The Positive Impacts on Young Crew of Joining the Superyacht Industry

Embarking on a career in the superyacht industry offers young individuals a unique opportunity to explore the world, develop valuable skills, and forge lasting connections and friendships.  Whether it’s working as a deckhand, engineer, stewardess or chef, joining a superyacht as crew can be a transformative experience with lifelong positive impacts.

I personally starting working on yachts just after turning 18, which back in 2006 was unusual, all other new crew were post university age, typically 22/23 years old.  It meant with 4 years of hard work and studying in any leave periods I had, I gained my OOW around my 22^nd birthday, then learning to lead as a deck officer.  It has been one of the most rewarding careers I could have imagined, with countless opportunities and exciting adventures.

One of the most exciting aspects of working on a superyacht is the opportunity to travel to some of the most stunning and exotic destinations in the world.  From the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, to the remote environment of the Pacific and the glamorous coastlines of the Mediterranean, young crew have the chance to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and environments.  This exposure to different countries and customs cultivates a broad worldview, a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and an inner confidence to be able to travel anywhere anytime. 

The high level of professionalism and expertise from crew that the superyacht industry requires provides young crew with an ideal environment for personal and professional growth.  Whether it’s learning navigational skills, improving mechanical abilities, honing culinary techniques or mastering onboard hospitality, working on a superyacht offers a wealth of opportunities for skill acquisition and career advancement.  Additionally and easily overlooked, crewmembers receive training and certifications in safety, first aid, fire fighting and security, further enhancing their skill set and future employability, not many typical jobs would give you such a broad range of experiences.

Not easily forgotten is the financial rewards, with very competitive salaries, tips, and bonuses, often tax free, young yachties can build themselves unimaginable investments and savings which to their land based friends is unbelievable.  I personally bought my first house at age 24, which 12 years later many of my land based friends still have not managed.  In addition to the financial incentives, working on a superyacht provides access to a luxurious lifestyle, mixing with the world’s elite, socialising in high-end places and eating out at top restaurants.  For young crew, this lifestyle can be both rewarding and fulfilling, offering a unique blend of work and play, in some of the world’s most exclusive settings (although caution must be exercised to not spend all their hard earned wealth).

The superyacht industry is a close-knit community, offering ample opportunities for networking and career advancement.  Young crew members have the chance to connect with industry professionals, yacht owners and charter guests, building valuable relationships that can lead to desirable future career opportunities.  Whether it’s securing a position on a larger yacht, transitioning into a shoreside role in yacht management or brokerage, or breaking out into entrepreneurship, the connections made within the superyacht industry can open doors to exciting career paths and professional growth.

Working on a superyacht is not just a job, it’s an adventurous lifestyle.  The demanding nature of the work requires young crewmembers to adapt quickly to new environments, overcome challenges and develop a strong work ethic.  This fosters personal growth, resilience and self-confidence, as crewmembers learn to navigate the complexities of life at sea.  Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork onboard creates a supportive environment where young individuals can thrive, develop and really excel.

Joining the superyacht industry as a young crewmember offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, travel, and adventure.  From exploring exotic destinations to honing valuable skills and forging lifelong connections, working on a superyacht provides an unparalleled experience that can shape the course of a young person’s life, as it has done with my own.  Whether it’s embarking on a career at sea or using the skills acquired to pursue other future endeavours, the positive impacts of joining the superyacht industry are as boundless as the horizon is far.

Social Media Use On-Board Yachts

The Superyacht industry has always been known for luxury, excess, exclusivity and above all, discretion. Whether it’s the golden teak decks, unique interiors, or luxury destinations, superyachts are floating gin palaces that cater to the world’s elite.  However, behind this world of extravagance, there exists a crucial aspect that is often overshadowed these days – the importance of discretion and secrecy by the crew, particularly in the age of social media.

Everyday I see photos from crew tagging their location and even their next destination, clearly with guests onboard, if you see enough of their ‘stories’ you can piece together exactly what cruising the yacht is doing.  Dinner table and party set up pictures, posted in real time can easily give away numbers of guests coming, a 200 person party set up is bound to be attended by some persons of interest. 

