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Living & working on a sailing boat: the pros and cons

Updated On 20th June, 2024

There is something about the idea of living and working on a sailing boat that is so romantic. Moving from marina to marina, coast to coast, country to country, all while simultaneously travelling and working sounds like bliss. If you’re wondering what it’s like to live on a boat or to work on a boat, or if you’re considering living on a boat or working on a boat, this is the post for you.

It’s not all glamorous, but it can be fun! If you’re ready for a huge adventure, full of highlights, compromises and challenges and everything in between, living on a sailing boat could be just what you need. Learning to expect the unexpected, to prepare for anything and everything, and to embrace spontaneity are just some of the things you’ll get out of working on a sailing boat. It’s a unique way of life, and it’s not for everyone, but if you’ve made it to this post and you’re thinking of living on a sailing boat, you might be ready to take the leap.

I have lived and worked on boats all over the world so I’m biased in thinking living on the water is a fantastic experience! However it’s not all plain sailing and I’ll talk you through some of the pro’s and con’s of living and working on a sailing boat for me. Spoiler alert: I definitely think that the benefits outweigh any inconveniences, but keep reading to find out why!

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Living and working on a sailing boat: the pros and cons…

Pros of living and working on a sailing boat, 1. the freedom to choose where you want to be and where you want to go next..

This is an obvious starting point and is probably one of the key motivating factors for most people when they choose this lifestyle. The world is your oyster and your travel plans are only limited by your imagination (and both you and your boat’s capabilities!). This is definitely one of the biggest pros of living on a sailing boat for me. 

2. Living in the moment.

Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. It can be challenging to be present in our busy and chaotic lives. We can also be tempted to constantly worry about the future and dedicate so much energy to our plans that we forget to focus on the present moment. Life is fairly unpredictable when you’re living on a sailing boat and appreciating the small things and being flexible with any future plans is so important. 

3. You bring your home with you.

You might think you have to leave a lot behind when living and working on a sailing boat, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sailing away can be the ultimate form of escapism but you also have the luxury of bringing your little home with you on your travels. 

You make the call whether you want to sail off into the horizon by yourself or share the experience with people close to you or furry friends. I’ve sailed with a little dog who would constantly be on the lookout for dolphins to chat to and would be too excited to sleep once she had spotted them! Another friend has a cat as his crew who can paddle board to the beach (assisted by his captain) and wander around onshore with his GPS tracker before making his way back on board. 

4. Every day is an adventure.

When you’re living on a sailing boat, nothing is as easy as living on land but it’s also more exciting! Even going to the shops can involve an unexpected hike to find civilisation and trying not to sink the dinghy if you have been over ambitious with your purchases.

5. Home is where the anchor drops.

Wherever you want to go, you can find a good location on the water, and if you change your mind, you can change and go wherever the wind takes you! Launching the dinghy and arriving somewhere ashore for the first time never gets old and watching your home bobbing around on the water waiting for you is also very special.

6. You meet like-minded people from all over the world.

Sailors tend to be very friendly people and living on a boat throws you into a worldwide community of all sorts of different people with something in common. I also think it’s quite entertaining how quickly you start to spot people who live on boats by the telltale signs of being tanned, sun-bleached clothes, waterproof bags (you never know if you might have a mishap on your way to shore) and the fact that they’ve probably already introduced themselves to you. 

See more top tips for making friends when travelling here.

7. You can work on board with the Internet.

Even relatively recently it was difficult to imagine how queuing at internet cafes or walking around a town scanning for any potential WiFi networks would become less and less common. There are much cheaper and more reliable mobile internet options now which make being connected whilst on a boat a reality and living and working on a sailing boat much more feasible. Remote working in general is much more widespread and makes this lifestyle more compatible with a ‘normal’ job.

CONS OF LIVING AND WORKING ON A SAILING BOAT

1. the weather can change all your plans..

It takes a bit of getting used to when you first start living on a boat that any ideas you might have about what you want to do need to be run past the weather gods first! If the conditions aren’t right, you won’t be going anywhere and you need to have a Plan B, C and even D to hand. 

2. Supplies are limited.

Living on a boat means being aware that you are working with limited resources especially in terms of water, fuel, electricity and food. The more luxurious the boat the less obvious this might be but the point still stands that if you turn on the tap it’s coming from your supply not the mains. This can be a bit tricky to get across to guests who could happily use up a whole water tank with one shower! It can be quite eye-opening how much we use or how little we can consume if we are careful.

See more sustainable travel tips here.

3. Lack of space.

Space could be seen as your ultimate limited resource to which the only solution would be a bigger boat, but the harsh reality is there will never be a big enough boat if you don’t adapt your mindset. Living with less is definitely a challenge as you try to predict what you might need most. The small space doesn’t just affect material things; think carefully about who you choose to have onboard too!

4. Keeping your boat afloat isn’t easy.

It may look like you are living the dream and let’s be honest, most of the time you probably are. Especially as you are less likely to share with your friends an update on a very glamorous morning spent fixing a toilet than a beautiful sunset photo. So you can’t blame anyone who underestimates how much time you will need to spend maintaining your boat. Keeping your boat afloat is a bigger challenge than you may initially imagine; cruising is described by many as fixing your boat in exotic locations, and this is something you should definitely consider before you start living on a boat!

5. Saying goodbye is hard.

It can be difficult feeling transient and although you are definitely part of a wider community, frequently saying goodbye to friends is a reality when you’re living on a sailing boat. The flip side of meeting so many fantastic people is that they will be on the move too but your paths may cross again sooner than you think! You can also choose to move around slowly or base yourself for long periods of time in the same area to feel like you’re creating more of a base. 

6. Working on a boat with the Internet is easier than before, but not easy.

Internet becomes another factor to consider in your plans as to when you need to be connected and when you can be sailing without any signal. For remote working on a boat this could mean planning any longer passages for the weekends if you’re trying to work a traditional 9-5 Monday to Friday schedule, or making sure you have a certain amount of control over when you work.

I think if you’re looking for an easy life sipping cocktails and watching the sunset, it’s probably better just to have a holiday on the water and not to spoil the illusion! But if you’re up for an adventure, and a steep learning curve, you’ll realise that your sundowner in your unusual home is priceless. 

GET INSPIRED ON THE blog here

Have you ever thought about living on a sailing boat?

Have you got any top tips for working on a sailing boat? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

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Is Working On A Yacht Worth It? Here’s What You Should Know

Have you ever dreamed of working on a yacht, and sailing the world’s most beautiful seas? It may sound like a glamorous job, but is it really worth it? Working on a yacht is a unique experience, and it can be incredibly rewarding for those who are ready for the challenges and opportunities that come with the job.

In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to be a yacht crew member and discuss the benefits, qualifications, challenges, and risks that come with the job.

We’ll also dive into the cultural and financial rewards that come with working on a yacht.

So if you’re looking for a job that will take you around the world, read on to find out all you need to know about working on a yacht.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Working on a yacht can be a great experience for many people.

It can provide a unique opportunity to travel, learn new skills, and meet people from all over the world.

However, it can also be hard work, with long hours and the possibility of seasickness.

Whether or not it is worth it depends on the individual and their goals.

What Are the Benefits of Working on a Yacht?

The benefits of working on a yacht are numerous and varied.

For starters, there is the chance to explore some of the worlds most beautiful locations, and to live and work in a unique environment, often surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Working on a yacht can offer an escape from the daily grind, with flexible hours and the opportunity to meet new people and experience different cultures.

Additionally, there is the potential to earn a good salary, as many yacht jobs come with a generous pay package.

For those looking to explore the world while gaining valuable job experience, working on a yacht can provide an ideal opportunity.

Not only will you be able to travel to some of the most exotic and remote locations, but you will also be able to learn valuable skills such as navigation, maintenance, and hospitality.

Working on a yacht can also offer the chance to build a strong network of contacts, as you will be in contact with other crew members and travelers from all over the world.

Finally, the lifestyle associated with working on a yacht can be incredibly rewarding.

You will be able to meet interesting people, explore different cultures, and gain a unique insight into how the world works.

You will also be able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as swimming, sunbathing, and spending time with friends and family.

What Sort of Qualifications or Experiences Are Needed to Work on a Yacht?

Working on a yacht is a unique and exciting experience, but it’s important to understand the qualifications and experiences needed to land one of these jobs.

Most positions require at least a minimum of boating experience, either through the military or through a recreational certification.

Those looking to work in the galley or as a steward may need culinary or hospitality training.

Those interested in engineering positions should have a degree in engineering or a related field.

There are also positions available for those with medical training, such as nurses and paramedics.

In addition to the necessary qualifications, having a valid passport and the ability to travel are essential for working on a yacht.

Most jobs require that you be able to leave at a moment’s notice and stay away for extended periods of time.

You should also be comfortable living in small spaces and working in close quarters with other crew members.

Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are also important for a successful career on a yacht.

Finally, having the right attitude is an important factor in securing work on a yacht.

Employers are looking for crew members who are friendly and outgoing, as well as those who are willing to take initiative and take on responsibility.

They also want someone who is eager to learn and can adapt to the ever-changing environment of the sea.

Having a positive attitude and an open mind is essential for success in this field.

What Are the Challenges of Working on a Yacht?

Working on a yacht might sound like a glamorous opportunity, but there are some challenges as well.

From long hours to physical labor to living in confined spaces, there are some drawbacks that potential crew members need to consider.

One of the biggest challenges of working on a yacht is the long hours.

Many positions require crew members to work long shifts, with some jobs requiring up to 12-hour days.

In addition, crew members often have to be on call at all times, meaning their sleep can be disrupted if theres an emergency.

Physical labor is another challenge of working on a yacht.

From stocking shelves and cleaning cabins to running lines and fixing equipment, crew members often have to do a variety of manual labor tasks.

This can be difficult for some people, especially those who are not used to physical labor.

Living on a yacht can also be challenging.

Yachts are often cramped and uncomfortable, with limited space to move around.

This can be difficult for those used to having their own space.

In addition, crew members have to adjust to living in close quarters with others and may have to share a cabin or bunk.

Finally, being away from home can be a challenge.

Working on a yacht means being away from family and friends for long periods of time.

This can be difficult for some, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

Ultimately, working on a yacht can be a rewarding experience, but its important to consider the challenges that come with it.

From long hours and physical labor to cramped living quarters and being away from home, there are some drawbacks that potential crew members need to be aware of.

What Are the Opportunities for Professional Development?

Working on a yacht can be a great opportunity for professional development.

