Chasing the Dream: Elise Ikoma’s journey from Canada to the yachting world in Mallorca

Today I’m speaking with Deck/Stew Elise Ikoma. Originally from Canada, she’s currently on the hunt for her next position and will heading to the US soon to catch the Caribbean boats on their way back to Palma.

Where are you now?
I was based in Mallorca for 3 months. Currently about to head to Canada for Christmas and then head to Florida, still chasing the dream.

What did you like about Mallorca?
Mallorca was one of the yacht hubs where I had heard others getting success finding crew positions, and it turned out to be a very beautiful place too.

How did you join the yachting industry?
I started casual work with a sailing yacht charter company in New Zealand. I had a Pacific crossing crew gig set up from New Zealand to Tahiti, unfortunately this was indefinitely delayed during covid. So, I worked in farming (one of the few 'essential' jobs allowed) before moving to Australia to a fly in fly out Gold Mine position. I ended up staying in this job for nearly 2 years! With only 6 months left on my visa, I wanted to be closer to the ocean, so I looked into yacht jobs in Queensland. I completed my STCWs, Powerboat level 2 and a Deckhand course, and moved east. However, I found a job online! A large motoryacht based in Greece offering pretty terrible conditions but it was experience so I worked onboard for 3 months before heading to Palma to dockwalk. That’s how I landed a good position with a proper contract.

Any achievements or special things stick out?
On my first big motor yacht we crossed the English channel twice. It was a bit bumpy.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The possibility to travel and see new places is great. The shared celebration with crew when a trip or season is over is hard to describe also. Amazing.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The camaraderie among great crew and teamwork when everyone has the same goals. AND No commute!!

What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Not having a set schedule, being on call 24/7 and not knowing when/if your next day off may be. It has been impossible to plan ahead with my most recent positions, as you never know which way the winds will blow.

What would you like to do next?
Currently, I am hoping to work charters in the Carribean so I can make up for all the expenses of flights, accommodation, certifications etc which were necessary to get me to this point. Eventually, I hope to find a permanent position on a dual season vessel. The real trick will be to find a true Deckhand position. So far, I have mostly been Deck/Stew.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your gut. About people, about places, about life choices. And if it goes wrong, forgive yourself (the hard part) learn the lesson and move on.

What’s your dream yacht to work on?
I love sailing. A sailing yacht is the dream, and if there is an active Scuba diving program onboard, that would be the full package. World cruising itinerary would be the cherry on top!

What’s your ideal destination to travel to on a yacht?
I would love to sail around the Pacific islands one day.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love hikiing, or going to the beach. Going out for a meal, yoga or running.

What’s the most memorable guest request you’ve had (could be strange, funny, crazy…)?
There was a guest obsessed with Bridge and he had everyone else learning how to play this card game at any time of the day. It was a great way to pass the time especially on rainy days.

Who in the world would you love to have on board?
I love guests who are creative people, like musicians or artists who play instruments, sing and generally play the game of life in a joyful way.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to be still working on yachts. Not fussed about where, but by that point I would hope to have my PADI instructor and yachtmaster certificates.