Looking for a project to work on.
Hi!
My name is Kezia, I go by Kez. I've been travelling and working on and around boats for a few years now. I have spent 2024 skippering an Oyster 61 in the canaries & Mediterranean, and beginning the process of building a business with the boat. I spent most of 2023 sailing on various boats in the Mediterranean and Greek seas. Before that, I lived on, sailed and fixed boats for a year around Mallorca. I helped to run a project based on restoring abandoned sailboats for 1.5years. So I know about all aspects of life on a boat, from replacing burst hydraulic pipes, to how to communicate when there is a personal issue, to using a kedge anchor, to cooking in 3m waves, to passage planning.
My focus now is to earn money through my skills, whether that's gaining more skills that could be useful to me, or working in some capacity on someone's boat. Previously I enjoyed casual sailing wherever I was traveling, but now I have decided to dedicate myself to this life - as a way of living, working and playing. I am studying to get my Yachtmaster, hopefully by the end of 2024, which will open up more opportunities for me. I am very motivated to get involved with all aspects of boat life, to gain the skills and confidence to skipper a variety of boats.
I try to live my life with respect, of other people, of nature, of myself...
Other people... I am sensitive and flexible to the spoken and unspoken needs of other people and I prefer to be around those who are the same, in tune with themselves and others, listening and understanding. It is a wonderful feeling to be a team on a boat using few words! And also to have interesting conversations when we have had our fill of listening to the waves.
Nature... I want to minimise my negative impact on the world. I try to eat good quality plant based food where possible (although I am flexible with that as I am with everything else). I prefer quiet bays full of sea life and trees to hang my hammock. I want to sail and to row if there is the option. Living on boats is a beautiful way to feel in touch with nature and I like to embrace that.
Myself... I like to go with the flow. I have few ties in my life. This freedom does not make me fickle; I respect commitment and stamina. And I also respect my limits. In the past I have sometimes been too flexible to please other people and I have not respected myself. Sometimes I need to not talk so much, or spend an hour doing nothing but cooking something fun, or speak up if I feel unsafe. I am not unreasonable in my wants and I try to express my feelings so that everything is clear. I am not naïve and I will not be exploited. I am not looking for romance. I am not hesitant to leave a bad situation.
I now have the skills to earn money, which is good because I'm running out of it.
As well as being the skipper on a Oyster 61, I am also developing a way to earn money from the boat. Offering week-long sailing experiences, a mixture of teaching, adventure and exploration. However, the owner has plans for the boat that don't allow me to stay long-term.
So, I am looking for someone who is looking for me. Someone who would like to make money with their boat and would like a partner in that venture. I have a lot of motivation and energy for this, and now have knowledge and experience.
For me, the atmosphere on board is my priority. I do not place money above my mental wellbeing. I am my best in an atmosphere of respect, kindness, clear communication of expectations, collaboration etc, and hierarchy that is based on practicalities rather than ego.
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