Those who take on a job on board a yacht can expect to gain valuable skills and experience that they can use in their future career.

For instance, working on a yacht requires individuals to have excellent customer service skills, as they will be interacting with guests and crew members on a daily basis.

Additionally, those who work on a yacht can learn valuable navigation and navigation-related skills, as well as the ability to work with a wide variety of electronic and mechanical equipment.

Working on a yacht also requires individuals to be able to think on their feet and solve problems quickly, which is a valuable skill for any career.

Finally, working on a yacht provides individuals with the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills, as they will be working in close proximity with other crew members.

Therefore, working on a yacht can provide individuals with the chance to hone their existing skills and learn new ones that can help them in their future career.

What Are the Potential Risks?

When considering working on a yacht, people should also be aware of the potential risks and costs associated with it.

While there can be great rewards, there can also be significant risks.

For example, the weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and the boat may encounter mechanical problems or run aground.

The costs of maintenance, repairs, and supplies can be high, and there is a risk of job insecurity due to the nature of the industry.

Additionally, living aboard a yacht for extended periods can be uncomfortable and physically demanding.

People should weigh the potential risks carefully before deciding if working on a yacht is worth it for them.

What Are the Financial Benefits of Working on a Yacht?

When it comes to considering the financial benefits of working on a yacht, the first question that usually comes to mind is: How much money can I make? The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are looking for, as well as the size, age, and location of the yacht you are working on.

Generally speaking, working on a yacht can be a lucrative opportunity.

Many yacht crew members are paid a generous salary, along with other benefits such as food, lodging, and medical insurance.

Depending on the job, you may also receive bonuses and other perks such as travel allowances, clothing allowances, and even a share of the profits.

In addition to a salary, many yacht crew members also receive tips from the guests they serve.

Tips can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of trip and the size of the yacht.

Tips can add up quickly and can be a great way to supplement your income.

Finally, many yacht crew members are eligible for a variety of tax deductions, including costs associated with maintaining the boat.

This can include expenses such as fuel, repairs, and supplies.

By taking advantage of these deductions, you can significantly reduce your tax burden, making working on a yacht even more profitable.

Ultimately, the financial benefits of working on a yacht depend on the type of job you are looking for and the size, age, and location of the yacht you are working on.

With the right job and the right yacht, working on a yacht can be an incredibly rewarding and profitable experience.

What Are the Cultural Benefits of Working on a Yacht?

Working on a yacht can provide a unique cultural experience that is hard to find elsewhere.

People who work on yachts get to explore exotic locations, enjoy different cuisines, and immerse themselves in different cultures.

It is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, meet new people, and broaden horizons.

The crew on a yacht is usually made up of people from all over the world, which allows for a rich cultural exchange.

People working on a yacht can learn about different cultures and share their own.

This exchange of cultures and knowledge can be a great way to expand one’s worldview and gain a greater appreciation for different lifestyles.

The lifestyle of working on a yacht is also attractive to many.

People who work on yachts often experience a more relaxed lifestyle than they would otherwise.

There is no need to rush to work in the morning, and people typically have more free time than they would in a more traditional job.

This allows them to explore more of the world and learn more about different cultures.

Working on a yacht is a unique experience, and it can provide a great opportunity to learn about different cultures.

Those looking to gain a greater appreciation for the world and learn more about different cultures should consider working on a yacht.

It can be a rewarding and exciting experience that is well worth it.

Final Thoughts

Overall, working on a yacht is a unique experience that offers many rewards and benefits, such as travel, flexibility, and the chance to meet new people.

That said, its important to weigh the risks and costs against the potential rewards, as well as understand the qualifications and experiences needed to find a job and stay safe.

If youre looking for a change of pace, a more flexible lifestyle, and the chance to explore the world, then working on a yacht could be a great opportunity for you.

Do your research, stay safe, and keep sailing!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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What is it like working on a superyacht?

For my 35th birthday last week, I decided to set up an IAMA over at Reddit for the day about working on a superyacht. I thought maybe a couple of Instagram followers would post questions, and the whole AMA would die relatively quickly.

How wrong I was.

I didn’t even get a chance to promote the AMA to my followers while I was live because the questions were coming in thick and fast. For around 16 hours I was replying to your questions, mostly about being a chef on a superyacht, and it made me realise people wanted to know more about the industry and my job.

I assume my job is boring, but that’s because I do it every day. I’m sure you probably think your job is less interesting than it is too.

Oh yeah, and for those who don’t Reddit, an AMA is an “Ask me anything” question and answer session. IAMA is a subreddit that stands for “I am a..” The two go hand in hand. Mine was called ” IAMA Superyacht chef who has travelled to over 100 countries, and it’s my birthday AMA”

Daily life as a superyacht chef

It’s not as glamorous as you think. We tend to work long hours when guests are on board. It’s not uncommon to work from 6 am until 2 am, with a 2-3 hours break in the middle, 7 days a week, until the guests leave. Yes, I worked like that on one boat.

There are minimum hours of rest yachts need to comply with. But that doesn’t mean they do. Every yachtie will admit to working more hours than what is legal, just to get the job done.

When guests aren’t on board, things can be a lot more relaxed. Generally, the working hours will be 7 am until 5 pm, with a 1-hour lunch break. But this depends on the upcoming programme and how busy the other departments are. At the other end of the scale, I have also worked on yachts where we started at 8 am and finished at 4 pm, with half days on Fridays! Now that really IS living the dream, but it’s not normal.

Below deck: Is it really like that in the superyacht industry?

Everyone seemed fixated on whether the tv show on Bravo Below Deck was anything like the real yacht life. I have to be honest, yes, there are elements that are totally plausible. Some of the characters they have on the show are similar to people I have worked with before. Many are batshit crazy and they wouldn’t last long on a well-run yacht.

A lot of the antics that happen on Below Deck would not happen to one boat over 1 season. They have condensed all of the crazy bits and inflated them to cram them all into the 8 episodes per season or whatever it is.

The tips you see on Below Deck are also slightly different. What your seeing is a tip for a 3 days charter. In superyachting there is a minimum 7 day booking for charters. So the tips system is slightly different.

All in all, I have to say there are similarities to Below Deck. The show’s format uses real yacht crew with years of experience, so clearly, that is going to show too.

Charter yachts vs private yachts

Since we are talking about money, and that seemed to be where most people focussed their questions… Yes, Charter yachts tend to make more money because the crew also receive tips.

I’ve joined several charter boats with huge promises of these charter tips, only to be let down. One claimed to be the busiest charter boat under a particular management company with 16 charters the previous year. With the money split equally, those crew would have earned upwards of $50k on top of their monthly wage. When I joined, the tips stopped being split fairly (the lowest ranks got less of a percentage of the tip, while the heads of departments and captains received more. Totally unfair, don’t even get me started!!!!) and the boss decided to come on for about 16 weeks of the season. So…. not so many tips. Lol.

Another boat I joined, a well known one… also claimed to make great tips. Of course, while I was onboard I just had the boss on for almost a month as a liveaboard, so it was as busy as a charter, minus any tips. And the day I left? They had a three-week charter and the crew each made €33K in tips!!! That’s more than many people make in a YEAR as a salary! Insane!!

I have to be honest, I’ve not been so lucky…. I have worked mostly private yachts, which is a different vibe.

So, working on a superyacht, how much can I make?

Just because you land a charter boat gig, that doesn’t mean you will make the tips people claim. There are times that you will, but you could also be pulled onto a boat that is heavily used privately.

Private yachts tend to be more relaxed. You know the guests on a more personal level and they tend to treat their crew much nicer. The owners value their crew and will often do other things to entice a good crew to join, and even more to keep the ones they like.

It’s not unheard of for a good chef to be given expensive cooking courses around the world, or to be flown out to exotic locations for a few days to cook for the boss.

Many private yachts also pay a 13-month bonus. This is basically a tip of a month’s wage that is paid after you have been on board for a year, to say thank you. It helps weigh out the differences a little bit between the charter boats and private.

Exotic locations you can visit working on a superyacht

It’s not surprising that superyachts travel the world and pull into port at loads of amazing destinations. Much of my world travels were done long before I joined the industry, and a good chunk of my travels are actually done in the downtime.

Just because I work on a superyacht, that doesn’t mean I get a whole lot of downtime to see the gorgeous places we are anchored or in port at. I might get a chance to rush ashore to buy some fresh bread or pick up some fresh fish, but often that’s it.

Generally, yachts hit up two main areas.

The Med, where the season starts around April/May and finishes around September.

The Caribbean, where the season starts around November and finishes in February/ March.

There are a lot more yachts now that head down to do Asia for the Maldives, Singapore, Hong Kong etc. And fewer still make the voyage to Australia and New Zealand. Working on a superyacht requires a good passport and knowing you will be away from home for many months, or years at a time.

Africa and South America are not commonly travelled by Superyachts, but there are a few who make the long trip down the coast of Patagonia to reach Antarctica.

What did I leave out of the AMA?

If you want to read the AMA yourself head over to Reddit . Of course, there are a lot of questions that I had to reply to as gracious as I could without answering correctly. Working on a superyacht has its challenges though, and it has a lot of red tape. Some thing’s I just couldn’t mention or discuss.

I refused to answer honestly about guest drug use, orgies and prostitution. I left out personal details and names of yachts I’ve worked on. There were times I was very conscious of giving vague answers.

Of course, I could tell you all of the gory details, and believe me, after 5 years in the industry, I have seen a lot! I also wish to remain employed. So for the sake of honouring disclosure statements, I will remain quiet.

Feel free to use your imagination on what you think happens onboard yachts. You may be right, you may be wrong, either way, I’m pretending I saw nothing 😉

If you want to work on a yacht, read on!

I don’t work as a crew agent, and if I don’t know you personally, I can’t vouch for you to be a captain. I can’t just get you a job on a superyacht because you ask me nicely. That’s just not how the industry goes, at least, not when you’re starting out.

Your first yacht job will either fall into your lap, or you will work bloody hard for it. I’ve known people who get jobs before they even completed their basic training, and I know others who have dock walked and tried for months to get a job and failed. Not everyone makes it.

Some further reading if you are considering working on a superyacht

You may have noticed I don’t tend to talk much about my job on this blog. That’s because I think these people do a much better job at that than I do, and I prefer to help people travel here instead. But check out these accounts for more info and inspiration if you think a career in yachting might be for you.

If you want to start as a stewardess, your best bet is to have a read of The Yacht Stew’s blog she has loads of tips for that department. Another great resource is this how to be a stewardess post.

