There's been a buzz in Bristol harbor this week, with the surprise arrival of the 68m superyacht Archimedes, named after the most-famous mathematician and inventor in ancient Greece. Quite a surprise for local residents who spotted her glossy (and ice-strengthened to withstand any weather conditions!) Corinthian blue hull gliding up the 10k river Avon last Sunday. The towering yacht reported to be worth £75million and weighing in at 1,100 tonnes has been sitting in stark contrast to the city's docks.  With crowds gathering ever since she docked, some angry at the extravagance it represents, bearing placards in protest and some in awe of its beauty. Owned by 80-year-old US billionaire, philanthropist, and supporter of young people's health and e...

Paul Edmonds, superyacht Captain turned GB Triathlete gives his top tips for keeping fit whilst working onboard superyachts: Set yourself a goal. Whether it's a race or event, you need something to train for and get you out the door when your motivation is low. Plan ahead. Think about when your breaks will be over the coming days/weeks and work out when you'll be able to fit in exercise.  Could be anything, for example: a swim, cycle, run, yoga etc. Make it a community affair! Find other people to train with, whether it's on your yacht or on the one docked next to you. If you've committed to meet on the dock for a morning run, it's harder to wriggle out of it if you know someone's waiting for you! Commit to something together - it's m...

There is a group in Fort Lauderdale trying to smooth out some of the issues faced for both the visa / entry and cruising permit.  To a certain extent both sides could do with being brought up to speed, immigratoin have budget and training restraints which limits what their front line officers decide. Also often captains and crew are poorly prepared, which there is no excuse for as there are lots of resources including USA agents who can help to make the entry more seemless.   B1B2 Visa: 1) Paper work - kill them with paper work, the crew member entering should have EVERYTHING.  ALL relevant boat papers and registration, flag document, a specifc letter from captain or management stating why you're coming to the USA, how long you intend to stay and details of where you wi...

We want to see photos of your Summer 2018 underwater adventures!  Are you busy with the seabobs, or have you launched the submarine yet? Are your guests obsessed with scuba, or have you made friends with any marine life this summer? Simply share your snap on our Facebook page here! The winner will be chosen by our Admin team who are looking for something exciting, fun and different! The winner will be announced on Friday 7th September. Happy snapping! (photo courtesy of last year's 'Preparing for Summer Season' winner, Japie Wiedeman)

    Yotspot caught up with GB triathlete and veteran superyacht captain Paul Edmonds to find out how he successfully juggled keeping fit with demanding superyacht shifts.   Yotspot: How long were you working on superyachts? I spent 9 years onboard five of the world's most beautiful superyachts (from 75ft to 220ft). Traveling from Europe to the Caribbean, crossing the Atlantic several times, working my way up from Junior Deckhand to First Officer and then Captain. Yotspot: Were you always interested in exercise? Yes, but to a lesser extent whilst on yachts, it's difficult maintaining regular training when you're working a long shift and juggling haphazard working patterns. As I progressed through the ranks and gained more experience I realised I ...

  A beautifully simple and silent new electric tender, the Q30 has recently been unveiled by Finnish shipyard Q-Yachts, the "Tesla of the seas." Boasting zero emissions, the Q30 is a silent vessel, not only designed with fuel efficiency and the environment in mind but also designed as a simple yet stylish way to travel. Q-Yachts wanted to deliver a vessel that would enable passengers to really enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the water without the noise and fumes associated with motorboats.  With a cruising speed of 10 knots the Q30 is by no means a speed machine, however, the basic battery pack facilitates constant cruising for around five hours, which can be doubled with an additional battery pack. Whilst typically modern motorboats are all about perform...

The French authorities have provided official clarification regarding social security payments for yacht crew. The document, provided in French and English, has answered the question of how French residency is determined (more than 6 months in total during a 12 month period), and also specifies that time spent in the shipyard does not count towards the days you have spent in France / French waters.  It also confirms that you do not need to subscribe to ENIM if you can show that you have suitable equivalent insurance from a different provider in place. Clarifications on the application of article L 5551-1of the (French) Transport CodeJune 2018 Duration considered: The regular and continuous length of residency, within the meaning of Article L 5551-1, can be ...

Where to stay and how to get work! As with any accommodation around the world, crew houses can vary hugely in quality, cleanliness and availability.  Some book up really quickly, some meet crew standards, but there are a few which are hygienically challenged! Because there are so many yachting crew out there, some waiting longer for jobs to start, there's a greater demand for alternative accommodation options.  Crew quite rightly expect better value for money, improved standards so often club together and look at alternatives to the traditional 'crew houses', such as renting a house or apartment, camping out of town or having the flexibility of camper van hire.  Some just prefer the comfort and convenience of a hotel and if you're already armed w...

Navigating the complexities of the B1B2 Visa If you're non-US yacht crew and looking to enter the US temporarily either for business or pleasure, you'll need to qualify for a B1B2 visa. Be warned though, you'll have to do a bit of hoop jumping to get through the various levels of US administration, before you can qualify. No matter where you go on US soil and water, there are rules to follow, fees to be paid and documents to be completed and submitted. Although there isn't a US visa specifically designed for the world of yachting, because by the very nature of the industry it appeals to those looking to move around, the B1B2 visa is the most appropriate for crew working (or job searching) on yachts. The US Department of State classify the B1/B2 as a visitor ...

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions's…. All you need to work on a superyacht is a willingness to learn, positive attitude, a love of hard work and most importantly a sense of adventure!  If you're up for a challenge and keen to travel, then working on one of the world's most beautiful sea faring vessels could be perfect for you. As superyacht crew recruiters we've put together just some of the questions we're frequently asked: What's a superyacht? Either a privately owned or chartered motor or sailing yacht, which could measure anything from 24m (80ft) up to 130m (420ft) in length.  Could be longer!  Superyachts can vary from those under sail to those automated or explorer type vessels with helipads and submarines on ...