"My life on boats first began when I left South Africa at the tender age of two," says Max. "After crossing the Atlantic on a 30 foot Miura, my 2 year journey ended in St. Martin, where I have lived every since. Living on sail boats my whole life I grew up sailing Opies, Lasers, and Hobies. The Heineken, Caribe, and Golden Rock Regattas have all been times to test those skills. Things became more serious as I discovered that money could be made delivering yachts from all over to and from St. Martin, including long distance trips ranging from the US East Coast to the Med. With time I discovered the world of super yachts, something I had been exposed to very little. Soon my admiration of this relatively new industry took a hold on me and created an opportunity for a professional path within the world of yachts and the ocean. A dream that I thought relatively impossible or at least limited before. I actually got my first dinghy license in Trinidad when I was 7....fun fact!"

What was your first position in the megayacht industry and on what boat ?
Deck Hand on board the M/Y Balaju.

How did you get your first job?
I volunteered to work in the 2007 St. Maarten Yacht Show and it went from there. I met boats and many people here on the island who were in the mega yacht circle.

What did you do in your first year?
The first year I worked on Balaju for the Caribbean season and then crossed the Atlantic to Palma where we had a short yard period. I then left the yacht because I was replacing their injured bosun originally, and he returned. I am now joining the M/Y Galaxy in Italy.

What training have you completed so far?
I've done the STCW-95, Divemaster, RIB Master, and will be completing my AEC by the end of the month.

What advice would you give a new crewmember joining a yacht?
Get out there and make yourself known. Be enthusiastic and willing to work.

Were there any things you were too scared to ask about how a charter yacht operates?
I don't remember being afraid to ask anything. However, I did not ask alot. I solely watched and followed. The pace at which things happen on a charter yacht, you can't help but pick it up.

Did you make any gaffes?
I do remember spilling something out of the engine room bilge that burned a hole in my leg and put several staining streaks in the teak which took a day to get out!

What was the high point of your first year?
On Barbuda we set up our 3rd beach party that lasted from 3 pm to midnight. We had a bonfire with a 5 course meal and live intertainment. The guests thanked us by opening a couple bottles of Krug the next day.

How did the reality of life on board compare with your expectations?
I didn't know what to expect, so life onboard was very good compared to growing up on a boat. However, I did experience my fair share of the social atmosphere on board a busy yacht, which was a huge learning curve for me. Learning how to handle, deal with, and live with other crew in a tight environment.

On the work side, I also didn't know what to expect and the immense work load during charter was something to get used to but it soon became habit and an exhilarating experience. The rewards, apart from the money, were so much more 'rewarding' after a solid week of unlimited service. All in all, I love it and couldn't wake up more excited for any other job.