Moving to a new place/ country can be daunting but hopefully, these 8 simple tips will help if you are arriving in Antibes for the first time:
1) Avoid airport taxis
Don’t get a taxi from Nice Airport to Antibes. Take the bus from outside the terminal or a train which is about a 10 minute walk away. Not only will you save yourself many many Euro’s, you may even meet some other friendly ‘Greenies’* on the way! If you are outside of public transport hours or have bags and bags of stuff then Uber it. Much easier (and cheaper)!
2) Find a crew house
Where possible try and stay in a crew house, again it’s a great way to meet other yachties and hear about any day work/ opportunities up for grabs. Often the friendships you make in these early days will stay with you for life as you suffer the hardships of finding your first job together. The Grapevine is the best crew house out there and is well connected to the industry.
3) Leave your wardrobe at home
Don’t bring too much luggage. For multiple reasons. Number one there is very little storage in crew houses, apartments etc and you might be carrying it around from apartment to apartment a lot. Number two there is little storage on boats. Number three you won’t use the majority of it. You don’t need five pairs of jeans and multiple shirts, blazers, dresses etc. Trust me 80% of it will never get worn!
4) Be careful with your purse strings
Remember why you are in Antibes. As tempting as it is to go out every night, try not to spend all your money in the first two weeks. You might be lucky and get work quickly but at the same time, it’s just as likely to take a long time to land a seasonal/ permanent role with a regular salary. You have years to enjoy the nights out and you are here to get a job. The South of France is delightful but comes with a hefty price tag so don’t let money be the reason you have to go home.
5) Learn a bit of the local lingo
You don’t need to speak any French or Spanish at all to survive. But gaining some rudimentary language skills prior to arriving will make some aspects of life easier and you never know, you may have a talent for it. It could also come in handy further down the line so it’s definitely worth making the effort.
6) You’ll need your laptop
Bring a laptop with you. Not just a tablet. It will make your life easier when updating your CV, applying for jobs and registering with agencies.
7) Avoid printing tonnes of CVs at the beginning of your search
Don’t print hundreds of CVs off on day one. You will pick up advice for changes along the way, plus you’ll want to add any day work you do along the way. Little and often is far more sensible.
8) Save your self money by getting a local number
Get yourself a French number as soon as you can because it will save you money making and receiving calls. If you are operating off another country’s number you are leaving yourself open to the foibles of international networks. Also a local number shows a level of commitment to your job search as it will make you look more invested. There are a few phone shops located around Place General de Gaulle.
*‘Greenies’, an endearing term used frequently for new candidates joining the search for their first role on a yacht. A word you will hear for a while yet I’m afraid, don’t be offended!
Here at Quay Crew, we cover all areas of recruitment for yachts. I personally concentrate on Junior Interior roles and work closely with our clients to hand pick excellent crew, including ‘greenies’ with excellent potential. Whether that be Stew/ Stewardess, Stew/ Masseuses, Hairdressers, Nurses, Nannies…the list goes on. If you feel you have any additional skill that makes you stand out please get in touch with me at fiona@quaycrew.com and make sure you are registered here. I will be in Antibes to arrange meetings with candidates from the 1st March.