There is also a really awesome Spanish speaking stewardess Jamila who has a blog in English and who helps coach new crew.

For green yacht crew, there is plenty of resources and information about the industry over at The Superyacht Chef including a list of good agents to contact for work and I can create a professional yacht CV for you.

If you prefer not to be serious about working on a superyacht there are other ways to get sea time. hitchhike on yachts have an interesting take on it too.

Rachel Cunningham is a Superyacht Chef and World Adventurer. With over 110 countries visited in the past 15 years, Rachel wants to you to come along for the ride! Bring a bottle of rum, and a bikini, oh yeah, and your passport. You could end up losing all three items by the end of this journey! Round the world Rachel takes you off the beaten track to beaches, bars and restaurants of the unknown!

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Working On A Yacht? 9 Things To Consider + Salary Examples

Working on a yacht gives you the ability to spend your days and nights at sea while exploring fun and far-off places.

For this reason, many people wonder how to get into the industry and what other things they need to know about working on a yacht.

In this post, we’ll talk about the top 8 things to consider before getting a job on a yacht. 

We’ll also talk about how much yacht workers earn:

Table of Contents

Are You Qualified To Work On A Yacht?

According to BlueWaterYachting, there are about 15,000 yachts in the world that are large enough to require a professional yacht crew.

This might sound like a lot, but not when you compare it to the number of people that would like to work on a yacht.

To set yourself apart from these people, you’ll want to have experience in whatever position you’re looking to fill.

Wondering what types of jobs exist on a yacht?

6 popular jobs you might hope to get on a yacht:

There are also other yacht-specific jobs that might come up as well.  For instance, I saw a yacht that had two professional massage therapists on board.

These people might not be needed on every yacht like a captain would be, but they were needed for this particular yacht.

In addition to general job specifics, you’ll also need to be trained to work on a boat. 

Many different companies offer short courses that will teach you the basics of yachting as well as the basics of first aid and water rescues.

You Need People Skills

Another thought to consider is that you’ll need to have superior people skills when working on a yacht.  Remember, you’ll be in close quarters with a small group of people day in and day out.  If you’re angry at a coworker or customer, you won’t have the ability to go home to get away from them at the end of the day.

For this reason, it is important that you’re able to get along well with others.

Also, remember that a yacht crew is often very diverse.  People on your crew might come from different countries where the cultures are quite different. 

You’ll need to be able to learn these people’s social customs and you’ll need to be comfortable with the fact that they might still be learning about yours.

Getting to know new people and new cultures is very rewarding but it can be difficult at first.  You’ll need to be willing to work much harder at it on a boat than you would at a typical 9 – 5.

What About Sea Sickness?

Are you prone to motion sickness?  If so, working on a yacht might not be the best idea.  Getting sick on a short cruise might not be a big deal.  The cruise is over in a few hours and shortly after you arrive on land, the seasickness goes away.

However, if you’re sick on an ocean voyage, you might be sick for days or even weeks at a time.

Before signing on to work on a yacht, you might want to take an ocean voyage to see how your body will react.  It would be sad to get signed on to a three-month job only to find that after a few weeks you’re just too sick to continue.

Is there anything that can be done to stop seasickness?

Luckily, many people have found that their tolerance goes up over time.  However, some people never get used to the sea and they will always be sick while traveling on it.

These people might want to change industries or find a more stable boat that does not go out in rough waters.  For example, a person that gets seasick on the ocean might be perfectly fine working on a party boat on a river.

How About Your Health?

Another thought to consider is the fact that being at sea limits your ability to get medical care and medicine.  People with long-term diseases might want to think twice before working on a yacht.

Imagine you have to take daily medication to stay healthy.  Now imagine that this medicine does not show up at your next port.  Will the yacht owner stick around to get you your medicine?

What happens if you don’t get your medicine?  Will the disease become irreversibly worse?

People with health issues may want to resolve these issues before they look into a career on a yacht. 

Otherwise, they might want to work on a yacht that does not do long trips.  If your yacht only does weekend trips, you could always store extra medication on the boat to ensure your safety.

Privacy Issues To Consider

Privacy can certainly be at a premium on a yacht.  Crew quarters are almost always shared quarters and you may not even have your own bed.

I’ve seen some ships where two people on different shifts share the same bunk.

For some people, this isn’t a big deal, for others, it could be a nightmare.

Also, remember that you’ll always be in close contact with other people.  If you’re an extrovert the yacht could seem like paradise.  However, if you’re more introverted and need to have a significant amount of alone time to be happy, this might not be the job for you.

Getting any real time to yourself on a yacht can often be an impossibility.

In fact, even extroverts may want to bring a set of earplugs with them so that they can get some peace and quiet from time-to-time.

How About Your Friends and Family

Setting sail across the ocean on a yacht while getting paid to do so can be a dream for some people.  In fact, it might be a dream of yours.  But, have you thought about your family and friends.

When you’re off on a 12-month voyage, you won’t be able to see your friends and family.

Depending on your situation, you might have to miss people’s weddings, graduations, birthdays, and many other momentous occasions.  You may also find that when you get back, some of your personal relationships just aren’t as close as they used to be.

In fact, some of your friends may even resent you for leaving.

On the other hand, it is easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family member while staying out of reach.  With emails, satellite phones, and video calls, you can continue to cultivate relationships from afar, you just might have to work harder at it.

Seasonality For Working On Yachts

Jobs on yachts are often seasonal and can often be unsteady.

Some larger charter yachts might have a crew throughout the entire year.

The company that owns these yachts will want the crew ready to set sail for any customers they might get.  In this case, the crew may only have passengers a few months out of the year.

Other jobs on yachts might only last a season.  In fact, the most in-demand yacht jobs are usually only three months.  This can be great for students and teachers looking to fill their summer up with a fun and interesting job.

For others, this kind of work might not be steady enough.

Availability

A potential yacht worker might also want to consider their availability.  Jobs are more likely to appear around June and end in September.  If you’re not available during these months, you may find that jobs are harder to acquire.

You’ll also need to be very flexible when it comes to availability.

These jobs can come up quickly and they can be filled quickly as well.

When a yacht owner wants to set sail it can often be at a moment’s notice so you won’t have much time to think about whether or not you want to take the job. 

Wait a few days to respond and the yacht may have set sail by the time you answer.

What’s The Salary For Yacht Captains + Crew Members?

The salary of a yacht worker will vary, mostly based on the job title and job responsibilities.

Here are some example salaries of jobs that you might do on a yacht:

• Yacht Captain Yacht captains often receive large salaries.  This salary is typically based on the size of the yacht that they are working on.  According to CNN, this job is a six-figure job that can often range from $100,000.00 to $250,000.00. The reason this job pays so well is that it can be a stressful job.  Captains need to be available 24 hours a day.  They also have to be skilled in both managing people and operating large ships.
• Yacht Engineer/Deckhand These crew members will often average around $48,000.00 a year or $4,000.00 a month.
• Steward/Stewardess This crew member will average between $30,000.00 and $45,000.00, depending on experience.  More experienced stews will often manage the other stews so they’ll end up earning more money for doing so.
• Yacht Chef The yacht’s chef usually makes six figures as well.  This is because the chef is expected to be an experienced chef that can make luxury meals while out at sea.

Here’s everything you need to know about exactly how much the yacht captain and crew make .

They actually also make quite a decent amount of money from tips given by the owner’s guests .

Final Thoughts

Working on a yacht can be a fun and lucrative experience.

Just know that there are some challenges and be prepared to meet them when the time comes.

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9 superyacht crew members share what it's really like working for a billionaire on board

• Superyachts are luxurious, but working on them isn't.
• Insider polled superyacht crew members to find out what it's really like working for a billionaire on board.
• They said their days are spent fulfilling requests and keeping the yacht in top shape — but it really all depends on the superyacht owner.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

While working on a superyacht sounds glamorous, in reality it can be anything but.

Insider polled superyacht crew members to get an inside look at life on board. When asked what working for a millionaire or billionaire is really like, they agreed on a few things, like long hours.

Many superyacht  crew members wake up before dawn to start their day, which typically involves a lot of cleaning and catering to the requests of owners and guests.

Read more: The super rich are hoarding cash — instead bartering yachts, $30 million mansions, and caviar to ride out the pandemic

But while some superyacht owners are demanding, others are less so — it really all depends on their personality. Some crew members said that owners and guests are more like regular people than you'd expect.

Here's what life on board looks like, according to nine superyacht crew members.

Note: Insider was able to verify each crew member's identity, but we refrained from publishing their full names to protect their privacy.

Working on a yacht can be lucrative.

Insider previously reported that deckhands earn an average of $3,083 to $3,574 a month, depending on the boat size. Captains reportedly get paid even more — they earn $7,750 to $19,961 a month on average.

Kate Lardy of the Sun Sentinel reported that a captain in Fort Lauderdale once spent a total of $14,255 on day workers, who are hired temporarily for onboard services, during a two-month period.

But it's also tiring and demanding.

One captain who works on a 120-foot boat alluded to tiring conditions. Working for a billionaire is "demanding," he said, with hours that begin very early — before 6 a.m. — and end very late.

Yacht crew members have to meet high expectations.

One electronic technical officer who works on a 223-foot yacht stressed the pressure of delivering top-notch service while remaining level-headed.

Working on a yacht involves "very, very long days with little rest and expectations to perform at the highest levels of service while not losing your cool under pressure," he said.

They have to work hard to keep yachts spotless.

Guests and owners can be messy and dirty — and it's up to the crew to make sure it doesn't look that way. A mate on a 92-foot yacht said he had to wake up before guests or other crew members to get the yacht's exterior ready for the day.

"They expect it to look like no one has touched it," he said. "So any rain or dew, water spots, bird crap, or salt spray has to be continuously cleaned, not to mention having to constantly wipe stainless [steel] and glass when guests move around the boat. They leave smudges and fingerprints everywhere.

"By the time I start at the top of the boat and move around drying the boat, washing windows, and prepping water toys, depending on where the guests are, it's time to clean behind them."

He said he then has to be available for whatever the day brings, whether guests want to take the tender out or play with water toys, the interior crew needs help with service, or any maintenance issues need to be addressed.

There's a lot of cleaning, smiling, and snacking.

Nic, a chief stewardess, shared her typical daily itinerary, which extends from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a one-hour break for a power nap.

There's constant snacking, as she doesn't always have time to sit and eat, she said. She's also "always thinking and planning ahead for the next meal or excursion," like what guests "need to take with them and what they need upon return," she said.

