Who’s Who in the Crew
Pete Bernard
I may have been sailing since my teens, but the truth is I was extremely reluctant to learn - my dad had to bully me into going along for the first lesson. But within hours, I was hooked, and I have been ever since.
It turns out that the sailing part is relatively easy. However, after a career in sales and marketing in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and then running a couple of advertising agencies, I’m spectacularly ill equipped for the many practical demands that come from sailing around the world.
The majority of other cruisers we meet are either mechanical engineers, have grown up in shipyards, or at least have had prior careers involving working with their hands. But while I may have zero prior experience of fixing engines, plumbing, rigging, woodwork or steel maintenance, I at least know how to ask for help and am not too proud to do so. So far, it’s stood us in good stead.
Jen Bernard
An accomplished sailor and racing helm in her own right, Jen came to sailing late, having discovered the passion only after getting together with Pete.
The ultimate glamorous career girl, Jen has always been known for her amazing style (with a wardrobe to match). So moving onto a yacht, finding new homes for an extensive collection of shoes, handbags and designer outfits, and swapping her management career in the pharmaceutical industry for hanging upside down in boat bilges came as somewhat of a surprise to many of her friends.
With a newly discovered practical bent, Jen has taken to the demands of long term cruising with aplomb, but has found a way to incorporate her social media addiction into the trip by taking charge of all Steely’s social channels.
Former Crew
Dixie the boat cat
When she wasn’t wearing a lampshade on her head, Dixie was undoubtedly the crew member who slept the most (although Jen gave plenty of competition in that department). She was our faithful night watch companion, never leaving the cockpit when we were under way.
On the odd occasion when we stopped at a marina, however, it was a totally different story. She was off the boat before we’ve finished tying up the lines, keen to introduce herself to the locals, and especially to check out the other boats in her never-ending search for the most comfortable place to lie and sleep.
Seemingly, cats get seasick at the same rate as humans (about 10% of the population, we’re told), but fortunately she didn’t seem to be afflicted. She wasn’t a massive fan of the engines, and was never happier than when the sails went up, the engines were turned off, and peace and quiet resumed. In that sense, she really was a true sailor.
Sadly, after 10 years with us, the last 5 on Steel Sapphire, Dixie disappeared one night in Panwa Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Gone, but never forgotten.