Looking for a Competent Crew, Chef or Nanny position?
Hello sea people!
I'm Mathieu (40 yo) from Brussels and I´m looking for a boat to continue my journey West (ideally Capo Verde and Brazil).
My dream (as old as I can remember) has always been to roam the Seven Seas, explore remote places and dive wherever I want. I'm a biologist, a dive instructor and passionate about animal behaviour, particularly cephalopods (octopus-cuttlefish-squids,..). I hope you're as curious as this little fellow below (filmed in a Filipino mangrove) and will read my admittedly long and informal presentation to the end.
I'm currently in Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) after rallying Melilla from Lorient on a Royal Huisman (+-50 feet). It was my first high sea experience (I had done a lot of light sailing in my youth culminating with 'Les Glénans in Brittany for 2 embarked weeks). This first boat was fast and sporty! The comfort on board was minimal and with a problematic autopilot for most of the 1500NM, we (7) took turns steering and manoeuvring. It goes to say I learned a lot! I also really enjoyed the atmosphere on board and the challenge of living together in a small space. According to the more seasoned crew I did very well on all aspects of the adventure.
I then made my way to Lisbon by land and met my second boat (Westerly SeaHawk 36) and English captain with whom I crossed to Madera and then Gran Canaria (900+ NM). Being only the 2 of us and with a very unreliable autopilot again, I learned even more, got given more responsibilities (engine, anchor, electronic, watches on my own,..) but despite all my efforts to make these 2 weeks as smooth and peaceful as possible, my needs (a minimum of respect, consideration, fairness,..) have been severely undermined. I don't want/can't live this kind of situation again.
I don't really like to sell myself and everyone seems to be the best crewmate on paper anyway.. but! I sincerely think I'm designed for this life! I made a strong impression by my total immunity to seasickness, my agility (balance and stealth) on board and especially in the kitchen with some exquisite dishes, my singing and guitar playing (which I love to teach/share). In a nutshell, I definitely have sea legs and soul! I'm a very attentive and focused person, that includes paying attention to the boat as well as the crew. I also attach a great deal of importance to communication and I would love to be part of a crew where we all share this mindset, that is to say an emotionally safe environment where we can serenely express ourselves and talk things through.
Thx for reading through!
Hoping to hear from you and don't hesitate to dm or WhatsApp me
Octopus Mat le Poulpe ? ?
+351 967 726 318