Home Comforts to High Pressure: A Guide to the Post-New-Year Transition

Because the transition is never quite as easy as we pretend it is. One day you’re sitting in a crowded kitchen surrounded by the chaos of your family trying not to burn the Christmas dinner, and the sound of wrapping paper being torn in a frenzy.

Knowing that in just forty-eight hours you will be standing on a dock in St. Maarten with the humid air hitting your face as you prepare to board; the next few weeks booked with back-to-back charters.

The return to reality hits you when you least expect it. So as we kick off the new year, here is our guide to making sure you’re ready for what comes ahead.

The transition

Acknowledging that it is hard is the first, and most important step. You aren’t weak for missing home or feeling sluggish – you’re simply recalibrating from the festive period.

Before you leave, make sure to spend as much time as possible with your friends and family, these memories will push you through difficult times during the season.

Make sure to dedicate time to calling home when you’re struggling. Your loved ones will know just what to say to motivate you until you get to see them face to face again.

The physical reset

If you have spent your break indulging on Christmas leftovers (as you rightfully should), then the first few days of charter will be a shock to the system. 

So here are our top 3 tips to physically prepare for this transition.

Hydration

The Caribbean sun is unforgiving, and the air conditioning will dry you out faster than you realise. So start by increasing your water intake a few days before your flight back. 

Sleep schedule

Use any remaining days of leave to catch-up on lost sleep, and to give your internal clock a chance to catch up to your regular schedule.

Stock up

This one sounds minor, but there’s nothing worse than arriving on board and realising you have left something at home or forgot to replace something over the winter break.

What to bring

Arriving on the dock to realise you’re missing something important is extra stress that you do not need! Beyond your uniform, here are the essentials to help bridge the gap between home and life on board…

1. Home comforts

Think of all the things you’ll crave, such as: your favourite snack from home, a photo of loved ones to hang up in your cabin, or a familiar scent to spray in times of need.

You will thank us when you’re three weeks deep in back-to-back charters and you’re really missing home, it’s the little things that will keep you grounded.

2. New year, new you

Bring a journal from home / download an app and track your adventures each day. This will become an amazing way to look back on the memories you made along the way, and what truly made each day feel special.

Embrace the beginning of a new year, and look forward to the memories you’re about to make, because they will last a lifetime.

3. The real necessity

Because moving from a cold 

winter climate to the Caribbean can be a shock to your system, so don’t just drink water, bring electrolyte powders.

These will really save you on those days where you feel groggy, or if the crew has taken you out past your bed time the night before, and guests are onboard in 12 hours.

4. The one no one talks about

Moving back into a shared cabin, where you and your roommate might be on a different shift pattern, and people are constantly walking around the boat, can really affect your sleep.

This is why we would recommend investing in some high-quality ear plugs and an eye mask to ensure you get the most out of every hour-of-rest.

Embrace what lies ahead

The shift from spending time with our family around the dinner table to the hectic pace of a Caribbean charter season is a steep learning curve for crew adjusting to the transition back to work after the holiday period.

This transition can test your patience, and your physical limits, but by taking small steps to prepare yourself before-hand, you will be more ready for the upcoming season.

If you find that the new year has you questioning your next career move, or if you simply need advice on how to navigate the season ahead, remember that The Crew Hunter is here to support you.

Get in touch with any queries at info@yachtcrew.uk.