"Always thinking of ways to make the day special and 'perfect' (as much as possible)," she said.

She added: "Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and lots of smiling. Behind the scenes, a lot of running around and working at high speed, throwing stuff into drawers and sorting it out later when you have time, laughing, and keeping crew spirits high. Never-ending laundry."

Work is easier when the owners are away, which is often.

Billionaire owners actually don't spend a lot of time on their multimillion-dollar yachts. Neither do the guests who charter them.

"Owners or guests are typically not on the boat all that much, so most of the time the crew has the boat to themselves," said Michael, a former yacht captain who worked on yachts ranging from 130 to 170 feet.

"Work is pretty easy and consists of general maintenance and keeping the boat in perfect/ready state for when the owner does show up. If you have a good crew it can be very enjoyable. If you do not, it can be very stressful and miserable."

Everything depends on the owner's personality.

Some crew members get lucky working for generous yacht owners, while others get treated like the help.

"It's hard work and long days when they are on board," said Martin, the captain of a 155-foot yacht. "It really depends on the owner. Some have treated me like family, and some have treated me like a servant."

But sometimes it's not the owner who's difficult.

A chef on a 150-foot motor yacht also said that working for a billionaire could be unpredictable, as every boat and owner is different.

But it's not the owner of the yacht who's always difficult to work for.

"Bear in mind that the captain is every bit as much your boss as the owner is, and sometimes the captain is a bigger pain in the ass than the billionaire owner," she said.

Yacht owners are just your everyday people on vacation — with more money.

According to Mark, the captain of a 114-foot yacht, billionaire owners are just like normal vacationers. Kind of.

"They're just people holidaying, but with more money and toys to fill their days," he said.

They can be more down-to-earth than expected, but their spontaneity can be frustrating.

"It's really nice to find out that some of the wealthiest people you'll work for are actually more down-to-earth and normal like any person you'd meet on the street," a stewardess on a 112-foot sailing yacht said. "The saying is 'money screams, wealth whispers.'"

She added: "A typical day involves turning heads, beds, and laundry for guests and crew, which can be a lot if you're a department of one. Food and beverage service three times a day. A lot of plans and schedules change on the fly depending on the owners and their wants and whims, which can be a bit frustrating."

• Main content

Get Onboard

Superyacht Training

How to Work on a Superyacht, with no Experience

Working in the superyacht industry looks like the dream job, right? But, how do you get started with no work experience? With over 12 years in the industry, interviewing and hiring countless candidates across various positions, we know first hand what information you require to get your first real crew job on a superyacht. In this post we highlight some of the features of our “Beginners Guide to Yachting” Ebook which explains all you need to know from how to get your CV yacht perfect, typical daily stewardess or deckhand duties, how to find day wo rk, and more.

What kinds of entry level positions could I apply for? 

The two most common entry level positions on yachts are stewardess and deckhand jobs. These are both junior ranks whose primary concern is to keep the guests happy and ensure the interior and exterior are kept immaculately clean.

What previous experience is useful when looking for a job on a yacht?

While working on a yacht is certainly different to any land-based career, there are a few land-based jobs that would have equipped you with skills useful on a vessel.  Jobs that may be useful include: 

• Hospitality-related jobs
• Waiting tables in a high-end restaurant 
• Child care or au pairing 
• Carpentry 
• Sports or diving instructor 

If you have already completed some form or degree or diploma in engineering or mechanics, this is also considered a huge plus. 

Are there specific qualifications I need? 

Yes. You will need an STCW 10 certificate to understand basic safety protocols, as well as an ENG1 Medical Certificate to prove that your health is in good enough shape to join a vessel. Get Onboard Superyacht Academy offers complete STCW and ENG1 training in Cape Town, South Africa. These are the only compulsory documents needed, but if you are interested in a specific role, we offer specialised courses to equip you for these. 

How do I get my first job on a yacht?

Once you are qualified, follow these steps: 

• Construct a CV. Be sure to include all relevant information and documents, as well as a friendly, yet professional photo of yourself. Download our free template for a starting point. 
• Pick a location to start. Antibes in France, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida are great places to start out as a newbie. 
• Find some day work. This is work outside of a formal contract, which may involve helping out for a day to several weeks. Day work is an excellent opportunity to network, build contacts in the industry, and get a foot in on your journey to securing a more permanent job. 

How much money do you make working on a yacht?

The standard entry level salary for a junior stewardess or deckhand ranges between €2,000 – €2,500 or $2,300 – $2,800 per month. This amount is generally tax free, although the onus is on each crew member to check with their home county about tax obligations. Certain countries are tax exempt, provided you spend more than six months out of the county.

Check out our salary guidelines for more information. Still have questions? Get in touch with us , we’d love to help you navigate the seas of yachting!

Needing more?

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Yacht Crew Agency / Yacht Charter vs. Private Yacht Jobs – Make the Right Choice !

Yacht Charter vs. Private Yacht Jobs – Make the Right Choice !

• May 11, 2023

Working in the yachting industry can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. As a crew member, you have the opportunity to work on various types of yachts, with yacht charter and private yacht being the two primary categories. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and making the right choice will depend on your personal preferences and career goals. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of working on a yacht charter versus a private yacht for crew members.

Yacht Charter

Yacht charters are yachts that are rented out for a specific period, typically for vacations, corporate events, or special occasions. Crew members working on these vessels will cater to the needs of the guests and ensure a memorable experience.

Pros of Working on a Yacht Charter

• Higher earning potential: From our experience, crew members on yacht charters often earn more in tips and gratuities compared to those on private yachts, as guests are more likely to tip generously for exceptional service. 
• Variety of clients: Working on a yacht charter allows crew members to meet and interact with a diverse range of guests from different cultures and backgrounds. 
• Flexible schedules: Crew members on yacht charters may have more flexible schedules, as they are hired on a contract basis for specific charters, allowing for time off between jobs.

Cons of Working on a Yacht Charter

• Less job stability: Since yacht charter crew are hired on a contract basis, there may be periods of unemployment between charters. 
• Higher workload: Crew members on yacht charters often have to work longer hours and manage a heavier workload to accommodate guest needs and ensure a high level of service.

Private Yacht

Private yachts are owned by individuals or families and are not available for charter. Crew members on private yachts are responsible for maintaining the vessel and catering to the owner’s and their guests’ needs.

Pros of Working on a Private Yacht

• Job stability: Crew members on private yachts often have more job stability, as they are employed on a full-time basis by the owner. 
• Familiarity: Working on a private yacht allows crew members to develop a close relationship with the owner and their family, leading to a more personalized work environment.

Cons of Working on a Private Yacht

Comparing salaries.

While yacht charter crew members may earn more in tips, private yacht crew members often have a higher base salary. At Yacht Crew Agency, we have observed that this difference in earning potential is a crucial factor for many crew members when deciding which type of yacht to work on.

Career Growth Oppportunities

Both yacht charter and private yacht positions offer opportunities for career growth. On a yacht charter, crew members can gain exposure to different clients, which can lead to networking opportunities and job offers in the future. ​Private yacht crew members can develop a strong rapport with the yacht owner, potentially leading to promotions and increased responsibilities on the yacht or within the owner’s network.

Lifestyle and Social Life

Crew members working on yacht charters often have a more diverse social life, as they interact with different guests on each charter. They also have the opportunity to explore new destinations during their time off between charters. ​On the other hand, private yacht crew members may have a more limited social life, as they primarily interact with the yacht owner and their family. However, they may have more opportunities for longer periods of downtime when the owner is not using the yacht.

Job Stability and Security

Private yacht crew members typically enjoy greater job stability and security, as they are employed on a full-time basis by the yacht owner. This can provide peace of mind and a sense of financial stability. Conversely, yacht charter crew members may experience periods of unemployment between charters, which can be stressful and lead to financial insecurity.

Training and Skill Development

Both yacht charter and private yacht positions offer opportunities for skill development and training. Working on a yacht charter provides exposure to various types of clients and situations, allowing crew members to develop their problem-solving and customer service skills. ​Private yacht crew members may have more opportunities for specialized training, as the yacht owner may invest in their professional development to ensure the highest level of service.

Ultimately, the decision to work on a yacht charter or a private yacht will depend on the individual’s preferences and priorities. Yacht charter positions offer higher earning potential, variety, and flexibility, while private yacht positions provide greater job stability and familiarity. By carefully considering the pros and cons of each option, aspiring crew members can make an informed decision and find the right fit for their career goals and lifestyle. ​At Yacht Crew Agency, we are always here to help you navigate these choices and find the best opportunities in the yachting industry. You can find our closest agency by clicking down below

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, it is possible to transition between the two types of positions. Many crew members start on yacht charters to gain experience and exposure before moving to a private yacht for greater job stability.

While qualifications and certifications may vary depending on the position, many crew members obtain their STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certification and a valid ENG1 medical certificate. If you wish to have more informations regarding those certificates we have dedicated blog post for both the  STCW Certification  and the  ENG1 medical certificate   

This depends on the yacht owner’s preferences and travel habits. Some private yacht owners travel extensively, allowing the crew to visit various destinations, while others may use their yacht less frequently.

Consider factors such as earning potential, job stability, lifestyle preferences, and career growth opportunities when making your decision. It may be helpful to talk to experienced crew members who have worked in both types of positions to gain insight.

Yes, there are other types of yachts, such as sailing yachts, expedition yachts, and catamarans, which can offer unique experiences and opportunities for crew members.

Social Chat is free, download and try it now here!

Working On Yachts

There are currently over 15,000 yachts in the world large enough to require professional, qualified yacht crew and as a result this industry is growing rapidly each year.

A career in yachting can be rewarding, exciting and a wonderful opportunity to travel the world and explore new horizons!

Wherever there is water, you have the potential to go. Traditionally the yachting industry in the Mediterranean runs from April until September and from November to April in the States & Caribbean. Having said that, the possibilities are endless with many yachts circumnavigating the world.

Yachting is an eye opening, ultimately fun industry that demands hard work, perfection and attention to detail. We work with yacht crew every day and have a deep insight into what new crew should do to make the most of their career. Here are our top ten tips for starting out.

You cannot work on board a luxury yacht without getting your basic qualifications first. Bluewater offers a full range of crew training courses for those just starting in the industry:

• STCW 95 Basic Training 5 Day Course
• Powerboat Level II 2 Day Course
• Interior Introduction 3 Day Course
• AEC 1 5 Day Course

We have a sample copy and lots of relevant advice on creating your first yachting CV within our 'Your CV' section.

