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Jacqueline, you are a bareboat skipper in a dream sailing area? How did that come about?
It all started when I came to the British Virgin Islands in 2019. This was my first season here, and I came to work at a summer camp I had attended when I was much younger. And ever since I was at that camp, I had a deeply rooted desire (laughs). I really wanted to come back and work here. I got a job with the company Sail Caribbean, for which I worked for three seasons, from May to September. And every year, my position developed a little, I gradually rose through the ranks. First I was deckhand, then skipper and finally diving coordinator. After that, I took a year off to think about how I could further my skipper career. I wanted to skipper a boat, either for a charter company or for a private individual. And Moorings was high on my list, so I contacted them.
Why exactly Moorings?
Moorings and Sunsail are the largest charter companies in the BVIs, which are quite rightly described as one of the most beautiful charter destinations in the world. Constant wind, fantastic temperatures and a relaxed lifestyle under palm trees. In addition, almost all destinations can be reached within a day.
What did you have to show to become a skipper at Moorings?
I had to have either an RYA Yachtmaster or an equivalent sailing licence. For me as an American, the USCG licence was the logical next step.
What does that mean and what are you allowed to drive with it?
This stands for U.S. Coast Guard Licence and I am allowed to skipper boats with a displacement of up to 100 tonnes and with more than seven guests. It's more or less the same as the Royal Yachting Association's Yachtmaster licence, except that you have to prove that you've spent at least 720 days at sea in the last three years to take the USCG exam. Of course, I had easily put that together thanks to my skipper and diving jobs in previous years. Then there's the exam, which you have to study for as normal. That was a hard piece of work.
How long have you been a skipper in the BVIs?
Since February of this year.
That's not for long. Do you feel confident handling the catamarans, which you sometimes have to sail and moor all by yourself because the charter guests can't sail at all?
I feel totally safe, the Leopard 50, which I am on most of the time, is a ship that I know very well through my work at Sail Caribbean. I am very familiar with the technology on board and can therefore repair almost everything myself and solve technical problems on board mostly on my own.
Can you remove an engine or repair an engine?
Not necessarily, but I have had to replace fuel pumps and oil filters and do oil changes and similar jobs on my own.
What is the best thing about your job?
I love introducing people to the British Virgin Islands - especially guests who have never been here before. This place is so special and unique. Since I've lived here for so long and the islands have become my home, I enjoy sharing the culture, history and natural beauty with our clients.
Sailing and skippering is quite a male-dominated profession. Do you often get funny looks when you sail into a harbour alone at the helm and without the help of your guests?
All the time. Especially when the boat is full of older people, older men. And then there's a petite 28-year-old woman steering the boat.
Are you good at dealing with these looks?
Sure, I know that I can moor and I know that the harbour cinema is part of it. I feel the same way; when a boat comes in, I want to see what's going on. I'm interested in how people handle their boat and I like to offer my help at the dock. And I know they do the same when they see me pull into the marina. I've also learnt to tune out the people in the harbour. That helps me a lot!
You live together with your charter guests in a small space. How do you cope with that?
I've been very lucky with all my guests so far. But I'm an open-minded person anyway and enjoy getting to know lots of people and hearing their stories.
If you had to change sailing areas, what would be your dream sailing area?
I can imagine that I would really like Greece, Italy and Croatia. There are mooring locations in all of these countries - who knows where I'll end up. From a purely sailing point of view, that would certainly take me further, because the distances to be sailed there are also much greater, if desired.
Can you imagine sailing around the world on your own boat?
Yes, sure, I would like that. But of course I have to earn money, so my current lifestyle is an absolute dream. I sail under the Caribbean sun, earn money and save up for further adventures.
Would you buy a catamaran or a monohull for your private sailing trips?
That depends very much. I love the comfort of a catamaran, but for the sake of sailing and the better sailing characteristics, I would probably opt for a monohull. I'm currently glad that I don't have to make this decision, because it wouldn't be easy for me.
What is your tip for young women and men who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don't be afraid, find out for yourself what you want, follow your instincts and don't let yourself get sidetracked. You have to push yourself, because it's certainly not easy - otherwise everyone would do it.
