Just like house sitting or pet sitting, there is also “boat sitting.” Boat sitting is a fascinating and increasingly popular practice where individuals take on the task of looking after boats while the owners are away. This can happen for various reasons, such as during the off-season when the boats are not in use, or when the owners are on extended travels.
Boat sitting is particularly common in countries with large and active maritime communities. Ports in countries like France, Italy, Greece, and the USA, especially in well-known marinas along the Mediterranean coast or popular sailing areas like the Caribbean and the Florida Keys, are typical hotspots for boat sitters. It is also prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, where watersports play a significant role in the lifestyle.
Boat sitters can take care of a variety of vessels, from small sailboats to luxury yachts. Their tasks include maintaining basic boat functions, ensuring the boat remains clean and in good condition, and sometimes moving the boat from one location to another to protect it from bad weather or to carry out maintenance work.
Responsibility and Adventure: Understanding the World of Boat Sitting
What’s interesting about this job is the opportunity to live in exotic locations while learning valuable skills in boat handling. For many boat sitters, the job also offers a unique chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the maritime way of life.
Boat sitting involves different requirements depending on the boat and the owners’ needs. Sometimes, the role simply requires someone to live on the boat for a period, without specific tasks to perform. This type of boat sitting focuses more on the security of the boat and ensuring everything is in order while the owners are away.
In other cases, boat sitting may require the presence of qualified personnel. This can include a skipper or skilled staff capable of operating the boat, performing maintenance tasks, or even entertaining guests if the boat is used for charter purposes. In such situations, the boat sitter is expected not only to look after the boat but also to possess the necessary skills and experience to perform all required duties.
Regardless of the specific requirements, boat sitting offers a unique opportunity to experience the maritime world and be part of an exciting lifestyle, whether for a short period or as a long-term adventure.
Here are 20 of the most sought-after countries with their ports for boat sitting:
- Greece – Ports: Santorini, Mykonos, Athens
- Italy – Ports: Venice, Amalfi Coast, Sardinia
- Croatia – Ports: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar
- France – Ports: Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Marseille
- Spain – Ports: Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona
- Turkey – Ports: Bodrum, Istanbul, Göcek
- Bahamas – Ports: Nassau, Exumas, Abacos
- British Virgin Islands – Ports: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke
- Seychelles – Ports: Mahé, Praslin, La Digue
- Thailand – Ports: Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi
- Australia – Ports: Sydney, Whitsunday Islands, Gold Coast
- New Zealand – Ports: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds
- USA – Ports: Florida Keys, Newport (Rhode Island), San Francisco
- Canada – Ports: Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax
- Portugal – Ports: Lisbon, Algarve, Porto
- Bermuda – Ports: Hamilton, St. George’s
- Mexico – Ports: Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta
- Maldives – Ports: Malé, Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll
- Fiji – Ports: Denarau, Viti Levu, Yasawa Islands
- St. Lucia – Ports: Castries, Rodney Bay, Soufrière
These countries offer a variety of exciting sailing areas and picturesque ports perfect for boat sitting adventures.
Boat Sitting: Balancing Duties and Adventures on the High Seas
It’s important to emphasize that the job of boat sitting is suitable only for very reliable individuals who take their responsibilities seriously and can watch over the boat diligently, much like house sitting. Since boat sitting often involves the care of valuable boats or yachts, it’s crucial for boat sitters to possess a high degree of reliability and diligence.
Boat sitting requires not only the ability to take care of the boat itself but also to ensure the safety of the owner’s property and, in some cases, pets on board. This requires a high level of trust from the owners, so it’s essential that boat sitters are capable of performing their duties with great care and attention.
Reliability is key to ensuring the boat is well cared for and protected during the owner’s absence. Only individuals who are aware of their responsibilities and can exercise the necessary diligence are suitable for this position.