Certain times of year are more favourable for new crew looking to join the industry. If you are going to Antibes or Palma, we advise end of March/April. Fort Lauderdale is different in that it is sunny most of the year, however there is a peak recruitment season around November each year.

In every yachting hub you will find english speaking bars and cafes filled with yacht crew. Make sure you go and explore to build your network within yachting. Although global, it is a small industry so make sure to present yourself professionally.

Finding your first position in yachting is the hardest. Make sure you are dock walking, looking for day work opportunities and handing out your CV. You may find that one day's work leads to a permanent role or other job interviews.

Read websites, follow yachting news, learn from other crew who were in your 'deck shoes' a few years ago. Good examples of yachting websites & magazines are:

• Bluewater bluewateryachting.com
• Dockwalk dockwalk.com
• The Crew Report thecrewreport.com
• The Triton thetriton.com

Apply for jobs, manage your course bookings and sign up for events.

You can buy pay as you go SIM cards either in newsagents or specialised telephone shops around the Mediterranean. This will help to save you money when job hunting!

Captains check Facebook and Twitter pages before interviews. Make sure any public images of you are professional and will not reduce your chances of employment. Once employed be sure to avoid any posts about your yachts, current location and inappropriate images.

A smart, professional appearance will win over shorts and a beach top.

The most important aspect when you are looking for work is to make sure your CV is up to date, well written and includes any relevant experience that you might have.

It is best to emphasize any hospitality experience or customer service skills you may have had, such as waitressing, hostessing, silver service, bartending, cooking, nanny/au-pairing, babysitting, flower arranging, cleaning and/or laundry experience.

Should you wish to join the engineering department, make sure you include all mechanical experience and qualifications, including all work done in refrigeration, air conditioning, work with engines, and any electrical work, electronics or AV/IT.

The most important aspect to include is any recreational sailing experience you may have had. If you are also qualified or experienced in woodwork or carpentry, have painting, polishing, varnishing know-how, then that is also great. In addition any diving, sailing, fishing, any water sports background are all fantastic skills that are easily transferable.

We deal with a great multitude of chef positions, ranging from crew chef to head chef. Most positions will require some form of culinary training, however some crew succeed in entering this department through the stew/cook route on a smaller yacht.

When filling in your online profile with us, make sure to only select positions that you are qualified to do onboard. Selecting more than 3-4 positions on your profile can confuse potential employers and effect our search results.

Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, including your photograph (in colour, face on, without sunglasses).

Your CV should be in a word format to ensure it can be opened easily by all employers.

List all recent contact information, references and work history.

Including a personal statement, along with a clear objective can help distinguish you from other candidates and helps prospective employers grasp your long term goals.

Don't give employers an excuse to dismiss your CV, review and spell check it!

Salary Guidelines

Knowledge is power and the more you research, the more informed & on the ball you will be.

Make sure you have a printed copy of your CV with you and always arrive early and dressed in a smart way. Research the yacht, make yourself prepared & don't be afraid to ask questions.

The key to getting your first job is to network! Always carry a copy of your CV with you.

Remember the industry is a tight, professional network therefore it is crucial to communicate with others, walk the docks, distribute your CV and register with crew agencies. Bluewater is one of the longest-established crew agents - we have been finding people yacht jobs since 1991!

Keep the agencies up to date! Always make sure your profile has the correct location and contact numbers for you so we can get hold of you when we have the perfect role for you.

Your profile is essential to us finding you work, both now and in the future. We rely on the information you input to match you to the right jobs, so please make sure it is up to date and at least 85% complete. We receive thousands of vacancies each year, and search our database for the best candidates for each one... You will hear from us more often if you are checking in regularly! Once you find work you can set your profile to 'Not Available'.

Yacht Charter Crew: Working on a yacht

18th May 2021

Luxury Yacht Charter Crew – what is it like to work on a luxury yacht charter?

Working on a yacht is a tempting proposition for a lot of very good reasons. First and foremost, charter crew get access to some of the most remote, exclusive and memorable destinations in the world. Certainly, the hours can be long but the periods of downtime enable crew members to immerse themselves in cultures, cuisines and activities that very few people will ever experience. Working on a yacht also means you get to interact, day-in day-out, with some superb hardware, from the superyacht itself to the various on board toys. You get to rub shoulders with some extraordinary people too and with salaries ranging from around £1,500 per month for an entry-level deckhand to £15,000 per month for captains of the world’s largest, most complex and most valuable superyachts, working on a yacht can also be an extremely lucrative way to earn a living.

It’s also a career with plenty of opportunities. The superyacht industry has seen such a pronounced recent increase, both in the scale of yachts and in the sheer numbers being built, that yacht jobs have become more varied and prolific than ever before. Whether you want to be a captain, a deckhand, an engineer, a chef, a bosun or a stewardess, there are very few careers that offer such a compelling combination of adventure, training opportunities, career progression, job satisfaction and financial reward.

The importance of a quality charter crew

It’s often the case, for owners as well as for charter guests, that the real pleasure of the yachting experience consists not in the calibre of the yacht or the exclusivity of the destination but in the performance of the crew. That’s why it’s important that each new crew member is appointed on the basis of their character and dispositional suitability for a specific yacht, a specific owner and a specific set of colleagues, as well as on the basis of their skills, experience and qualifications. Certainly, there are particular skillsets that will make a candidate more valuable to a given yacht in a particular part of the world – not least fluency in the local language, expertise in events planning and qualified instructor status in sailing, diving or spa treatments. But in the confines of a yacht at sea (and in an industry which is dedicated exclusively to the enjoyment and relaxation of those on board), it is vital above all that each crew member is as compatible as possible with the cultural profile of the yacht in question.

Discover our interview with the Captain of MS Aurum Sky

Superyacht standards: charter crew training

Working on a yacht requires training – and lots of it. While most superyacht applicants will already have some useful yachting experience, the ability to demonstrate that expertise in the form of recognised industry qualifications is integral to the maintenance of safety and operational standards on board. That’s why, in addition to the provision of external training in accordance with regulatory requirements, most superyacht charter management companies now operate a set of internal protocols that help provide a formal structure for the ongoing training of its crew.

That routinely includes the proper use of all marine and watersports equipment, as well as regular drills for practical safety protocols, emergency response and first-aid. Depending on your specific role on board, critical MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) certification for professional seafarers, formally recognised by the superyacht industry, also includes MCA STCW Basic Safety Training, MCA Yacht Rating and Deck Officer Certificates and MCA Engineering Officer Certificates. RYA (or IYT) courses, such as Yachtmaster and Yachtmaster Ocean certificates, which have been commercially endorsed, are also well regarded – and such is the value of the modern superyacht industry that there is even now a commercially recognised foundation degree in ‘Operational Yacht Science’ to help prepare seafarers for the varied challenges of working on a superyacht.

Charter crew: operational jobs on a yacht

The captain, who is directly accountable to the owner, has full responsibility for the safe and effective operation of the yacht and its crew, as well as for associated issues like accounting, maintenance and repairs. With extensive professional maritime experience, they will often be quite hands-on on smaller yachts but on larger yachts, where crew rotation is commonplace, they may adopt a slightly more administrative role.

The first officer (and second officer in the case of large yachts) helps manage the deck crew and deck operations on behalf of the Captain. The navigation, the supervision of tenders and toys and the execution of bridge watches are all a key part of the job, as are safety and emergency response. They are helped by the bosun who takes care of the yacht’s exterior, while managing the deckhands on their behalf. The deckhands themselves are routinely required to turn their hand to cleaning and maintenance, and provide additional support for the interior department and the chef. Finally, the chief engineer has responsibility for the reliable functioning of the yacht and its various systems, as well as for the management of any additional assistant engineers, electricians and electronic technical officers the yacht might require.

Charter crew: interior & service jobs on a yacht

The chief steward or stewardess has a very important job. He or she is responsible for the management of the yacht’s interior and often has direct involvement in the recruitment of key interior staff. Central to the role is engendering a culture of painstaking care and attention to detail among the stewards and stewardesses, while helping refine the art of delivering first-class service without becoming overtly visible or intrusive.

A good charter yacht chef is also vital to an enjoyable experience on board – and they have to be a logistical expert as well as a fantastic cook. From sourcing, buying and transporting local ingredients to adding fresh local cuisine styles to an ever-expanding culinary repertoire, the chef has to make sure that, however challenging the location and however testing the requests of the charter guests, they are able to produce memorable food while staying abreast of individual guest tastes, allergies and intolerances. Happily, on the industry’s largest yachts, a sous chef is often on hand to help.

Superyacht charter: the team ethic

Whatever your role on board a superyacht, you need to be optimistic, personable, hardworking, highly professional and entirely discreet. As part of an effective team, you also need to be ready and able to adapt to each guest that spends time on board. When do they like to get up? What do they like to eat? Which part of the yacht do they gravitate toward for relaxation? Which paper do they like to read? How do they like to be addressed? What kind of music do they enjoy? The planning process certainly gives you a good profile of each set of guests, but being able to adapt on the hoof, as each charter guest becomes better known to you, is a key part of making each superyacht charter experience that bit more special.

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How to Find a Yacht Job with No Experience

Learn how to land a yacht job with no experience. From STCW certification to crafting the perfect resume, this guide covers essential steps for aspiring yacht crew.

The thought of spending days and nights on a luxury yacht is enticing to anyone. Even more enticing is the idea that you could get paid to spend time on a yacht, even if it means you’ll have to work hard. With more online exposure than ever, countless people have become fascinated with the idea of working on a yacht. Even still, many people struggle with how to find a yacht job without experience.

You can find a yacht job without experience if you get a Seafarers Medical Certificate and STCW certificate. This requires you to take a basic examination and 5 courses that highlight fire safety, security awareness, survival techniques, and first aid. Create a comprehensive resume that includes basic skills like communication as well as your past work experience.

Make sure to express your willingness to take instruction and learn as much as possible about the trade. Nobody expects you to know everything if you haven’t worked on a yacht before, so they will be patient if you work hard. Follow along as we explore how to find a yacht job without experience.

How Do You Get a Job on a Yacht With No Experience?

Getting a yacht job without experience may seem impossible, but it’s easier than you may think. Whether it be networking or signing up for basic training courses, there are several easy steps you can take to find a yacht job without experience.

1. Make Sure You Qualify

You can only get a job on a yacht without experience if you meet the qualifications. This includes an ENG1 medical exam and an STCW certificate. STCW certificates show that you have a basic understanding of fire safety and survival skills.