I remember the days we were asked to not mention to anyone our upcoming plans on-board, which was easy to comply with, as long as you didn’t blab about it when at the Blue Lady or the Mad Mongoose.  These days you ask the crew not to post anything on social media about the upcoming trip with resounding nods and agreement, then day one of the voyage and everybody has seemed to have turned into Cameron Crowe, documenting every wave that hits the porthole or every glistening sunset.

A simple location tag on a photo from a crewmember is often enough for a keen yacht spotter to deduce where the yacht is and reveal the presence of high-profile guests on board, potentially compromising their privacy and safety. 

The crew onboard superyachts are privy to the personal lives, preferences, and sometimes even the darkest secrets of their guests.  Business deals, mistresses, prostitutes, secret games and affairs are all to be kept tight-lipped about.  While crew wouldn’t intentionally post about the guests themselves, it is getting more and more usual for guests to add crew as ‘friends’ on their social media accounts, this then means if a crew member posts about the yacht, they may inadvertently give away some personal information the guests would rather their friends not know about.  Crew often sign non-disclosure agreements and are expected to maintain the public perception of their guests, however, these are usually forgotten about and not followed up by the senior crew.  Discretion and secrecy are of utmost importance to protect the privacy and reputation of the guests and the integrity of the superyacht industry as a whole.

Maintaining confidentiality is not just about respecting personal boundaries; it is about creating an atmosphere where guests can unwind, be themselves, and enjoy their time without the fear of being exposed to the public eye.

The superyacht industry’s success largely depends on its reputation for providing a secure and discreet environment for high-profile clients.  Business meetings with rival firms are kept quiet while it could effect stock prices and trust from shareholders.  Any breach of confidentiality can damage this reputation and deter future clients from seeking the superyacht experience.

The introduction of social media has transformed the way information is shared and consumed. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube allow anyone to become a content creator and instantly share their experiences with a global audience hoping to become the next big thing.  While this has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to individuals, it has also presented challenges to the industry.  All too often the news outlets are grasping onto negative stories shared on social media, barely having to do any investigatory work themselves as people have shared their limited thoughts on an incident all over their profiles. 

The use of social media is a worry to all who hold a position of command in ensuring the privacy of their guests is maintained, paparazzi, fans, or even fellow crew members can inadvertently or deliberately share sensitive information, photos, or videos of guests on social media platforms.

On the flip side, social media can be a valuable tool for marketing and promoting the superyacht industry. Crewmembers can showcase the beauty and fun of the industry, its destinations, and the exceptional service provided – as long as it’s done without violating the privacy of guests.  These days we have all seen certain yachts that have their own social media pages or YouTube channels to help promote themselves for charter and I’m sure they do well out of it, although I often wonder what potential charterers watch these. 

It is a delicate balancing act between preserving guest privacy and leveraging the power of social media for positive promotion.  This requires careful training, clear communication, and strict adherence to guidelines, often the best approach is to employ someone with prior training in social media and marketing.  In doing so, the superyacht industry can continue to offer a haven of luxury, exclusivity, and discretion for its discerning clientele.

The Opulence Of Superyachts

In the world of luxury and extravagance, few things are as iconic and beautiful as a superyacht.  These floating gin palaces represent the pinnacle of wealth, showcasing not only exquisite craftsmanship, the finest materials money can buy and cutting-edge technology.  From immaculate decks to opulent interiors, superyachts spare no expense in creating an unparalleled experience for their fortunate owners.

Superyachts are known for their stylish and designer exteriors, often crafted from expensive materials to achieve a perfect finish of beauty and functionality.  From the keel up, generally, on larger vessels, the hull is made from marine grade steel and the superstructure from aluminium, renowned for its lightweight properties and corrosion resistance.  It not only contributes to the yacht’s overall durability but also allows for weight-saving and intricate exterior designs.  The bare metal is then sealed with primers and faired numerous times until a perfectly smooth surface is achieved to paint over with polyurethane paints, leaving a perfect mirror finish. 

