After working the rat race for many years I would like to retire and continue working at something I really love (sailing of course). I was considering heading south to work for a charter company as a coastal skipper. I have 10 years experience sailing + racing however certification will be required for my employment. Do the RYA (Royal Yachting Asssociation) offer the best education so I can reach my goal? Thank You Keith
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Hate to burst your bubble but...
I had twice the experience, including having done skippered charters in New England, and teaching both basic sailing and charter certification courses. They basically laughed me out of the place everywhere I went looking. Even if you get a gig or two, the work is very sparse and only pays about $100 a day (if you're lucky). Try to live anywhere on $600/month these days. Try it on a local basis to see if you like it first.
I had twice the experience, including having done skippered charters in New England, and teaching both basic sailing and charter certification courses. They basically laughed me out of the place everywhere I went looking. Even if you get a gig or two, the work is very sparse and only pays about $100 a day (if you're lucky). Try to live anywhere on $600/month these days. Try it on a local basis to see if you like it first.
In the BVI...
...unfortunately, British skippers and mates are given priority over others, such as Americans. Check it out, though. I chartered a skippered boat in the BVI's twice (same boat in 1988 then 1990). There were different crews each time. The first crew was American, but the second crew was British. So you never know. Things may have changed. P.S. I have been back 4 more times and chartered my own bare boat each time. The first time, after two years, we ran into the second crew, who was still doing it. They do burn out very quickly because of the high standards required by the charter companies.
...unfortunately, British skippers and mates are given priority over others, such as Americans. Check it out, though. I chartered a skippered boat in the BVI's twice (same boat in 1988 then 1990). There were different crews each time. The first crew was American, but the second crew was British. So you never know. Things may have changed. P.S. I have been back 4 more times and chartered my own bare boat each time. The first time, after two years, we ran into the second crew, who was still doing it. They do burn out very quickly because of the high standards required by the charter companies.
As an American...Forget it
The US is one of the rare moronic imbacilic nations that will put foreigners ahead of their own people. I lived in the USVI for a short period and and inquired. Ernie and Paul are right on the money. Also note that anything that is fun NEVER pays well. As for life in the USVI, worse place I ever lived and couldnt wait to leave. It was fun for the first few weeks though. Tony B
The US is one of the rare moronic imbacilic nations that will put foreigners ahead of their own people. I lived in the USVI for a short period and and inquired. Ernie and Paul are right on the money. Also note that anything that is fun NEVER pays well. As for life in the USVI, worse place I ever lived and couldnt wait to leave. It was fun for the first few weeks though. Tony B
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