The ENG1 medical exam is important because everyone who works on a yacht must have a Seafarers Medical Certificate. You can only get your certificate if you visit an approved doctor for a basic medical examination.  Once you Seafarers Medical Certificate, you must go back to the doctor every two years for another examination to make sure you still qualify .

2. Create a Resume

A resume is necessary to find a yacht job even if your past work experience has nothing to do with yachts. The personal paragraph is one of the most important parts of a resume for a yacht job. Make sure to keep it short and sweet while highlighting why you want to work on a yacht.

It’s important to highlight what you bring to the table and make it clear that you are willing to learn. The rest of your resume should consist of your education and past employment history.  Yacht jobs are often varied and require several skills, so it helps if your past work experience entails several different skills .

Include your Seafarers Medical Certificate and STCW certificate in your resume. If your resume is striking enough, you will hopefully get an in-person interview!

3. Join Luxury Yacht Group

Luxury Yacht Group is a great resource for anyone trying to find a yacht job without experience. This agency helps thousands of people find crew work on yachts throughout the world each year.  Not only do they help crew members find jobs, but they also help people that own and charter yachts find crew members .

That makes Luxury Yacht Group invaluable for prospective crew members as the service has countless contacts. You simply set up an account, provide your availability, and search for job postings. Crew members with varying experience levels use Luxury Yacht Group, and it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned workers alike.

4. Complete STCW Training

You may not need past yacht experience to get a job, but you must have completed basic training. Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers (STCW) training is necessary to find a yacht job. The International Maritime Organisation regulates boating and shipping throughout the world.

They strictly require shipping and yacht personnel to undergo STCW training.  The training includes fire prevention, fire fighting, first aid, security awareness, and survival techniques . Each of these categories is essential to keep everyone safe on a yacht in case the vessel takes on water or someone gets injured.

It only takes 5 days to complete STCW training, and it’s worth the time if you want a yacht job. You can take each course individually, but I recommend taking them all together so you can get your certificate in 5 days. You can register for STCW training online. Once certified, you must redo your fire safety and sea survival courses every 5 years.

5. Book an Interview

Working on yachts has a lot to do with your charisma and communication skills. That’s why it’s important to make a great first impression when you book an interview for a yacht job. Yacht jobs are similar to many service industry jobs in that you must be polite, concise, and forward with people.

This should all come across in your interview so your potential employer sees how you would be perfect for the job.  Bring your resume and certifications so they know you’re prepared and responsible . Whether you get hired or not, make sure to leave a memorable impression because they may be able to hire you in the future.

6. Be Open to Training

Some training will be necessary if you find a yacht job without experience. This is true even if you have your STCW certificate. Luckily, many captains are understanding and realize there is a learning curve for working on a yacht.

Be open to training and try your best to learn on the job.  On-the-job training is more useful than taking courses, but only if you listen well and collaborate with the other crew members . The hands-on experience you get will help you learn much more quickly than any training course, even if it can be overwhelming at first.

7. Meet New People

The phrase “it’s who you know, not what you know” is accurate in the world of yacht jobs. Of course, you must have a practical and hands-on understanding of the job, but you’ll get more work if you network with others. You will likely work with several crews on different yachts throughout the season or year.

Connect with your coworkers to get tips about jobs and resources you can use to stay busy.  It also helps to spend time at local marinas to declare your availability and find new job leads . Sure, online resources are useful, but I find that mingling with other people and speaking in person makes it much easier to find work.

8. Keep Your Schedule Open

Keep your schedule open when you’re trying to find a yacht job.  Yacht jobs often come in without much notice, so it’s a good idea to keep as much space open in your schedule as possible . You will get the most yachting jobs in summer and winter, so avoid scheduling too many plans during that time.

Sure, you may miss out on some social events, but it’ll be worth it when you quickly build an impressive yacht job resume. You may get calls when other crew members cancel on a job or if someone charters a yacht last minute without any notice. People will continue to offer you jobs if you regularly say yes even at a moment’s notice.

9. Regularly Update Your Resume

Update your yachting resume after each job.  Make sure to include contact information for former employers and captains to give yourself more legitimacy . You will need to apply for new yachting jobs after each gig, so it’s important to constantly update your resume so it’s as impressive as possible.

It’s especially important to update your resume if you get new certifications. For example, some people may start as stewards and eventually study a trade, such as electrical work. Once you get a degree or certification in a specialty, you must add it to your resume.

This can open the door to new job openings that pay better.

10. Honor the Hierarchy

Like any workplace, yachts have a hierarchy amongst the crew. Familiarize yourself with the hierarchy of a yacht crew before your first job.  The captain is the highest-ranking position, followed by the first mate, lead deckhand, deckhand, chief engineer, and second and third engineers .

Stewards and stewardesses are the basic entry-level yacht jobs. As a steward, it’s important to honor the hierarchy, make a great impression, and see how the other positions work. From there, you can decide if you’d like to pursue another position.

For example, you may work several jobs in the galley and on the deck as a steward and realize you want to pursue an electrician job . Find an appropriate time to speak with the onboard electricians and see what steps you need to take to pursue that position. The same can be said for any yachting job, and as long as you show respect, you can work your way into any job title.

What Skills Should I Put on My Yacht CV?

Your yacht CV (Curriculum vitae) should include everything from basic skills like communication to special skills like navigation. The resume should reflect your skill set.  For example, make sure to include any past electrical work and certification if you’re looking for an electrician or engineering job .

Conversely, stewards must include past service industry jobs and experience to appeal to employers. Yacht chefs must have past food service and chef experience. Write your resume to reflect your past work experience and the job title you are looking to get.

What Is The Easiest Job on a Yacht?

No yacht job is easy, but it’s easier to get steward jobs because they don’t typically require specialized skills. Stewards and stewardesses serve food and drinks to guests throughout the trip. This requires lots of attention and communication skills, and while it’s not easy, it’s easier than being a yacht engineer or electrician.

How Much Do Yacht Stewardesses Make a Month?

Yacht stewards and stewardesses can make up to $5,000 per month. It ultimately depends on your daily or weekly rate. Yacht jobs typically carry daily rates, but you are sometimes paid by the hour.

One of the biggest appeals to yacht workers is that you can make a fortune with tips.  A yacht’s crew receives 5%-15% of the charter price in tips in many cases, and that makes up a big portion of a stewardess’ monthly pay . Once you become a chief stewardess, you can make up to $90,000-$100,000 each year.

So, How Do You Get a Yacht Job Without Experience?

The best way to get a yacht job without experience is to get an STCW certificate and take an ENG1 medical exam. Once you have these certificates, you can include them in your resume. Use online resources like Luxury Yacht Group to get yacht jobs, and network with people at local marinas. Make sure to get a medical exam every 2 years and retake your fire and sea survival courses every 5 years to keep getting yacht jobs.

Kit Evans is a seasoned marine journalist and naval architect, bringing over 20 years of multifaceted experience in the boating industry to his writing and consultancy work. With expertise ranging from boat design and marine surveying to charter operations and vessel restoration, Kit offers unparalleled insights into all aspects of maritime life. When he's not penning articles for top boating publications or hosting his popular YouTube channel, Kit can be found sailing his lovingly restored 1960s Columbia 29 on the Chesapeake Bay, embodying his commitment to both preserving nautical heritage and embracing modern innovations in boating.

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To Work on a Yacht Without Experience – Make a Plan

Yachts do hire people with no experience in yachting. The entry-level positions which offer new crew the best opportunity to learn the “ropes” in yachting are: junior deckhand, stewardess, steward, or cook. The key to finding your first position onboard is preparation.

There is a lot of competition for the rookie jobs on yachts. Begin your job search by identifying what skills you have that would be useful on a yacht. Assess your present skills and experience to focus on the characteristics that apply to the job you are targeting. Applicants with professional hospitality experience and training, at a hotel, resort, cruise ship, estate, or restaurant, are at an advantage in entering yachting. Holding specialty skills is also a means to enter the industry, such as masseuse, au pair, fishing guide, engineer, kite surfing instructor, pianist or helicopter pilot. You may just hold the skill that a captain needs to supplement his crew.

In all cases, stepping aboard will require a willingness to work hard and long as part of a team. An interest in learning and being flexible will increase your chances of finding a position that opens a new career path.

To get hired on a yacht with no experience you need to:

• Be in the right place at the right time

Have a professional resume

Register with luxury yacht group.

• Complete basic STCW classes
• Build references with day work
• Maintain contact 24/7

Be in the right place

There are seasons in the yachting industry. You will have the greatest opportunity without experience if you are in the location of highest demand and that changes throughout the season. The European season is May through September, centered in Antibes, France. The Americas/Caribbean generally place out of Fort Lauderdale early winter and early spring. In-person interviews are vital to success in finding a first opportunity. Arrange for flexible accommodations and have adequate living expenses to support yourself through a potential two month job search. Many first time yacht crew receive an immediate offer based on being in the right place at the right time, and could say “yes” on a moment’s notice.

Prepare a CV that portrays you as an energetic team player. Take care with the details. The resume is your best marketing tool. Typos and grammatical errors are red flags for a crew agency. Include a good photo as it is the industry standard. Smile and look the part. Use the Luxury Yacht Group web site for guidance on the basic skill sets for entry level positions. Be diligent in defining experience and highlighting transferable skills. Education, previous job experience, training or knowledge specific to the industry will get your CV a second look. List your most recent experience first. Hobbies and volunteer work can also illustrate character and work ethic. Diving, water sports, fishing, woodworking are hobbies which enhance your fit on a yacht. Provide professional references who have given you permission to use them as a contact. Captains look for an intersection of experience, certifications and personality in making hiring decisions. Give yourself an edge with a bit of personal detail – playing a musical instrument, proficiency in languages, flower arranging – to add dimension to your personality on paper.

Register with Luxury Yacht Group. A large agency with high placement volume offers the most opportunity to identify options for inexperienced crew. Be prepared to interview. Understand the requirements of entry level positions and how to explain the relevance of your experiences. Share stories which illustrate your work ethic, ability to solve problems and work in a team. Be on time and make a professional appearance. Some entry level positions have few specific requirements, but a captain will define specific preferences in a candidate. During an interview offer detail, enthusiasm and discretion when sharing experiences to display your ability to do routine tasks aboard, multi task, and be part of a team. Keep in touch with the agency regularly by logging into the website and confirming interest in any jobs that look good to you. Update your CV as you pick up day work experience, establish local references and complete any coursework you can locally while looking for work.