Teak, a hardwood renowned for its natural beauty and resilience, is another favourite for superyacht decks.  Its warm, golden tones not only provide a stunning visual contrast against the painted elements but also offers a comfortable, hardwearing and non-slip surface for guests to enjoy on the open sea.  Teak is also used for perfectly varnished handrails, supported by mirror-finished stainless steel railings. 

All fittings on the exterior are made from highly polished mirror finish stainless steel, from door handles, to mooring bits, fairleads and windlasses. 

The extravagance of a superyacht is most evident in its interiors, where no expense is spared to create a haven of luxury.  Hardwoods such as mahogany, teak, and oak are commonly used for wall panelling, and bespoke built furniture.  

Marble is used for the flooring throughout communal areas, bathrooms and dayheads, with silk carpets used in cabins and salons.  The yacht’s bathrooms are usually crafted with marble countertops, floors, walls and even intricately designed sinks, sometimes with gold or crystal fittings. 

The interiors are adorned with the finest fabrics and furnishings, elevating the onboard experience to unparalleled heights of comfort.  From custom-designed sofas to handcrafted bed linens, every inch of a superyacht’s living space is a testament to luxury.  There may be exotic materials such as stingray skin, leathers and silk used to create bespoke wall coverings or furniture.  Exquisite curtains and blinds delicately filter the sunlight, adding an extra layer of refinement and privacy. 

Priceless paintings and art pieces adorn the living spaces, many being one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable.

In addition to the lavish use of traditional materials and handcraftsmanship, superyachts boast cutting-edge technology, integrated into the overall design.  Smart glass technology allows windows to transition from transparent to opaque with a simple touch, automatic blinds, curtains and lights offer both privacy and ease.  Huge entertainment systems, onboard Internet, air-conditioning and lighting are all controlled through sophisticated touchpad interfaces, enhancing the overall onboard experience.

The other extravagance of a superyacht, is the level of crewing involved, from ratios of 2 or 3 crew to every 1 guest onboard, all highly trained and highly skilled in their fields.  The crew offer every type of service imaginable and make every request of the guests a priority, all while maintaining absolute discretion. 

The extravagance of a superyacht is not merely a display of wealth, it is an artful combination of engineering prowess and the use of the finest materials available. These floating marvels are a testament to the limitless possibilities when money meets craftsmanship, creating an experience that is truly beyond compare.

Rotation: Limited Experience in Half the Time

When learning to drive a car, passing your test and gaining your licence is only the beginning, after that is when you really start learning.  Passing your orals and achieving your CoC is just the same.   

For many crew members, the allure of rotational jobs appears to be an ideal compromise between a career at sea and a stable personal life.  However, there are several major drawbacks, most notably the limited experience gained when working only half of the year.

When gaining experience at sea, you need to endure all of it, the good, the bad, the easy and the hard, if working a rotational role too early in your career, you are dangerously missing out on getting the experience needed.  When working half the year, of that half a year, how much seatime are most yachts actually achieving?  They may be tied up in port, or going through a yard period when the individual is onboard, then suddenly on their 3^rd or 4^th rotation they might be thrown into the thick of it navigating through busy and difficult areas with little to no navigation experience, but 8/9 months signed on to the vessel with everyone expecting them to know what they are doing. 

Another dangerous element of rotation is lack of familiarity of onboard procedures.  From knowing how the bridge operates inside-out, to emergency response, crane operations, tender operations, maintenance issues, history of machinery and equipment, even guest interactions and etiquette.  These all take time to gain the understanding and proficiency to work safely and efficiently. 

Skills can erode over time, and the skills of rotational crew members are no exception.  Extended breaks between work stints may cause crew members to lose competence in their duties, which can jeopardize the safety and security of the yacht, its crew and its guests.

Limited experience can lead to reduced confidence and competence among crew members.  Handling various aspects of superyacht operations requires a high level of expertise and self-assurance.  Without consistent exposure to the job, crew members may feel ill-prepared and unsure about their abilities when returning to work.  It’s almost like having a new crew member join each time there is a change over. 

