ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Welcome to our new series, the Many Faces of Yachting in Antigua.  We often think of the key players in yachting as the faces we see regularly in the media or at specific yachting-focused events, or the individuals whose names we’ve heard mentioned regularly over the years.  However, as in any industry, it’s not just individuals who make things tick over – it’s a whole community of individuals working together towards the same goals who have contributed to the industry’s successes.

Each month we will feature individuals who are part of that community and who have been contributing to its growth and development over the years – some for a lifetime and some who are newer to the industry.

The first individual we would like to feature is the lovely Janice Adamson of Falmouth Harbour Marina.  Janice began her career in the yachting industry working at Antigua Yacht Club Marina for 7 years and then at Falmouth Harbour Marina for 16 years.  She resides in Buckley's Village and has three children and two grandchildren aged 10 years and 18 months. Two of her daughters, Allison and Rabina, were members of the Youth Sailing Program at Antigua Yacht Club and achieved positions of second helmsman.  Rabina also worked for James Benson at BWA Yachting for a short while.

What is your role in the yachting community in Antigua?
I am the Operations Supervisor at Falmouth Harbour Marina.

How long have you been in that role?
I have been in this position for the past 16 years.

Is this your first role in Antigua’s yachting industry?  If not, what previous roles have you had?
No, I have been in the yachting industry since 1991. I was first employed at Antigua Yacht Club Marina in the same capacity of Operations Supervisor.

What interested you in the yachting industry originally?
I was attracted to the industry by the opportunities it presented such as developing my interpersonal skills and my administrative abilities.  It has enabled me to multi-task and interact with people from every walk of life and all parts of the world.

What is one of your most memorable moments during your time in this field?
My most memorable moment was when we welcomed M/Y Tatoosh to our shores.  This yacht measured 301 feet and was the largest yacht to ever dock at a marina in Antigua.  It caused quite a stir among yachtsmen as well as the residents of English Harbour who came out in droves to see this magnificent yacht.

What is the highlight of the yachting year for you?
The highlight of the yachting year has always been the Antigua Charter Yacht Show at the beginning of December.  It kicks off the season and brings the finest yachts to our shores.

Does yachting form part of your leisure activities?
Yes, I go sailing whenever I get a chance.

What do you think can be added or worked on to improve the yachting environment in Antigua?
I would like to see English Harbour become a duty free port and Falmouth Harbour become a port of entry, both with improved security.

What is your advice to someone wanting to start in the yachting industry in Antigua?
I would encourage people to pursue a career in the yachting industry although in English Harbour it is usually a seasonal job.  There are many areas of the yachting industry that one can be involved in such as training to be a captain, a chef or for an administrative position.  The list goes on, but the industry is rapidly growing with lots of room for advancement.

We would like to thank Janice for taking part in the first edition of our Many Faces of Yachting in Antigua series.  If you know of someone working in the yachting industry who you would like to read about in Antigua’s Yachting Insider, please let us know by emailing stephanie@antiguanice.com.