Starting your first boating job is a total whirlwind of nerves and excitement. In August of this year, I officially stepped into the industry by joining Sur La Mer, which is a premier charter company based out of Alicante, Spain. Finding this role felt like a total win. I truly am the luckiest girl alive.
I had been applying to numerous jobs every single day for over a month with zero luck. I was mostly scrolling through Facebook groups and trying not to get discouraged. Then, at two in the morning, a friend sent me a specific job posting and I applied immediately. I had a really good feeling about this one from the very second the captain messaged me back asking for an interview. After sending my CV out into the void a million times without hearing a word, booking that first official interview felt like hitting the absolute jackpot.
The interview went amazing and I immediately started manifesting the position. I was living in Dénia, which is just an hour drive from Alicante. Since I had also just gotten a car, the transportation was perfect. From the very beginning, Ben, the captain and owner, was incredibly patient. He was willing to teach me so much because he knew I was a green deck/stew. Starting out is hard until you find someone willing to take a chance on you. I am so grateful to Ben for the time he invested in my training.
Learning the Lines: The Deck Stew Experience
I originally entered this industry wanting to be a stewardess, but this hybrid role could not have come at a better time. It allowed me to learn lines, anchoring, and all the essential deckhand abilities. I remember my first day on the Serenity Rose vividly. I was terrified because I had never practiced lines on a boat that large before, but everything went smoothly and the guests had an amazing time.
Sur La Mer has an impressive fleet of boats ranging in size, including their 45 foot and 60 foot vessels. This environment was the perfect classroom for me. It is even where I earned my Powerboat Level 2 license; He also teaches this for other yachties looking to get certified!! Being able to drive tenders and smaller boats is a crucial skill because you never know what will happen out on the water.
Why Sur La Mer Stands Out
If you are ever in Alicante and looking for a family boat day to Tabarca or a romantic getaway, you definitely need to book through Sur La Mer. What makes this company so different is the personal and unique experience they provide. Anyone can go out on a boat and have a good time, but it is the people taking care of you who make it special. The level of care and attention to detail at Sur La Mer is unmatched.
What is Next on the Horizon
I recently finished my season with Ben as I am heading back to the states for a wedding. While I am away, I plan to focus on building my portfolio and gaining even more certifications. I would love to return and work with the Sur La Mer team again at some point in the future.
My goal now is to take these skills to Fort Lauderdale to see what the US market has to offer. I feel so much more confident walking onto my next vessel knowing I have a solid foundation from my time in Alicante. This first job was the perfect stepping stone, and I will always carry the lessons I learned at Sur La Mer with me.
Ready for the Next Chapter
Every day at sea is a lesson in adaptability and service. I am so thankful for the start I had in Spain and I am excited to see where my experience can take me next.
