An interview with the PrESIDENT OF YPI CREW
By Jess Rowe
YPI Crew stands as the premier global yacht crew recruitment agency, skillfully pairing yacht crew with suitable opportunities and aiding clients in assembling their yacht teams for more than two decades. Their mission is to facilitate entry for inexperienced crew into the industry and support seasoned crew in advancing their careers and honing their skills. While headquartered in Antibes, France, YPI Crew recruits and places crew members worldwide.
I’m so pleased to have the support from President Laurence and her team as when I started out in the yachting industry in Antibes around seven years ago, YPI Crew was one of the first offices I went to for advice as a green deckhand and was interviewed for open positions across the Mediterranean. One thing that left a lasting impression on me was the genuine friendliness and honesty of the entire team. They invested in my success, understanding the challenges of being a female in a predominantly male role on deck at that time.
When we initiated our challenge, I contacted Laurence, and her support was unparalleled. We consider ourselves fortunate to have them as part of our team, and the fact that YPI Crew is an all-female company fills us with optimism. On behalf of team Seas the Day, I’d like to express our immense gratitude for your unwavering support and belief in us, especially when faced with skepticism from others. Laurence and her team epitomise the significance of offering a robust support network, a principle they uphold in their dealings with crew members working at sea. Your backing has been invaluable to us, and we truly appreciate it.
We spoke to Laurence Lewis, President of YPI Crew about the partnership and here’s what she had to say:
What inspired YPI Crew to partner with Seas the Day Ocean Rowing Team?
The strength, determination and resilience in the Seas the Day Ocean Rowing Team strikes a chord with YPI CREW's ethos. Our team comprises 21 talented women, mirroring the all-women rowing team's spirit. In addition to that, the concept of grit that is required for this challenge is something that really resonates with me.
When you first heard about the ocean rowing team's upcoming endeavors, what intrigued you the most?
When we first became aware of the Seas the Day Ocean Rowing Team's mission, we were impressed by the courage needed to set off on this sort of adventure and just how out of the ordinary it was. It's a contrast to our day-to-day operations within the structured confines of an office environment and it demands an extraordinary level of bravery and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable. It truly provokes admiration and respect.
Were there any specific moments or qualities about our team that sealed the deal for you?
The Seas the Day team's commitment to their goal was what solidified our decision as it showcases the same qualities we admire in our crew: dedication, exceptional teamwork and the pursuit of excellence.
We'd love to hear about the values your company holds dear and how they resonate with the goals of the ocean rowing team.
Trust and partnership are YPI CREW's values. These values are perfectly echoed in the Seas the Day team's reliance on each other to overcome the immense challenges of ocean rowing.
What makes this partnership more than just a sponsorship, but a meeting of minds and missions?
At YPI CREW, we rely on trust and partnership in shaping careers in the yachting industry and these are the same values that the Seas the Day team will need to rely upon heavily to succeed in their mission.
What aspects of our journey are you most excited for or want to highlight?
We're really curious to see the kinds of challenges the team will face out in the vast Pacific, where there's nothing but the sea for miles. Rowing across such a massive ocean is a monumental task, and not many people have the courage to try it. It'll be fascinating to see how they work as a team to overcome each obstacle, and we can’t wait to hear all the stories and experiences they'll share from such an extraordinary adventure.
Would you ever row an ocean?
The idea is incredibly daunting; I have the utmost admiration for those who take on such challenges, but I must say, I feel more at ease behind my desk, providing support and helping to shape the careers of those who navigate the high seas. Our role at YPI CREW is to provide assistance from the shore to the seafarers' adventurous spirits, and we take pride in offering that anchorage.
What would your luxury item be if you were to row an ocean?
In the spirit of connection that defines YPI CREW, our luxury item would most probably be a communication device—to stay in touch with our team, share the journey's highs and lows and keep the sense of community alive.
I would also bring my mother hiking shoes which she has passed on to me and which I wear regularly when hiking to the lakes in the mountains of the Mercantour in the south of France. Obviously useless at sea on a small boat where space is at a premium, but a stark reminded to keep on going, not give up and that nothing great happens without huge efforts. In this context, they would be a luxury item.