Why remote working from your boat isn't just a cool idea

Remote working is a practice that has always been existed and practiced mostly by digital nomads or businessmen that travel often. During the unprecedented times of the pandemic, this practice has been introduced and shaped according to needs in many working realities, with the aim of giving consistency to certain jobs that couldn't be practiced in person. 

Offices all over the world discovered a brand new way of doing business, in a way that is more convenient and safer for people; if your job required a laptop and a good internet connection, there was a high chance that you were requested to work from home. Needless to say, the benefits of this practice had not been slow to be felt, as remote working not only implicated working in a safer environment but also meant a higher quality of life, with less time spent commuting, less money spent for lunch breaks, and much more. 

But the best part of this "revolutionary movement" is the possibility, for some of us, to work and travel at the same time. With a bit of organization ahead, it's not hard to arrange a remote working station and do your job from wherever you are! So why stay at home when you can actually be somewhere else?

We had the chance to interview Andreas Alsved, Business Manager at Quarterdeck and professional skipper, who showed us why remote working on a boat is an ideal choice for him.  

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Tell us a bit about yourself and your remote job. 

"Since the outbreak of the pandemic, I have been forced to work from home. Thanks to the technology now available it hasn't been a big problem, apart from the social aspect. My company is planning a lot for the future and with that comes the journey. All summer I moved my home office to a classic sailing yacht in the Swedish archipelago, a luxury catamaran in Sardinia, and finally a week's sailing office in Croatia".

What do you like about smart working on a boat and why? 

"Your boat is the perfect place to work. You're not stuck in the same office space, you can easily move from the saloon to the cockpit or the net if you happen to be on a catamaran. Once the meetings are over, the water is right at your feet (literally) and you can relax completely taking a dive in the sea".
 

Any tips for those who are considering working remotely from a boat? 

"I always make sure I have an extra battery with me. These days most boats are equipped with WiFi, but it doesn't hurt to take a portable WiFi dongle with you if you decide to go ashore and find a 'remote desk' on land".
 

How do you keep in touch with colleagues? 

"Honestly, it's so easy that you don't even realize once you're at sea. By now you can rely on a very good data coverage side and as long as there is a good reception you can communicate very easily with colleagues".

Overall, do you think working from a boat makes you more productive? 

"The fresh air and the chance to take a refreshing dip have a huge impact on my productivity".

What is the biggest struggle with working remotely?

"It makes life much easier if you have someone who takes care of the boat and even better someone who cooks. You have much more time to concentrate on work or leisure. Also, a good connection can be hard to find in the open sea or in certain remote bays; if you know you have a busy working day ahead of you, make sure you can find the right spot to work without problems".

What is your favorite workspace on board? 

"I really like the ability to change workspace from the cabin to the cockpit or the saloon but if I had to choose one, I love to have my coffee, take a cushion, and my laptop right at the bow of the boat".  
 

Work remotely while on vacation: what's the thing you like the most about it?  

"On a boat, you can isolate yourself with friends, family, or even colleagues. It's really a great way to stay isolated from the crowds but, at the same time, stay in touch with the rest of the world".

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Follow Andreas and his adventures on Instagram: @andreasalsved 

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Thinking of working from your boat? 

If like Andreas you are considering taking advantage of the privileges of remote work whilst sitting comfortably on a private yacht, take a look at our boat availability on our website, or check out our blog for itinerary inspirations!