Complete basic licensing

Basic STCW is a minimum requirement to work on yachts that charter. The course has four parts and takes a week to complete. The modules which make up the Basic STCW certification are: 1) fire prevention and firefighting, 2) personal survival techniques, 3) personal safety and social responsibility, 4) first aid/CPR. Once the certificate is earned, it is valid for five years. Some modules do not expire. Check with your maritime school for details.

Establish references

During the search for a first job aboard, do day work. It is an excellent means to learn your way around a yacht. It is also a way to understand the physical demands and working style of yachts. Day work also provides you with local and yacht specific references. Be flexible on what you are willing to do – cleaning, polishing, detailing, laundry, wash-downs, painting. A seasonal or temporary job – even aboard a delivery without guests aboard – is a first step to a new career in yachting. Captains distinguish between applicants who want to enter a career and those who are looking to fill a summer. Educate yourself on the career path of the entry job so you can convey a commitment to yachting. (Immigration warning…many countries prohibit non-resident tourists from performing temporary “day work” when in their country. For example: a UK citizen admitted to the USA on a tourism ESTA cannot legally seek day work while in the USA.)

Maintain contact

Once a position of interest has been identified you must be available! Answer your phone and respond to emails immediately. Many entry positions are offered to the candidate who is ready to travel. Plans to attend a wedding in a month’s time….drop them. Partying Saturday night with friends….forget it, if the job offer comes in, you jump and get onboard immediately! One of the main reasons yachts pay well is that they expect a very high level of commitment.

Marianne and Gerard are examples of crew hopefuls with no yachting experience. Putting yourself in the shoes of a crew agent or captain, would you consider either of them for a rookie position aboard?

Marianne developed a love of the water fishing with her gramps. He taught her how to trailer his small boat, to steer, anchor and cleat. She described how much fun they had washing down the boat after a day on the lake and spending the winter sanding and painting. While in college she became such a yoga enthusiast that she taught the entire family where she worked, as an au pair, a morning yoga routine.

Marianne has the basics of a junior deckhand. Maintenance is a significant part of the responsibility on deck. She also displays some experience to apply to tender driving. Since she has worked with children, there is an indication that she has the skills to interface with owner families and guests. Her enthusiasm for sharing yoga may be the extra she brings to share with guests. An interview will assess whether Marianne will adapt to the pace and demands of a large vessel and how she will adjust to a team effort.

Gerard was raised in a family who owned a small hotel in a mountain village which served two tourist seasons – winter ski buffs and summer hikers. He explained that he and his siblings pitched in at whatever needed to be done to keep the hotel guests happy and returning each year – serving meals, making beds, loading cars. When he left home to backpack the world, he earned cash along the way by bartending. He has created a favorite cocktail recipe and named it after his hometown.

Gerard lived within the hospitality industry. It appears that his parents instilled a client driven attitude from a young age. As a junior steward, he would be doing many of the same things he did at the hotel as a child. An interview can verify whether Gerard has the “white glove” service standard, understands the need for discretion, and that he would be interested in working within the ‘interior’. Captains will also want to clarify whether Gerard is interested in a yachting career or if he is just adding the experience to his backpacking adventure.

The yachting industry is not a career for everyone. Rookies will find that work on a yacht is demanding, but offers great rewards. Finding a position on a yacht with no experience requires being prepared, having a detailed plan, and maintaining a positive attitude. Follow the steps outlined to increase your chances of coming aboard!

Engineering License Changes

The MCA has restructured the engineering certifications. The MEOL course has been done away with, and the AEC course made mandatory and more thorough. Luxury Yacht Group explains all these changes, what engineers progressing through the ranks can do now, and how Y ticket holders can convert their licenses over to the structure.

14 Mar 2018

A Day in the Life Series – Chief Stewardess

For a yacht to run smoothly, it requires many working parts, and the interior department is a large component of this. The chief stewardess oversees this department and makes sure all the stewardesses onboard know what their tasks and responsibilities are. The interior department is largely in charge of the guest services whilst they are onboard, and responsible for interior maintenance of the yacht when they are not.

18 Dec 2017

A Day in the Life Of Series - Entry Stewardess

Joining the yachting industry is an exciting and daunting undertaking. In this two part interview we speak with Melanie about why she decided to join the superyacht industry, what her hopes and goals are, and what she has learnt so far as an entry level stewardess.

29 Nov 2017

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How to Work on a Yacht

Last Updated: June 4, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 3,549 times.

Working on a yacht is a unique, fun, and potentially lucrative way to earn a living. While it can be intimidating and challenging to get a job on a yacht, having the opportunity to work while traveling can make it well worth it. To begin working on a yacht, you can get an entry-level job that requires little to no prior yachting experience. Once you are more experienced in the yacht business, you will be able to work on a yacht in a more advanced and specialized role.

Getting an Entry-Level Job on a Yacht

• Junior deckhands generally have a good work ethic, positive attitude, ability to learn on the job and follow directions, a professional appearance, and work well with a team. [2] X Research source
• Junior deckhands are responsible for cleaning, polishing, and waxing the yacht, assisting the bosun and first mate with maintenance, and helping with general yacht operations, including line handling, navigation, passenger safety, and water sports. [3] X Research source
• Junior deckhands make approximately $27,000 per year. [4] X Research source

• While not always a requirement, having a watersports certification, fishing knowledge or expertise, and/or carpentry skills can help you get a job as a deckhand on a yacht. Having one or more of these skills may also help you earn more money. [7] X Research source
• Much of a deckhand’s work is performed on the outside of the boat. Therefore, as a deckhand, you would be doing a lot of manual labor outside. This can be helpful to keep in mind when deciding if working as a deckhand is right for you.
• Deckhands usually make between $27,000 and $55,000 per year.

• Boat attendants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the ship’s interior, helping with guest management and entertainment, and assisting the crew in maintaining the safety of everyone on board. [9] X Research source
• Successful boat attendants are high-energy and good entertainers, exhibit proper hospitality etiquette while on the job, and are committed to maintaining yacht cleanliness. [10] X Research source
• Entry-level ship attendants usually make around $40,000 per year, while more experienced workers can make up to $100,000 per year on a large luxury yacht. [11] X Research source

• One of the keys to working as a chef on board a yacht is the ability to get creative with your ingredients. Once you leave the dock, you will likely only have access to the ingredients that you have on hand.
• When considering working as a chef on a yacht, it can be helpful to take into consideration the size of the yacht, the number of people typically on board, and the conditions in the kitchen. As the chef, you will be responsible for making most (if not all) the food for everyone on board, meaning that you may be spending most of your time in the kitchen.
• If you have experience or professional training as a chef, you can make between $52,000 and $100,000 per year on a yacht, depending on your level of training and the size of the yacht. If you do not have any prior experience, you can make between $36,000 and $75,000 per year as a chef on a yacht. [12] X Research source

• Crewnetwork.com and luxyachts.com are both popular yacht crew online agencies.

• If you are working on a yacht abroad, you may need to acquire a work visa. Contact your yachting company or owner to see if this applies.

Working in an Advanced Position

• Bosuns often have a specific area of expertise that helps them land the job and makes them a more valuable member of the crew, such as advanced woodworking, varnishing, rigging, or watersport expertise.
• Bosuns generally make between $36,000 and $100,000 per year.

• On smaller yachts, there is usually just one mate, called the first mate. On larger yachts, however, there may also be a second mate and, possibly, even a third mate. The second and third mates also have extensive experience, yet generally a bit less than the first mate.
• In the event of an emergency, or if the captain needs to take a leave, the mate is responsible for taking over the captain’s duties. As a result, mates need to have any required licenses or certifications for their specific type of yacht.
• Mates on a yacht typically make at least $48,000 and up to $100,000 per year. [14] X Research source

• Yacht captains must have a high school diploma or GED.
• To be a yacht captain, you will need to take a captain’s license course and pass the licensing exam.
• The captain of a yacht typically makes a minimum of $65,000 per year. Captains can make well over $200,000 per year working on a larger yacht. [16] X Research source

• Most engineering positions are available on larger yachts called superyachts. While smaller yachts will hire a yachting engineer for maintenance, they do not usually have a permanent engineer that works on-board. [18] X Research source

Expert Q&A

• Larger luxury yachts may also hire beauticians, pursers, and/or managers to provide luxury services to their clientele. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can find job postings for positions on yachts on general job search engines, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, as well as specialized yachting job search engines, such as yotspot.com and yaCrew.com. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When looking for a job on a yacht, it can be helpful for you to already have completed your Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification course. This certification is not always required to work on a yacht, but it can help make you a more desirable candidate. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/crewpositions/jrdeckhand
• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/crewpositions/deckhand
• ↑ http://www.workonayacht.com/index.php/official-yacht-stewardess-job-descriptions-salaries/
• ↑ https://www.crewfinders.com/yachtcrewsalaries.shtml
• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/crewpositions/mate
• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/crewpositions/captain
• ↑ https://www.crewnetwork.com/Yachting-Jobs/engineer.aspx
• ↑ https://whereintheworldisnina.com/working-on-superyachts/

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Below Deck Med’s soul-sucking boat drifts toward its finale

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It’s the last charter on Below Deck Mediterranean season 9: yes, we’re on the penultimate episode, also known as the episode where absolutely nothing happens because the editors are saving everything good for next week’s finale.

With Below Deck Med ending, Bravo just announced the next in the franchise: Below Deck Sailing Yacht will return. Bravo’s press release mentions the return of Captain Glenn, Daisy, and Gary (ugh), though the preview that ran during the commercials excluded Gary entirely. Is that because of what reportedly happened during season four ?

Alas, Gary is in this extended trailer . I just don’t know if I can take a season of that fucking guy, so I hope it minimizes him and/or he falls overboard and has to swim to shore, because the rest looks fun, from a naked person falling on Glenn to Drag Race alum Detox on board as a guest. That starts Oct. 7.

Today, we’re starting the last charter, with guest Stacey Jennings his husband Brad Driver, who you may remember from Below Deck Down Under . I barely did; I barely will. Is it too much to ask for some drunk guests to throw a chair in the water or something?

First, though, Gael recovers from her breakdown about Nathan planning to have Joe visit him. “I’m okay. I just had a moment of weakness,” Gael said, trying to smile so hard I thought her head might actually pop.

“Go and have cuddles,” Aesha said, putting Gael in Nathan’s bed. Nathan asked her what’s wrong and she said “nothing.” Ah, communication. This relationship is going to last, what, one or two days beyond this season?

