Tarryn Ellam

Re-joined AXIA during the shipyard period as First Mate, preparing the vessel for the season and supporting the Captain through the transition from private to commercial registration. Responsibilities included managing the mini-ISM, conducting LSA and FFE inspections, overseeing crew familiarisation, and leading safety drills and onboard training. I was actively involved in vessel manoeuvring operations, shared watch-keeping duties with the Captain, passage planning, and logbook up-keep. I was also responsible for organising and maintaining all deck operations and general maintenance to ensure the yacht was fully prepared for both private and charter service. I served as the primary tender driver, operating a 6.5m Brig with a single outboard engine, and managed all water sports and sailing operations onboard. Following the season, I assisted with winterisation and preparation for a refit in Palma, including a five-year mast survey.

Assisted the crew during refit in Savannah, USA. Worked under the Chief Officer’s direction throughout the vessel’s disassemble. Tasks included polishing anchor and pocket, aluminium treatment and painting, as well as basic carpentry and teak work.

Joined Vertigo, a 68m Alloy Yachts ketch at the shipyard, midway through an extensive 15-year, 7-month refit. Responsibilities included paint work, filler jobs, caulking and sika projects, as well as general maintenance and repairs on the vessel, two outboard tenders and limo onboard. We quickly transitioned into a busy season, starting with a 4-week owner’s trip followed immediately into a 1-week charter and two additional owner trips, cruising France, Italy, Spain, Malta, and Greece. I was responsible for tender driving, crane and recovery operations, beach setups, night watch, submarine anchoring procedures, general deck maintenance as well as the water sports onboard consisting of sea bobs, E-foils, 2x topaz dingy sails, towing sports, kayaks, paddle boards, scuba diving, and inflatables. I regularly worked aloft and played an active role during sailing operations, including hoisting and in- boom furling the mizzen sail, as well as winch operations. After the season, I completed the Atlantic crossing to Antigua.