world, experiencing incredible places most people only dream of seeing. I’ve been lucky enough to explore some amazing destinations. It’s a privilege to sail these incredible yachts. 

Do you have any future career goals?

Right now, I’m logging sea time for my Engineer Officer of the Watch certificate of competency, gaining the experience and knowledge to take on more responsibility. Every day at sea brings fresh challenges and opportunities to grow, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward in my career.

Any advice for cadets, even if they aren’t sure what their career goals are yet?

It’s important to seize every opportunity and embrace new experiences, as life and career paths rarely follow a predictable course. Trying out different things not only broadens your skills and perspective, but also gives you a valuable head start, setting you up for success in unexpected ways.

Photos: Freddie Jablonski, RYA