End of Season…..now what?
As we get into October a lot of people are either finished with their season or busy wrapping it up and to all of you WELL DONE! Another Med season under the belt or maybe your first one, but whatever the case it can often take a bit of adjusting back to normality. And we have so many plans for what we are going to do with between now and the start of the next season, whether it be the Caribbean or the Med season. I remember always having these plans of what I was going to do that kept me going through the season and then when the time came, I didn’t get half of it done so let’s have a look at things to do post season, and we’re not talking about the boat here we are talking about you, and yes, you are a separate entity to the boat! Of course, having a holiday and letting your hair down first night without guests are top of the list, but what about the rest of the time? We have put together our top 5 to help you make the most of your downtime:
1. Treat yourself to a spa day:
Find somewhere that offers a package that includes some great treatments, lunch and a beautiful setting. I think serving champagne is also a must. Here are some links to a few suggestions with a price range for everyone. Let us know your favourite place to pamper in your area.
South of France:
https://www.thehotelguru.com/en-eu/best-hotels/france/best-spa-hotels-south-of-france
Majorca:
https://www.abc-mallorca.com/mallorcas-best-spas/
Barcelona:
https://www.shbarcelona.com/blog/en/best-spas-in-barcelona/
Livorno:
https://www.thingstodopost.org/top-10-spas-wellness-in-province-of-livorno-tuscany-614673
2. Start an exercise routine:
We always put it off in the season as we are always too tired, busy or any oof the other excuses we find during the season. But now is the time to get moving again, set yourself a goal, find a parkrun in your area, join a yoga studio, or just enlist a friend, that way you will not talk yourself out of it and you will achieve your goals. This is a great way to unwind your brain from the season of being constantly “on” exercise is known to help reduce anxiety and many people talk about how clam and motivated they feel post workout. Have a look at the following link for the top 10 YouTube Fitness influencers at the moment, there is certainly something for everyone and I can personally promote Yoga with Adriene.
https://neoreach.com/top-fitness-influencers-on-youtube/
3. Do a spring clean of your cabin:
Now is the perfect time to get everything neat and tidy and throw out anything you don’t need. Start your time off with a nice neat living space and you will be amazed at how that makes you feel motivated and empowered. Also, it’s a good time to go through your cupboards and get rid of anything you don’t wear anymore. Set up a swap with other crew or donate it to charity, we have so little space as it is why have it taken up by things we don’t use. Also, it’s a perfect excuse to go do a little retail therapy.
4. Review your finances:
During the season we are working and very rarely taking time to check our bank accounts and often spend a lot. Sit down and review your financial goals and where you are in reaching them. If you haven’t got any now is a good time to set some. So many people get to the end of their yachting careers and have a really fat bank account but have not done any financial planning along the way. While you are working hard for your money, make sure it in turn is working hard for you. That way when you retire from yachting one day you will be financially secure and don’t have to come back again to top up. Here is an article that can help you figure out how to get started and also check you are on the right track:
https://unitedadvisersmarine.com/financial-advice-superyacht-crew/
5. Upskill:
Use this time to fill in the gaps in your CV. Follow your passions. There are so many great training courses out there and of course trainers. If your boat offers a training budget don’t wait for someone to offer it to you, go and get it for yourself. Figure out what YOU want to do, not what everyone else thinks you should do or what is popular right now. Get together some options and present them to your captain, chief stew or purser, whoever makes the decisions. Here are our tips for finding course:
- Do your research, look for accreditation and then, as you would have often heard us say, just as importantly as looking at the school, look at their trainers, who are they, what is their experience? Are they really going to give you good value?
- What does the course cover? Will it add value to your CV? Or will people just say, “oh that’s nice”. Don’t do it just because it’s the easiest or the one your mate is doing.
- What are your goals in doing the course, will it help you to achieve your next step in the industry or goal for your next boat?
- What kind of training do they offer, online, face to face, blended? Will this suit you and your learning? Will you spend your whole holiday doing it? You need down time to fill up your cup.
- And last but not least, ask around. Read the reviews and as around if anyone else has done the course. Speak to crew agents as they will often have a good view on the training companies.
We hope this was helpful and that you are now ready for your down time. Enjoy and have a very well-deserved break. We would love to hear what you got up to, so don’t forget to tag us in your Insta or Facebook posts. Until next time, have a great week everyone!