Maxime Alix Lomey

Sous/head chef turned interior designer

With professional support and open conversation, I think the transition period can be easier and

shorter for anyone wanting to leave the yachting industry.

After 7 years working at sea, I hoped for more of a fairy-tale ending, but this was one of the

toughest and best redirections I’ve experienced.

Suddenly I was no longer part of life onboard and not yet established in anything land-based, I

felt alienated. I returned to Cape Town to finish the renovation project I’d started the previous

year and moved into my first home. This kept me busy which was good. I didn’t know then, but

that would be the first of more interior design projects. All the time I spent asking myself “What

am I going to do after yachting” didn’t get me any answers. At this point it quickly became about

doing, not overthinking.

Even for someone who loves alone time, it was an adjustment getting used to a quieter social

calendar after years of crew lifestyle. I threw myself into work and education. I was welcomed

into an incredible real estate agency, got my FFC, started working and spent the next 8 months

studying my NQF4 getting qualified while on the job. I was also studying interior design online in

my spare time. At the time I thought that was just going to be a passion project for my evenings.

I really enjoyed it, it was great learning new skills and information in a creative industry I was

excited about. I was working hard in real estate when some home reno projects started trickling

in from clients and friends. I was still studying in both fields and undoubtedly moving at yachting

speed of 100mph every day. It pushed me forward, but I was quickly starting to notice the

familiar feeling of burnout lingering. I was saying yes to everything which apparently is what you

should do in the early days of a career (or two) But eventually, I decided to slow down and pivot.

Leaving yachting for me was uncomfortable for a long time but at some point, the positives just

outweighed that. I recently immigrated to Spain with my partner, and I work as an interior

designer. I have been fortunate to have had some exciting projects with great clients who have

become friends, this doesn’t come without hard and fast failures and lessons too. I’ve spent

more quality time this year with my loved ones than any other year and have focused more on

my well-being than any other year. I’ve been out for just shy of 3 years, and I am so excited for

the future.

I thought I’d share some things that really helped me, for anyone thinking of leaving yachting but

don’t know where to start.

1- I hired a professional to translate my yachting skills/resume to land-based, industry-

specific. This also helped me to better understand and make sense of my strengths and

weaknesses in a corporate language.

2- I asked for help - I hired two different business consultants at two separate times. Also,

therapy/coaching. I invested in my business and in myself.

3- This is an obvious one – but saving/investing as much as possible of income from

yachting gives space, time and the ability to make important life and career decisions

and can ease the pressure of going back instead of starting out in a new career/

business venture. Side note, there is nothing wrong with going back if it is what you

want. It is a great opportunity to have.

There is so much we do in yachting that translates easily to the rest of the world and can even

set us apart. Everything changed for me when I realized how exceptional yachting experience

and contacts are to the right people. For a long time, I felt intimidated and frustrated entering

new industries with 0 experience surrounded by people with years of experience, mentorship

and exposure. Our work experience is great too, it’s just totally different, we all have to start

somewhere.

Make use of the people around you that have experienced leaving and lean on us! We’re here

to help, even if we’ve never met. We understand and you’re not alone. How great that now there

are people like Amelia at Shoreside Coaching who are ex-crew and qualified to support you. I’m

excited for the next gen of ex-crew. If time is money, I’d save time and just get some good

guidance right from the beginning.

Thank you for reading along.

Reach out anytime, I’d love to hear from you.

@Maximealix