It feels like yesterday when I started back in 2004, and moving all the way up the food chain from your entry level chamois technician all the way to Captain somewhat feels surreal.
Ever since I started, it’s been a whirlwind of travel, fun and lots of hard work, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing (maybe a couple of crew members or captains but that’s for another day).
Since starting getting information about Yachting has become so much easier, but back in 2009 I moved into the path for bringing more information about Yachting into the social realm. Facebook changed a lot, but even with every piece of information out there, people still have questions, and I’ve found I’ve been in a great place to tell people logical steps to move towards their goal.
At the end of the day this has been more of a passion project than a monetary one. With the questions increasing, I dusted off a ebook I wrote years ago and put it out to the world. In addition to that, Joined forces with some amazing yachting kin that are also in the social media sphere and hopefully bringing a little more realism to what we do.
I’ve not really seen myself as a mentor, but of late more and more people have been reaching out to thank me for the motivation and advice that I’ve given.
I don’t sugar coat anything, it needs to be real and you need to be willing to put in the effort to firstly secure a job, but also to keep it. So from someone that has made it to Captain on a 45m (which I still think is smaller than I’d like)… I’m happy to continue to push and help those that are willing to do the same!
Oh,… and after 17 years in Yachting, this Australian now lives in Florida, Married with two kids and is currently operating the Yacht Bella, the 45m Feadship. IG is @lordlukehammond