Providing top-notch service to guests is a core responsibility also, limited exposure to guest trips can result in a diminished ability to anticipate guests’ needs and provide a seamless and unforgettable experience.  The absence of regular practice can lead to guest service that falls short of the industry’s high standards, we’ve all seen the first trip of the season when crew are a bit rusty after a long maintenance period or winter alongside, is this really acceptable for clients that are paying hundreds of thousands a week to enjoy the experience??

To conclude, rotational jobs offer an enticing balance between work and leisure, but they come at a cost. The limited experience gained during half the year can hinder career progression, reduce confidence and competence, and compromise the quality of service provided to guests.  It is crucial for crew members to consider these negatives when opting for rotational positions and to seek opportunities for continuous learning and skill development to overcome the limitations posed by working only half the year. 

In my opinion, rotation is ideal when you have the need for it, such as having a family and you have put in the years of dedication and gained the experience to confidently carry out the job no matter what unfolds.

Crewing on 60m – 90m Superyachts vs. 100m+.

The larger the yacht, the more extravagant the experience?  What is it like to work as part of the crew on these floating gin palaces?  Lets explore the differences between crewing on 60m to 90m superyachts, compared to the 100m+ superyachts, shedding light on the unique challenges and perks associated with each.

The most apparent distinction between these two categories of superyachts is their size.  A 60m to 90m superyacht is already a massive vessel, offering luxurious amenities and spacious interiors.  However, when you enter the realm of 100m+ superyachts, you’re dealing with a level of grandeur that is truly breath taking, with ratios of crew to guests that are laughable.  The size of the yacht significantly impacts the crew’s roles, responsibilities, and living conditions.

On a 60m to 90m superyacht, the crew is typically the size of a school class and more tightly knit.  This can create a cohesive work environment where everyone knows each other well.  With smaller numbers, crew members often need to wear multiple hats and perform a wider range of tasks, making the work more varied and giving the crew more skills and experience. 

On the other hand, 100m+ superyachts require larger crews, getting into the 60+ numbers and the hierarchy is more complex.  You’ll find a more significant number of crew in the chain of command, which can lead to a more specialized and structured working environment but may also mean less personal interaction with fellow crew members and less diverse skill sets. 

The size of the yacht influences the quality of living quarters for the crew.  On smaller superyachts, crew cabins might be more compact and shared, but they can still be comfortable and well-appointed.  There’s a sense of camaraderie when crew members share spaces, fostering closer relationships, I’ve seen 3 berths where people don’t want to leave for an upgrade as they enjoy the dynamic so much. 

Crew members on 100m+ superyachts usually enjoy larger cabins and more single berth cabins are on offer.  I’ve also heard of many where there are 4 or even 6 berth cabins, so what you think is the truth with size, might not always be the case.  While this can enhance comfort and privacy, it may reduce the sense of camaraderie found on more normal sized yachts.

The size of the yacht directly impacts the workload and responsibilities of the crew.  On 60m to 90m yachts, crew members often need to be versatile and adaptable, as they may be required to assist with various tasks.  The atmosphere can be more informal, with roles overlapping, and it’s common for the crew to be quite hands-on with guests.

On 100m+ superyachts, the workload is more specialised and more crew to do each specific job.  While this specialisation can lead to more efficient procedures, it may also mean crew members have less involvement in various aspects of yacht operations. 

On smaller superyachts, crew members often interact with guests more frequently and intimately.  This can lead to stronger guest-crew relationships, and crew members are expected to be personable and engaging with the guests.

Equally, on 100m+ superyachts, crew-guest interactions can be more formal due to the size of the vessel and the larger crew.  Guests will often only get to know a couple of crew who they interact with often and will have no dealing with 70% of the rest of the crew.  I’ve chatted to owners who have sold their 100m+ yachts for this reason, they didn’t like how anonymous it was not knowing the crew catering to them. 

Crewing on 60m to 90m superyachts and 100m+ both offer unique experiences, and each has its advantages and challenges.  The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. Smaller superyachts offer a more close-knit environment with hands-on broader experiences, while larger superyachts provide more specialised roles and enhanced comfort.

The world of superyachts continues to evolve and as vessels grow in size and luxury, so do the opportunities and experiences for the crew.