I am writing to you from the San Blas islands on the stern sun deck of the 85 foot Yacht Independence.
The sun is slowly ushering in the moon through brilliant pinks, oranges, and light blues behind clouds the size of mountains.. The sea is calm and I can hear nothing but the gentle caress of the waves on the steel hull below.
The tranquility and solitude is almost overwhelming.
All I can think of is how transient and beautiful this sunset is and how lucky I am to have landed this job. Check out this article to learn how I did it, Work For Passage Across The Darien Gap.
Although the pay certainly isn’t the 3000 Euro/month wage that is average for a deckhand on a luxury yacht, it is still good.
And while the work at times can be challenging, particularly the open ocean night sailing shift, the experience I am gaining, the pounds of fresh lobster I am eating, and the variety of backpackers I am meeting and partying with make it easily one of the best jobs I could have ever imagined.
My First Voyage From Colombia To Panama
Today we arrived back in Panama after a 5 day trip from Cartagena, Colombia. With only twelve backpackers on this trip, there was a lot less work and it was much calmer than the previous voyage of 24 guests. That isn’t to say we didn’t have some great parties and drinking games though.
The first day and night was the open ocean crossing and like the previous trip I took the night shift from 3am to 8 am. I am getting better at sailing this behemoth and holding the course.
Me at the helm of Yacht Independence
For the next three days, we went sailing and swimming through the San Blas islands. Here, an Australian girl and I swam out to a small island room enough for only a single palm tree. On the way, a strange and fearless foot long trigger fish attacked us. I kept trying to punch it in the face but it was too quick.
Island paradise
The Captain bought lobster for the first and second night, and on the third we went for the fish BBQ on Elephantine island. I don’t think I will ever tire of this menu.
The Kuna people bringing fresh lobster to our boat
Although I agreed to stay on board for two months before continuing my South American Adventure, there is a chance I will stay longer.
If you’re interested in working aboard a yacht like the Independence and cross the Darien Gap for free, check out Crossing The Darien Gap For Free.
Looking for work
DIMITRI VARDOSHVILI
21/01/1967.
passport: P GEO 10AB40975
higher education
Special education
economist
pop singer
Medical brother
cook
I’m not the best person to apply to as I don’t own a boat. You should try and contact a captain instead and work on your application letter a bit.
Thanks for all the posts and info. I am planning an Austin, Texas – Brazil trip that I want to make a life out of and working on a yacht for a while sounds great! Do you think it would make it hugely more difficult to land a job for a couple? My girlfriend is very attractive and has a great work ethic.. my boat knowledge is basic, but I am a very quick and efficient learner and am a pretty damned good cook (used to be sous-chef) and have tons of experience in the bartending/service industry.
Hey Sigi, it probably will be more difficult, but I know people who have done it. Let me know if you ever want some advice. Good luck!
Amazing! Siunds like your having a great time! I’ll definetly be reading the how to guide!
Thanks Rebecca, let me know if you want to do it and I will see if I can hook you up.
What do I have to do to join you? ;) Seems like you have a great time!
Just get a flight to panama. I’m going to publish an article tomorrow on how you can get a job on one of these boats too. :)