Sailing Manager

Why did you choose this profession?
I loved sailing from a young age – it just felt like the right thing to do. I’m always out in the sun and clean air, and I get paid for it!

What training did you undergo?
After matric I did a 30-day careers course, which is aimed at getting youngsters into the mega-yacht industry, at a sailing school in Durban. Then I sailed from Cape Town to the Seychelles on a new catamaran to gain experience and loved the sea, so on my return I did a three-month yacht master’s course that entitles me to skipper a vessel of up to 200 tons.

Are there certain characteristics that a sailor should possess?
A candidate needs to be patient, have a very good work ethic and have good people skills – as most of your work involves dealing with clients nearly all the time.

Is experience as important as formal training?
If anything, experience is more important than formal training when it comes to the sailing industry. Some qualifications are an absolute must though, such as first aid, navigation, etc.

Describe a typical day on the job
I work as the manager of Sail Africa in Durban; it is a youth development foundation that focuses on exposing people from many different backgrounds to sailing. In a typical day, I’ll make sure that all projects are up to speed, that all upcoming training and events are planned for and that current training runs smoothly. I work a 45-hour week but my hours are very flexible, depending on the day’s requirements. On average, I spend about two hours a day in the office and the remainder out on the water, or near it. I tend to do my indoors work before seven in the morning, as the wind is best in the afternoon and that’s when I love to sail.

What do you like the most about your job?
I like the fact that I’m helping others to see how great sailing and boating really is. I like giving back to a sport I love, and watching others learn to love it and begin really enjoying themselves. Sailing can be a sport, hobby or very successful profession, whether you are based here in South Africa, or in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

Any aspects you aren’t keen on?
A fair portion of sailing involves cleaning the boat. I have never been a very enthusiastic cleaner, however, all good stuff comes with a little hard work.

Share some career highlights
I worked as a sailing instructor for two years, and that was great as I helped expose thousands of people to this wonderful world.

Mention some of your future goals
I would really love to go to the Olympics and take part in yacht racing. Then, when that is all over, grow old on a yacht in the Mediterranean, cruising around and not knowing what day of the week it is or where I need to be next.

Any advice for youngsters starting out?
If you are thinking about it then do it. There’s no time like present and it’s a decision you’ll never regret. It’s a fun working environment with loads of room to learn and you can earn really good money! If you want to see what sailing is all about, call a commercial sailing school or a development foundation like Sail Africa, or find the closest yacht club to you, cruise down and check it out. Someone at the club will be able to help you. Be prepared to work hard and retire early.