For many, sailing seems like pure relaxation: wind in your hair, morning coffee with a view of the horizon, sunsets on deck. But what does a day at sea really look like through the captain’s eyes? Captain Giedrius shares his daily routine.
Morning Comes Earlier for the Captain
While the crew is still asleep, the captain is already awake. “I check the weather forecast, wind direction, waves, and route conditions. Sometimes I have to make decisions – change the course or even stay in port for another day.” These aren’t just gut feelings – Giedrius relies on various maritime sources, analyzes, observes, and evaluates. As he says, “Sailing never depends only on human plans – nature always has the final word.”
Every Day Has Its Rhythm – But No Fixed Schedule
One of the most important things on board is flexibility. You may plan to leave at 10 a.m., but if the wind changes, the plan changes too. “A captain not only needs to know where he wants to go but also whether it’s really worth sailing there that day.”
Preparation Before Each Departure
Every departure begins with a check: the engine, water supply, fuel level, sails, ropes, electronics. “It’s like a light technical inspection every day.” Even the smallest overlooked detail can become a major issue later – and at sea, mistakes are unforgiving.
Steering the Boat – More Than Just Holding the Wheel
From the outside, it may seem like the captain simply stands at the helm. The reality is different: watching the wind, adjusting the sails, giving commands when to turn – and also calming, motivating, or even joking with the crew. “Every person on board matters. For some, it’s their first trip and they’re nervous. Others are tired. My job is to see them all.”
Meals – Also a Responsibility
While meals are sometimes taken in harbor restaurants, they are often prepared on board. Giedrius notes that part of his responsibility is to ensure supplies are always available.
“Even if you’re sailing just for one day, you must be prepared for delays or getting stuck. The pantry must always have enough water, snacks, and spare food.”
Evenings – The Most Important Time for Connection
The captain’s work doesn’t end in the evening. Though the sailing day may be over, Giedrius watches to ensure everyone feels well and nothing is missing. “In the evenings, people relax, and that’s when the real conversations begin. They open up, share, laugh. And that’s when you know the day was truly worth it.”
Night Watch
If the voyage continues overnight, a watch system begins. The captain or crew members take turns observing. At night, concentration is critical – tracking lights, other vessels, wind shifts, and movements on the water. “This is no time for sleep – it’s a time when you’re responsible for everyone on board and must rely on faint signals in the darkness.”
Shared Responsibility
On a boat, it quickly becomes clear that everyone is part of one team. Each has a role, and the common goal is safety, peace, and a successful journey. Sailing is not just sitting back and watching the boat glide over the waves – it’s also about helping with shared tasks. Even small contributions – cooking, dropping the anchor – strengthen the bond.
“It’s not only the captain’s responsibility – everyone shares the duties and the care that makes the boat feel safe and welcoming.”
More Than Just Work
Life on board is more than just a job. It’s responsibility, care, skill, and the ability to connect with people.
“A captain is not just the helmsman – he’s also a psychologist, an organizer, and the guarantee of safety. Every day is different, but every day is full of real, human stories,” Giedrius concludes.
🌊 If you want not only to see the sea but to truly feel its rhythm – Travel Boat will arrange your journey, and an experienced skipper will show you what a real day at sea is like. Write to us to find out when Captain Giedrius is sailing with a group, or let us arrange a private trip with a yacht and skipper just for you and your friends.