Profiles

Q&A with Bosun Eleisha Mealing

26 December 2025 By Staff Report

Bosun Eleisha shares the value of not taking things too personally and the challenges in yachting.

Working on superyachts, while an exhilarating experience, comes with its share of challenges. One of the most demanding aspects of this profession is the long hours that crew are required to work. This commitment demands not only physical stamina but also resilience and a strong work ethic. The challenges are considerable, but the camaraderie, exploration and skill acquisition rewards make the experience worth it.

My goal is to advance within my department, acquiring knowledge and experience to become the best version of myself. I want to demonstrate that success is attainable in any field and encourage everyone to pursue their ambitions without fear. Ultimately, I aspire to work towards becoming a captain.

Treat everyone around you with respect, as this goes a long way in building strong relationships. Be open to learning new skills; actively seek out training opportunities and always ask questions. Bring a strong work ethic to the table, give your best every day and remember that being a team player is essential.

Embrace change and be open to taking risks. Coming from a small town where venturing into the unknown wasn’t the norm, I understand the hesitance that can accompany such decisions. However, securing that first job turned out to be the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.

I’ve learned the value of not taking things too personally. In yachting, you interact with a diverse range of individuals from various cultures, ages and backgrounds. It’s essential to respect one another, communicate openly and foster a harmonious environment. You rely on each other to start and finish each journey together, and that unity is important for success.

Despite facing skepticism from those who told me that being a deckhand wasn’t a suitable role for a woman, I viewed that criticism as motivation to prove them wrong. Each morning, I wake up with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for where I am and what I have accomplished.

Always be open to learning. There are countless ways to approach tasks, and everyone has their own techniques. Use this diversity to experiment and discover what works best for you.

 

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