Vanessa 🇺🇸

My journey to start working for Yacht Week was quite unexpected. I initially worked in Corporate Accounting, where I worked for 6 years and gained valuable experience. However, my life took a turn when I had the opportunity to attend a few yacht weeks as a guest. During those yacht weeks, I built a connection with our host, Paula, who not only made the experience memorable but also encouraged me to apply to become a host for Yacht Week. Embracing this new direction, I decided to make a significant change in my life. I enrolled in cooking courses to develop the skills necessary for the role. Over the next year, I continued working in the corporate world while simultaneously preparing for this exciting transition. Eventually, the time came for me to take the plunge, and I made the decision to leave my stable office job and pursue a chance at adventure with Yacht Week. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, where I could combine my love for cooking, desire for travel, and my passion for creating memorable experiences for people on yachts.

Working as a host for Yacht Week has been an incredible journey that started in the summer of 2021. From the very beginning, I dove right into the experience, immersing myself in the world of Yacht Week. What made the transition smoother was the invaluable support I received from my fellow Academy friends. We formed a tight-knit community, always there to encourage and help each other navigate the challenges and joys of the job. After spending the entire summer working as a host, I found myself keen to get more involved. So I applied for leadership positions within Quarterdeck Co. In the winter that followed, I received an exciting call asking if I would be interested in becoming an Instructor for the upcoming Academy season. The prospect of guiding and mentoring the next generation of hosts was both thrilling and fulfilling. I gladly accepted the role, excited to play a part in helping others embark on their Yacht Week journey. As the summers progressed, I had the privilege of serving as the lead host and instructor for the next two seasons. This experience allowed me to witness the transformation of individuals as they embraced the Yacht Week lifestyle. What made it even more special was the love I received from both old and new friends. The sense of camaraderie within the Yacht Week community is truly unparalleled, and it made my role as a leader all the more rewarding. Being a part of such an amazing group of people and guiding them through their Yacht Week adventures, has been an unforgettable experience. 

My experience with Yacht Week has not only been about the incredible events and hosting but has also opened up the world to me through the amazing connections I've made. The opportunity to travel throughout Europe became a reality, thanks to the friendships forged with guests, fellow hosts, and skippers during these memorable yacht adventures. The network of connections built through Yacht Week has proven to be invaluable. It goes beyond the picturesque landscapes and vibrant parties; it extends to starting exciting new chapters — like living in Australia! What's truly remarkable about these relationships is the sense of family. Whether it's seeking recommendations for a hidden gem in a city or needing someone to show me around town, I know that I can reach out to friends made during those summers. It's a community that goes beyond borders, providing not just a taste of adventure but a network of friends who make the world feel a bit smaller and a lot more welcoming.