Emma Bainbridge’s life has been an epic saga, brimming with adventure and glamour, set against the backdrop of the high seas. Now, however, she has chosen a slightly more tranquil road and lives in the quieter, though no less bustling, town of Grimsby, UK, with her husband and two boys, aged 12 and 8. She’s here today to tell me tales of her extraordinary journey from yacht crew to land-based professional.
Emma’s journey began at the age of 24, when she embarked on a career that would span 13 years, taking her from humble beginnings on a small yacht in Fort Lauderdale to the grandiose decks of world-travelling superyachts. Her first captain, an American with a keen eye for potential, advised her to aim high, to set her sights on the big yachts that sailed the globe. He wasn’t just her captain, but her mentor, pushing her ever onwards towards her destiny. And Emma, with her characteristic enthusiasm, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Starting as a stewardess on a 60-metre superyacht, Emma quickly demonstrated her skills and determination. Her rise through the ranks was rapid, eventually becoming the Purser on what was then the largest yacht in the world. This role, she talks about with pride, “It was the highlight of my career being promoted to Purser. It was an incredible honour. My job was very demanding but one I absolutely relished!”
Her adventures on what she describes as floating palaces were, to her, the stuff of dreams. Emma reminisces about climbing volcanoes in Italy, but not for her personal thrill, instead to ensure that the terrain was safe for the guests. On another trip she got to explore remote Indonesian islands where Komodo dragons roamed, a task both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. She laughs, “It’s not every day you find yourself face-to-face with a creature that looks like it stepped out of a prehistoric era,”
Emma’s yachting days were filled with helicopter rides, swinging in hammocks while sailing across oceans and hosting lavish parties for the rich and famous in glamorous locations. Dining at the world’s most beautiful restaurants was a regular occurrence, and was always accompanied by her fantastic crew, who quickly became lifelong friends.
“The list of highlights is never-ending,” she tells me, “from extravagant parties to serene moments on deck, every day brought something new and exciting.”
But life at sea wasn’t without its challenges. Emma vividly recalls a particularly stormy night when they discovered a missing plug in the beach club area of the yacht. “Water began flooding in, and one of the engineers had to abseil outside in the midst of the storm to make a temporary fix.” She admitted “It was pretty scary, but we managed to keep things under control until we reached the next port.”
The long hours were gruelling, but Emma, then in her twenties and full of energy, took it all in her stride. “The occasional accidents on board were also part of the job, though thankfully nothing too severe ever happened.”
But it wasn’t just the perils of the sea that sometimes were cause for concern, “The guests, with their often impossible demands, provided their own set of challenges. For example, trying to secure a table at a fully booked restaurant at the last minute was always a test of my persuasive skills, but somehow, we always managed to pull it off.” She smiles at the memories.
Eventually, the call of motherhood made Emma reconsider her seafaring life. “I loved my job, but if I wanted to become a mum, it was time to think about a transition to land.” The decision, though the right one, wasn’t easy for Emma. She explains that, “The most difficult part was finding something that could keep me as engaged and excited as my yachting career had. And, of course, matching the excellent salary was also a significant hurdle.”
Emma’s first foray into land-based work was a provisioning business. However, Brexit threw a spanner in the works, making it difficult for her and her business partner, both with young families, to continue. It was then that Emma stumbled upon Virtual Pursers on LinkedIn. Founded by Bec McKeever and Dominique Smit, the business provides a way for ex-pursers like Emma to continue their maritime careers from the comfort of their homes.
Bec and Dom worked together all the way back in 2015 and were already starting to plan what their next step was after their yachting journey’s ever came to an end. After years of thought, the timing was ironically perfect during COVID! In 2020, they decided they wanted to extend their yachting careers and what better way than doing what they already knew and loved. Virtual Pursers was born and it has been an exciting journey ever since! ☺️
Intrigued, Emma got in touch with them. “I thought it sounded like an amazing idea,” she recalls. After a few months of discussions, she joined the team, which had been growing steadily alongside their client base.
Fast forward to today and Emma is full of excitement as she explains that “We handle everything from crew HR and travel, to accounts and port clearance. We have a really great, strong core team at the moment but often have vessels needing our help for just a season or a particular period, so we have a network of fantastic ladies all over the world!”
The team has extensive experience working for an impressive array of yachts all over the globe. With expert industry experience working on-board, we provide a truly professional service built on the foundations of practical knowledge and understanding. Our innovative and adaptable approach allows us to build long lasting, meaningful relationships with clients through trust and consistency where communication is key. We aim to provide yacht administration support to all vessels, no matter what size of the yacht or the extent of the need. Virtual Pursers act as a bridge between the crew on board and their shoreside counterparts.
Despite her successful transition, Emma often finds herself reminiscing about her days at sea. “I miss the travel, the beautiful locations and the serene moments on the ocean,” she confesses. “And long-haul flights alone were a luxury I didn’t fully appreciate at the time!”
She laughs, recalling her insistence on taking boat trips whenever she goes on holiday now, trying to capture a bit of the magic she once lived daily.
Most of all, Emma misses the camaraderie of the crew. “They were like family,” she explains. “The banter on the bridge, the shared experiences, and the close-knit relationships were irreplaceable. And, of course, having a chef and someone to do my laundry were perks I didn’t realise I’d miss so much!”
For those considering a move from sea to land, Emma offers this advice. “Enjoy it while you’re there. Save your money wisely and connect with others who’ve made the transition.”
Emma also emphasises the importance of financial planning, advising against spending all earnings on luxuries like fancy handbags. “You can earn enough to set yourself up for the future. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of being smart with your finances.”
Emma also highlights the value of connecting with fellow ex-yachties. “These days, there are groups on Instagram and other platforms where you can find support and advice.” When she left, such resources weren’t as readily available, but now, they provide a lifeline for those navigating the tricky transition to land-based life.
Reflecting on her journey, Emma sees her time at sea as an irreplaceable chapter of her life, filled with unique experiences and lifelong friends. Her transition to land, while challenging, has opened new doors and opportunities, allowing her to continue her career in a different yet equally fulfilling way. Through Virtual Pursers, she’s found a way to stay connected to the maritime world she loves, while building a stable, rewarding life on land.
Emma Bainbridge’s story is a testament to the adventurous spirit of those who work at sea and the adaptability required to transition to a new way of life. Her journey from the decks of superyachts to a successful career on land serves as an inspiration, proving that with the right mindset and a bit of humour, it’s possible to navigate any change life throws your way.
info@virtualpursers.com
https://virtualpursers.com/
