Hub - CREW FOCUS IN MALLORCA
Each week Erica Lay talks to a crew member to learn a little more about our yachting community. With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/0028.
Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com
CAPTAIN FOCUS
Each week Erica Lay, owner of EL CREW CO International Yacht Crew Agency talks to a crew member to learn a little more about our yachting community. For more info on any of our stars featured here, you can contact Erica directly on erica@elcrewco.com
_________________________
Today I’m speaking with Hungarian captain and mate, Adam Maradi. A life long sailor, Adam is looking his next role either as captain of a sailing yacht in the 90ft size range, as race crew or as mate on a 40m+ sail or motoryacht in order to improve his big boat skills further.
The Questions:
1. What do you like about Mallorca?
The island’s stunning natural beauty both inland and on the water. Mallorca has great infrastructure and flight connections. Rivareno ice-cream. Mozzatura pizza, Orale Way tacos. The place is always buzzing. It’s a great place for meeting people.
2. What’s your background before yachting?
Lifeguard and diver first, then I worked as a deck officer on cruise ships.
3. When/how did you join the yachting industry?
I did my Yachtmaster in Antigua in 2016 but did not switch to yachting until 2021. I got stuck on a cruise ship during the pandemic. During one contract I was on anchor for 3 weeks then drifted 1.5 months on the Indian Ocean. We couldn’t get fresh food or leave the ship for 2.5 months. The next contract I was in a cabin for 10 days (on isolation) despite testing negative twice for Covid. Following that I did 3 months on anchor where we didn’t touch land once. That was enough for me, I got saturated with cruise ship life so I left and joined the superyacht industry.
4. If you didn’t work on a yacht, what do you think you’d be doing?
I think I would try to be a Snowboard Guide.
5. What training did you do?
Yachtmaster (Ondeck, Antigua) and MCA OOW Unlimited and MCA Chief Mate 3000 at Warsash. MCA AEC 1 and 2. I am also into drone videography. PADI Divemaster.
6. Any achievements or special things stick out ?
As far as I know I am the first and only Hungarian that has completed the OOW Unlimited Experienced Seafarer route in history! I am an identical twin, but I guess that is my Mum and Dad’s achievement. Buy one, get one free.
7. What’s the best thing about your job?
Being outside, constantly learning new things, getting to know cutting edge tech stuff, meeting uniquely crazy people, having a good team, cracking jokes and generally just having a great time!
8. What’s the most challenging part of your job?
People can make it or break it. Maintaining a romantic relationship.
9. What would you like to do next?
I would like to get onto my next yacht and enjoy what I do. Save money and build my house with my brother.
10. Think back to when you were completely green – what advice would you give yourself?
Maintain consistency, have the right attitude, be humble, and be friendly.
11. What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like hiking a lot. If I have the opportunity, I swim, surf, freedive, snowboard, or ride my mountain bike. I also like to cook and bake Hungarian pastries.
12. What’s the most memorable guest request you’ve had ?
Not a good memory but still one that sticks out – it was an owner’s request to sail his boat in a race with cracked chainplate areas. Needless to say, I refused.
13. Who in the world would you love to have on board?
Leonardo Da Vinci or Tesla. I would be interested in their yacht designs.
14. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Finished building my house in Hungary. Maybe become a farmer or work for IMOCA or ULTIM teams as shore support. Have a family (wife, kids).
15. Any stories, thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share feel free!
I did a delivery of a catamaran to the North Sea in February. The Dutch Coastguard came onboard and they asked me: “Are you lost?” Another one is when my drone got confiscated by the Police in Palma because I accidentally flew over the Royal Palace… They said that the fine is between 600-30000 EUR.Whoops.
Erica Lay
Since 2007, Erica has worked as an international superyacht crew agent, building a strong reputation for honesty, drive, and treating every client's needs with laser-focused precision. Known for her straight-talking approach, she treats every placement like a new project, leveraging her deep industry knowledge to deliver unmatched results. On the side of this successful business she moonlights as a freelance journalist, writing regular columns for the industry’s top publications. Erica uses her platforms to tackle important crew topics that others shy away from. A passionate ambassador for mental health awareness, she's always pushing to improve the industry for everyone. And she's conscious of her own skills - a big advocate for continuing professional development she's always up to something new to ensure her agency, EL CREW CO, continues to evolve with the times and changing industry environment. Erica also recently launched a new CV service, designed to help more experienced crew who want to elevate their professional profiles—because she understands that being the best requires attention to every detail.