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 22nd 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.
