He has been based here for three years
Every week, owner Erica Ray… EL CREW CO International yacht crew agency Here in Mallorca, we speak to crew members who have successfully transitioned from work on a yacht to work on shore, effectively from ship to shore. For more information about any of the stars featured here, please contact Erica directly at erica@elcrewco.com.
This week I'll be chatting with: South African/British former First Officer Lyle SkypageAfter working in the yachting industry for seven years, he now works for DiveServ in the marketing and operations department from his home office in Parma. He has been based here for his 3 years.
What attracted you to this island? What do you like about living here?
Ever since I started my yachting career in Mallorca, I've always wanted to live here. I met my now fiancé in 2019 and it made perfect sense to settle here. Mallorca's diversity of people sets it apart from other yachting spots (Cala Mayor also has a surfer vibe, just like my hometown of Durban). In addition to Spain's culture, food, and slow pace of life, it has a great year-round climate.
What is the most difficult thing about living in Mallorca?
I find learning new languages difficult, so this often becomes a challenge.of Bureaucracy regarding administrative procedures. We're still getting used to certain stores closing for the day and reopening later.
Could you give us an overview of your career?
After working during the day, I took a seasonal job on a large catamaran with a great captain who became my best friend. This began a successful career aboard numerous yachts from 40 meters to 80 metres, where I learned a lot about deck and engineering operations. One of them, along with a wonderful crew and owner, allowed him to travel around the world in 47 meters and see some amazing places. Enjoyed the Caribbean, America, and the Mediterranean, but Scotland is probably the most beautiful region I've cruised to. The countless memories I made with the crew members who became friends were a huge plus. The negative was dealing with difficult and rude customers.
When and why did you decide it was time to land?
I met my partner towards the end of 2019 and continued for another two years.
How did you take action?
My former boss, who is from South Africa, offered me a position as a marketing consultant working from home in Mallorca.
What was the challenge/most difficult part?
Obtaining residence rights after leaving the EU. This was even more difficult because at the time I was working in France and had multiple forms and instructions that I had to go back and forth.
What’s the best thing about being land-based right now?
I enjoy the freedom of not being tied down by a yacht schedule or confined to a small space while spending time with my partner and dog.
What do you miss about working as a crew member?
Travel, learn about different cultures, and make new friends.
What are you doing now?
DiveServ provides underwater maintenance services (hull cleaning, underwater repairs, etc.) for commercial ships worldwide. I'm in charge of marketing and operations.
What is the best thing about your job?
I Still connected to the maritime industry And I think it's fascinating to me to work with the commercial side, where there are so many different parts involved. Marketing allows you to use your analytical skills as well as your creativity, which gives you great satisfaction when you sign a new client. We work with dive teams all over the world, so it's great to talk to someone in Panama or Singapore who is organizing a job. I also love working from home.
What is the most difficult part of your job?
The shipping industry never sleeps, May work over 30 hours Take the odd nap if you need to. Dealing with managers at top companies who care about results and performance can be stressful, so we need to deliver excellence at all times.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Explore unknown parts of the island. SUP, beach, surfing. With my partner and my dog.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of going ashore from a yacht?
Find out about visa status, taxes, banking, etc. Find your skill and work on it. It may seem daunting, but once you take action, everything becomes clear. Remember that any problem can be solved.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Are you still in Mallorca? What's next?
I'm married, Spanish, and the company I work for is relatively new, so I want to grow it and become indispensable. So there's a lot to accomplish.