Later, Gael told Nathan, “I still don’t really know you,” and he said “shut up.”

Nathan said, “I love you more and more,” and Gael said, “Okay, just show it.” Then Joe came in and Nathan crawled down in his bunk and showed Gael how much he loves her.

Meanwhile, Joe is still salivating over Carrie, but says, “I don’t even want to go there.” Nathan told us that is “utter bullshit” and said “that is what he does.” Yep, your bro is a fuckboy.

In real love news, Captain Sandy’s girlfriend is on the way to visit and either get engaged or reject Captain Sandy on national TV. Aesha is producing this event, and shares that they all live in Colorado together, hang out, and compare poop, or at least I assume they would if Aesha had her way.

For this Sandy wants just a simple, casual moment, like a flower-lined dock leading to a table where there’s a violinist and “peach tea in a champagne glass,” and all of that has to be flawless. “I just want it to be perfect,” she says, “absolutely perfect.”

Well, okay then, as long as you don’t set impossibly high standards for one five-minute period in your life that will be orchestrated in part by your crew of incompetent dummies. (A preview for next week shows Joe getting a line wrapped up in the tender’s propeller, so that’s exciting.)

Sandy is worried about her mortal enemy, wind. “I hope the weather’s going to be great,” she says.

In the funniest moment, Sandy asks Aesha if she thinks Leah will know what’s happening. Aesha’s like, um, yeah, once she sees the fact that you’ve stage managed the dock so much it looks like a Bachelorette finale.

She’ll probably also know because Sandy is basically spoiling it: “I have a special treat for you tomorrow,” Sandy says, and her girlfriend said, “You and your surprises.” I expected Sandy to be like, You’ll never guess what it is! Definitely not a proposal!! What is your ring size?

The episode’s major drama, if you can call it that, involves Ellie, who’s still quite insecure about Carrie’s presence on the boat. She’s constantly seeking reassurance from Aesha (DO WE DROP CARRIE OFF AT DOCK AND LEAVE HER NOW?) and micromanaging the other stews (PUT BALLOON THERE YOU STUPID COW!).

During their stew meeting, there’s a fleeting moment when Aesha praises Bri for the laundry, which has miraculously not been delivered to the crew of Below Deck Sailing Yacht , and then praised Ellie’s table decorations, and says, “you’re nailing it.”

But then Aesha shares that Carrie is much faster at all the tasks, and Ellie’s face sinks and I think she may have tried to dig her eyes out with her fingers:

Aesha’s so over Ellie that she’s being overtly hostile, which for Aesha equals sarcasm. Ellie is in her cabin when provisions arrive, and when she finally arrives on Deck, Aesha says, “Oh, thanks for coming up right at the end. We finished.”

Ellie tries to help Bri in cabins, and Aesha is like, “No. Just do what I’ve said.” Then she notices Ellie hasn’t wiped down the walls, and calls for Ellie because “there’s finger marks everywhere,” probably from Joe trying to hit on the wood paneling.

But Ellie is dancing in the crew mess and having fun—which, honestly, it’s nice to see Ellie not trying to destroy everyone with laser eyes, but also Aesha is pissed that Ellie’s ignoring her.

Carrie doesn’t mind Ellie bossing her around, noting that it’s “nice to not have a lot of responsibility” after her last job, when “I went from chief stew to caregiver” when the boat’s owner’s wife died. Yikes.

The guests arrive and Iain, awake from a nap, does the shocker and yells “it’s the last charter,” and I was embarrassed for him and everyone in that interview room.

Iain does manage to get the boat out of the dock without ramming it into another boat, prompting one of the gaggle of gays to say “they pulled out clean.” That’s about the level of entertainment these guests bring: gay sex jokes.

Down in the galley, Jono is thrilled for “a group of guests that are all queer” because “I haven’t met many gay or Black people in the industry,” and he makes a valid point about diversity in yachting that I ignored because I was too busy trying to make a joke out of “I haven’t met many…” …other chefs? YouTube recipes that weren’t from someone’s grandma? charter guests who I haven’t killed?

Jono wants to “make sure they’re extra happy,” and thus plans on, and I quote, “flavor flavor okurrr.”

For an example of how much the editors stretched to fill this episode and save the actual content for next week’s finale, they included this actual exchange:

Sandy: “How’s it going?” Jono: “Wonderfully. How are you?” Sandy: “Good.”

Ellie is confused about why the guests want a party themed to “Swedish pop music. We’re in Greece.” But ultimately she doesn’t care, because, as she says, “Table decor at this point is the only thing bringing me any sort of joy on this soul-sucking boat.”

Below deck, Nathan’s in tighty whities showing off his penis to the world while trying to get into costume. Gael asks, “How’s anyone fit this?” She’s apparently talking about the costume, a leotard that seems designed for a child, because it fits about up to Nathan’s mid-torso. Aesha sees him and says, “Well-done. That’s quite large.”

In a joint bro interview, Joe called it “very questionable” and Nathan said, “when me granddad sees me in that, I’ll lose me surname.”

In Iain news, he put the Progress Pride flag up , and hung it correctly. He also asks to go on the excursion to Posideon’s Temple with the guests. Sandy agrees, probably because having her bosun off the boat is safer than having him on it.

Aesha decided to send Bri as a reward for not putting all of their clothes in the trash, or trying to wash their laundry using champagne. Bri was so thrilled that she hugged Aesha through tears.

Iain told us that, “in my role, I find I’m sometimes more behind the scenes, making everything run,” which must be what he’s doing in bed all the time.

“I’ve always been an entertainment kind of person,” he says, and that comes in the form of facts about temple he shares with the guests. Hilariously, Bri tells us, “Iain and I really aren’t the best entertainers on the boat.” Oh, you’re entertaining, just for your incompetence.

Oh, I kid Bri and Iain. Seriously, Iain seems—pretty great with the guests? He’s laughing, they’re having fun, he has facts, they seem interested. I mean, this is just a few moments of screen time, but maybe he’s in the wrong job? The same might be true for Bri, too. She offers the guests ice water instead of, say, motor oil. Impressive!

The trip seems fine and the guests seem happy and there’s just nothing happening. Back on board, Sandy tells Iain, “go and get the drag queens,” and he says, “Joe and Gael will go,” because of course he’ll have others do the work. Joe is somehow not a monstrous dick to Gael on the boat ride, and Gael wonders why he can’t be like that all the time.

Aesha asks Carrie about Ellie, who says, “If I had to do a whole season like this, I’d be really struggling to bite my tongue.” Aesha finally snaps when Ellie starts clearing the table without radioing, I think, and then it’s time for the big confrontation!

“I feel like you have been overstepping as the second,” Aesha tells Ellie, the line we’ve already heard in the preview for the episode and the teasers during the breaks. “The job as the second is to delegate when I’m not around.”

But wait: the credits are starting. What?! “I would never disrespect you like that,” Ellie says, and instead of Aesha, say, firing her, we get a flashback to all of Ellie’s bad second stew behavior, like when she screamed at Bri, “SINCE YOU DON’T KNOW HOW BOATS WORK SECOND STEW OUTRANKS YOU.”

The preview for the finale shows Ellie saying, “Fuck that. I’m not taking shit.” But based on how this season has gone, I’d guess that Ellie does, in fact, not receive any actual shit. But a firing in the finale would certainly be dramatic!

About the writer

Andy Dehnart is a writer and TV critic who created reality blurred in 2000. His writing and reporting here has won an Excellence in Journalism award from NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and an L.A. Press Club National A&E Journalism Award.

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US Says Zelensky's Victory Plan 'Can Work'

U.S. officials have been briefed on Ukraine's "Victory Plan" and are confident that the proposal could bring an end to the yearslong conflict.

The plan promises to bring about a "real, just peace," according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , but Kyiv has so far remained tight-lipped about the specifics of its strategy. More than 900 days into the war, many observers remain skeptical about a clean end to the back-and-forth, but the remarks from U.S. officials signal that Washington is still hopeful for a peaceful resolution.

"We have seen President Zelensky's peace plan. We think it lays out a strategy and a plan that can work," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

When asked about Thomas-Greenfield's comments during a Tuesday briefing, Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken had been briefed on "elements of the plan" during his visit to Ukraine last week , and that the department shared the ambassador's assessment.

Newsweek has contacted the Ukrainian government for further information on the Victory Plan.

On Monday, Zelensky said that the "military, political, diplomatic and economic" aspects of his Victory Plan had been ironed out, and that the strategy would be presented to Ukraine's allies next week.

"There is nothing impossible in this plan. Over 90 percent has already been written out," Zelensky said. "Together, this package can ensure the right development of the situation not only for Ukraine, but for everyone in the world who values international law."

So far, Ukraine has disclosed few aspects of the plan, which was first announced in late August, though officials have been clear on the lengths Kyiv is willing to go to secure a lasting peace.

On Tuesday, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Presidential Office, told Current Time that the plan involved no territorial concessions to Russia or any form of ceasefire, which he said would only allow Moscow to replenish its military resources and "continue with the third stage of the more massive killings of civilians in Ukraine."

This echoed comments that Dmytro Lytvyn, a communications adviser to Zelensky, made on Sunday in response to a Bild article that suggested Ukraine was willing to "accept local ceasefires on certain sections of the front" to advance the Victory Plan.

"Bild spread a fake," Lytvyn said. "Bild has not seen the Victory Plan, and of the few people who are currently involved by the president in the preparation of the Victory Plan, none of them spoke to Bild."

Speaking at the Ukraine 2024 Independence forum in Kyiv on August 27, Zelensky said the plan would be presented to President Joe Biden in September and to Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump .

During the conference, Zelensky also said Ukraine's ongoing incursion into Russia's Kursk region was "one of the points of Ukraine's Victory Plan," adding that the operation would factor into a peace summit Ukraine plans to convene in November before the U.S. presidential election.

This would follow the June summit held in Switzerland, to which representatives from Moscow were not invited.

Zelensky has said that Russia "should be" represented at the second conference, but Russian officials have said the Kursk operation proscribed any possibility of peace talks between the two nations.

Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact [email protected] .

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About the writer

Hugh Cameron is Newsweek Live News Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on international politics, conflict, and crime. Hugh joined Newsweek in 2024, having worked at Alliance News Ltd where he specialised in covering global and regional business developments, economic news, and market trends. He graduated from the University of Warwick with a bachelor's degree in politics in 2022, and from the University of Cambridge with a master's degree in international relations in 2023. Languages: English.

You can get in touch with Hugh by emailing [email protected]

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