I am writing this article from sunny but freezing Newport Rhode Island. I managed to get here despite the hoops and hurdles associated with Covid and US immigration. Actually, US immigration wasn’t the hard part. Due to the pandemic, no visitors coming from -amongst others- the Schengen area are allowed into the States. However, work related visits are accepted. Many Islander readers may find it interesting to learn that obtaining my B1/B2 visa wasn’t as hard or as time consuming as one might expect. Following the instructions for the online visa application takes about an hour or two. This is clearly communicated before you start the process. The result of my application was an interview scheduled for the 5th of May… This would have been way too late as I needed to get here before the 20th of March to help start up the program of the Gunboat Defiance, one of our newest clients. The application system offers the ability to write a plea to expedite the interview. After submitting the motivation, I was informed that it would be reviewed. In case the request was not accepted I would not receive any notice and the date in May would apply. This was a bit annoying if you’re trying to organise your life. However, after 3 workdays I received a message that I was expected two days later in the embassy in Madrid. With all supporting documents in hand I was in and out of the embassy in 11 minutes and my visa was on its way per courier to my home address. It’s important to bring the right documentation of course, ideally including the contract that proves that you have work requiring you to visit the US.
My journey started on a Sunday evening from Palma to Madrid where I would spend the night to get on a 6AM flight to Amsterdam, followed by my flight to Boston. The surprise factor was that The Netherlands required all incoming travellers, even those in transit, to take a fast-test. This test can’t be older than 4 hours pre-boarding. However, this was not possible in Madrid airport and my flight was at 6AM!!!
So I had a short night and luckily the test was indeed fast, but it was a bit stressful to say the least.
I made it on board my last and longest flight, from Amsterdam to Boston.
There was something about the crew that made the flight different from most other flights I have experienced. During the 8 hours that I was on board they made me feel truly looked after. You could argue that it was because the plane was only on one third of its capacity, but there was something else. They were very genuine in their interaction. It made me think. If an airline crew could make such an impression in such a short time -and with that, add colour to the experience of the flight- think about the potential impact of a yacht crew after a weeklong charter! The Med season is starting up slowly around this time of the year. I wish all crew out there to feel that sense of pride that today’s airline crew seemed to radiate. Go out and exceed your guests and owners expectations! Because the quality of the yacht doesn’t contribute half as much to the guest’s experience as the quality of the crew!
Jens Ooms
Invisible Crew
+34 647 83 83 68
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