NOJO Spotlight: Crew Services Associate Lina Palm

In this week’s NoJo Spotlight, we spotlight Crew Services Associate Lina Palm. Based in Barcelona, Lina is perfectly positioned to aid crewmembers and yacht captains and owners in placement in the area and throughout the Mediterranean. Lina began her career in yachting in 2007 as a junior stewardess on a high-profile charter yacht. When life on land called, Lina transitioned her career to crew placement. Lina’s experience provides a solid base for her current role in crew placement. She takes great pleasure in every opportunity to interact with crew, captains and owners.

How did you get into the yachting industry and what led you to where you are today?

I was working in a hotel in Sweden and one of my colleagues was a former chief stewardess. She told me all about yachting and her experiences. I was keen on some adventure so I did my STCW and went to Antibes. Two weeks later I joined my first yacht in Barbados. After seven years onboard yachts, I was offered a position with a leading crew agency, which I accepted. Six years after that, I was contacted by Marcy Williams and accepted an offer to work with N&J.

What do you think makes N&J special?

The people! There is a true sense of camaraderie and everybody works together and supports each other which I find amazing! All are professional and hard-working, but with a real human touch.

What do you like most about your job?

I love the social aspect, all the interaction I get to have, with the crew, owners and captains. I enjoy giving advice and steering a crew member in the right direction and eventually seeing a good match be made between yacht/owner and crew. It’s very rewarding knowing that my work has a real impact on a crew member’s life and career, and knowing that my owners and captains are happy with my candidates is so great!

What accomplishment at N&J makes you most proud?

Every time I make a placement!

What is your favorite cruising destination and why?

I love cruising everywhere, I cannot choose just one spot… The Med, The Caribbean, Bahamas, Maldives… They’re all my favorites!

If you had a yacht what type of yacht would you have?

Definitely a motor yacht with nice outside dining and chill-out area and a Jacuzzi. That’s the dream!

If you had a yacht where would you spend the most time aboard?

Sundeck and upper aft deck. I love spending time outside.

What’s your favorite activity you enjoy with friends/family?

Picnic and sports at the park or beach, or cooking and sharing a meal.

What is one fun/unique fact about yourself?

My favorite animals are gorillas.

What is one tip for first-time clients?

My top tip for first-time crew members looking for their first break is to be open-minded, flexible, and work hard!