This Valentine's, we held a competition for all the single sailors out there. The prize? To win 1 of 8 spots aboard The Love Boat.
The Love Boat Crew ❤
One week ago, these guys were all complete strangers. Rumour has it, they're now the best of friends.
Croatia, Week 24 came around pretty quick and Sophie, our copywriter from HQ, had the opportunity to catch up with the crew and find out whether love did indeed strike at sea.
Introducing:
Chris 🇿🇦 | 26 - 'Kirbz'
📸 @ ckirbz91
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"I was in work. My first thought was: this must be a mistake. The second was: I can't wait to see what the dynamic will be like between everybody. Joining 8 complete strangers together from all over the world is an interesting concept."
Have you ever sailed before?
"Absolutely not. This is my first time on a boat! Croatia has always been top of my places to see and I'm glad I've got to see it with The Yacht Week."
Have you made any romantic connections aboard The Love Boat?
"I have a large bromance going on with Gordy. He's the twinkle of my eye. I can't say I'm entirely faithful... all of the other boys are rock stars and the girls complete babes, but Gabby's always been the special little cookie from the start."
How's your TYW experience been this week?
"It's been the perfect escape from work and all the stress that comes with work. The week has been hilarious but it's definitely taken a few years off my life-span. It's all great in theory but in practice this stuff takes its toll on you."
Gabby 🇧🇷 | 24
📸 @gabi.nery
What was your first thought when you found out you'd won a spot?
"I didn't understand whether me winning was a mistake or not. I couldn't wait to meet new people and experience a new culture."
What do you think of Croatia?
"The vibes out here are amazing- it's incredibly beautiful and I'm having so much fun! Everyone is of a similar mindset, with an open mind and an open heart."
Has anyone in the crew caught your eye?
"I've actually shared a cheeky kiss with Chris! But just the one."
Would you return to TYW?
"Definitely. I'd like to bring all of my friends in future years and would love it if you were to return to Thailand."
Sára 🇸🇰 | 21 - 'baby of the boat'
📸@saracukova
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"I was studying when I got tagged in the post. I initially thought it was a pity post letting me know I'd not made the cut but it was actually the winning tag!"
What do you do back in the real world?
"I'm currently studying international business. This is a nice break from that."
Have you visited Croatia before?
"I used to sail with my parents when I was younger and we followed this exact route. I kept telling my Mum and Dad that one day I would join The Yacht Week and now, here I am."
What's been your favourite part of the week so far?
"All of it. Being infamous on The Yacht Week is particularly great though! Everyone knows who The Love Boat crew are! We get shoutouts wherever we go."
Gordy 🇮🇪 | 26 - 'Gordilicious'
📸 @gordylennox
What was your first thought when you found out you'd won a spot?
"Complete disbelief. I had to check Instagram to believe it."
What's been your favourite part of the week so far?
"The incredible food. Sarah (our Host) has been absolutely amazing and treated us very well. But everything has been pretty amazing. I like how hangovers don't last long out here."
Has anyone in the crew caught your eye?
"All of the girls are beautiful but I've got a significant bromance blossoming with Kirbz. We're planning on meeting up outside of TYW for sure.
Chris 🇬🇷 | 30 - 'Chris the Greek'
📸@chriseconomou
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"My friend who applied for The Love Boat actually told me that I'd won before I had a chance to see it for myself. He was devastated but he's been living vicariously through me all week."
Tell me about your first TYW experience?
"I came to Croatia Week 29, last year. Ever since then I've been referring to it as the best holiday ever to all of my friends. My favourite memory has to be the first time I saw a circle raft in person. It's the symbol that represents The Yacht Week and to see it in real life was a mind-blowing experience."
What do you do in the real world?
"I work for Asos in London. And I like to take a lot of photos. I recently got to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in the name of work which was pretty cool."
What do you like most about sailing?
"There are so many benefits! You get to see a lot of places in a short space of time and it's your very own floating home."
Have you made any romantic connections aboard The Love Boat?
"I'll say this- I'll meet up with the crew outside of The Yacht Week but only as friends."
Syan 🇬🇧 | 28
📸 @syandulai
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"I was in the airport on my way home from Slovenia. The holiday blues were already setting in hard when I got the email. All of my friends couldn’t believe my luck. I hit the gym time hard soon after that."
How much did you know about The Yacht Week beforehand?
"Quite a bit actually! I'm three TYW's in and proud. I've been to Croatia, Greece and the BVI's with you guys. It's good to have someone onboard that knows the ropes."
What was your rule for this summer?
"Always be a good wingman/woman!"
Diana 🇰🇷 | 26
📸@daiypark
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"I was actually on a really bad date when I found out! I was the second to last person in the post and was flipping through not expecting to see my face. I had to send a screenshot to my friend to triple check!"
What do you do in the real world?
"I've spent the past 7 years travelling alone. I've visited all of the continents except Antartica. Australia was my favourite place out of them all, I learned to scuba dive there."
When did you first hear about TYW?
"I met a guy in the airport on one of my journeys and he told me about it. I've wanted to go ever since! And here I am. I learned how to sail in California and I like to race back at home, that's why I was most excited for the Regatta this week. I may be a dead weight in my sail club but it's the taking part that counts right?"
What did you think about meeting up with 8 strangers to sail for a week?
"I was frightened I wouldn't fit in at first, but the crew is so friendly and we immediately gelled. On a friendship level that is. There's plenty more fish in the sea for me."
Alex 🇬🇩 | 29
📸@mrworldview
Where were you when you got the news that you'd won a spot?
"I was in the barbers when I found out I'd won. I gained lots of Instagram followers all of a sudden and had no idea what was going on. I read a comment saying 'congrats' and the penny dropped. I was shaking with excitement for a good 30 minutes."
Have you experienced anything similar to this before?
"I came to Croatia last year for Week 31. Visiting Croatia before hitting 30 was top of my bucket list and now I've checked it off twice!"
What's your favourite TYW memory?
"Taking a step back and taking in all of the small moments, like the spectacular sunsets we get to see. Learning how to sail has been the most enjoyable thing for me this week."
Have you made any connections with anyone aboard The Love Boat?
"I've been getting along with everyone in a platonic way, building networks, you know? Everyone has a great personality. And they all look good too. It's been a great experience."
Keep an eye out for #theloveboat 2019 competition next Valentines summer lovers 😍