Bon Voyage

For the Customer Support Team at Pantaenius, November means the start of the Atlantic Crossing season and we become very busy updating policies to cover our clients on their transatlantic adventures. For our policyholders it represents the culmination of planning and preparations that may have taken several years. 

Being able to visit our clients in Las Palmas during this time has proven to be a valuable opportunity for our clients to ask any questions that they may have regarding their cover. There can be no doubt that discussing the insurance, in person, over a coffee can be more enlightening than hours pouring over the policy document. 

It also gave us a greater understanding of the issues that our clients face whilst in the throws of preparations so far from home.  Many of the challenges that participants face in the lead up to departure became apparent to us during the four days we spent on the pontoons.  We saw, first hand, how limitations in communications can hinder last minute preparations. Most yachts were using intermittent WiFi connections and examining often complex information and documentation on small devices such as smart phones. We have taken this on board in a big way and we try and anticipate and understand this when sending information to clients who may be far from a working printer.

Clearly connectivity is now the name of the game, with many crews posting ‘blogs’ whereas once they might have kept diaries. Keeping in touch has never been more at the heart of the transatlantic experience.

It is interesting to note how concerns have changed over the years. Yacht owners undertaking the crossing today have greater access to modern technology to make the crossing safer and more comfortable. Gone are the days of relying on rain squalls and baby wipes to keep the crew clean. No longer do cloudy skies frustrate the navigator. Water makers, GPS, refrigerators, and even washing machines are now commonly found on board cruising yachts, though it was reassuring to see sextants bristling on the outer Muelle and fruit and vegetables hanging in nets.

Crossing the Atlantic in a sailing yacht is a dream for many yacht owners.  Making the dream happen comes with a certain amount of risk in spite of the advances in technology and the level of support and quality insurance.  We were interested to find out what concerned our clients the most about undertaking such a major passage. The response was varied. Though many expressed concern that a breakage could cut the trip short, most felt a great deal of confidence in the capability of the yacht to make the crossing safely and provide a secure home for its crew.

This key component, the crew, provided the other main concern for many of the clients that we spoke to. Would everyone get on? How would they cope with injuries? Do we have enough coffee?

The transatlantic adventure is no longer solely the dream of the retired. Many young families have also answered the call of the open ocean. This provides parents with a new set of concerns, not least the well being of their young crew and how they will adapt to the ocean routine. However, they are tougher than they look. We saw children being kept busy with jobs to do and when not involved in preparations, confidently leaping around pontoons and making new friends. Heads up, Pantaenius management. Here are the customers of tomorrow.

On Sunday 25th November 2018, the ARC fleet left to sail to the Caribbean leaving Las Palmas quiet.  All of the stresses of the last minute preparations, worries, concerns and where to stow all the food, will be replaced by the inexorable routine of being at sea. And yes, some of you have already broken bits of yourselves and your boats. But that’s what we are here for.  We may not be on board with you when you crossed the Atlantic but you can rely on us when you need us.

Jo and Julie would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all of the clients that took time to speak to us and invite us on board.

Bon Voyage from the Pantaenius Crew!