By Georgia Tindale  It has to be said, one of the true strengths of the yachting industry can be found in its international makeup.  Although some countries are particularly good at recruiting superyacht crew – here's looking at you South Africa – more often than not, a superyacht crew is made up of individuals who hail from all different corners of the globe, bringing together a rich wealth of experience which benefits everyone on board. To celebrate this, here we look at some of the most interesting and unusual Christmas traditions from all around the world.   Hiding brooms in Norway  Perhaps an overly familiar item to those who work in yacht interiors, the humble sweeping brush takes on a brand new meaning around Christmas time if yo...

By Georgia Tindale With its twinkling lights, turkeys, singing and snow, Christmas is often dubbed 'the most wonderful time of the year'. However, the lived reality of Christmas and the wider festive season for those working on board a superyacht can be a little more complicated.  Far away from family, friends and one's support network, however much crew enjoy both their work, and the hugely memorable travel experiences which are facilitated by spending prolonged periods on board, Christmas can feel like a very isolating time when you're thousands of miles away from those you love and care most about. Following our recent article on suicide prevention and mental health awareness, here we look at a few ways in which you can keep yourself safe and well ...

The typical day on a superyacht can vary greatly depending on the specific vessel, the location, and the needs of the guests. However, there are a few common elements that are likely to be part of a typical day on a superyacht. One of the key responsibilities of the crew on a superyacht is to ensure that the guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience. This can involve a range of tasks, such as preparing and serving meals, organizing activities and excursions, and providing top-notch service. In addition to serving the guests, the crew on a superyacht also has a range of other duties to attend to. This can include tasks such as cleaning and maintaining the vessel, handling the vessel's navigation and communication systems, and performing any necessary repairs or maintenance...

Diversity is an important issue in any industry, and the yachting industry is no exception. Despite the luxurious and exclusive image often associated with yachting, the reality is that the industry is made up of a diverse range of people from all walks of life. However, the yachting industry has historically been dominated by white, wealthy individuals, and there have been concerns about the lack of diversity within the industry. This lack of diversity can have a range of negative impacts, including the exclusion of underrepresented groups and the failure to tap into the full range of talent and perspectives that the industry has to offer. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to promote diversity and inclusion in the yachting industry. This has incl...

Below Deck" is a popular reality television series that follows the lives of the crew members who work on luxury yachts, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and drama that unfold onboard. The show, which airs on the Bravo network, has been a hit with viewers since its debut in 2013 and has spawned several spin-off series, including "Below Deck Mediterranean" and "Below Deck Sailing Yacht." The show follows a rotating cast of crew members, including the captain, chief stewardess, and deckhands, as they work to provide top-notch service to their demanding and often eccentric guests. Each season takes place on a different yacht and features a new set of crew members, allowing viewers to see a range of different yachting experiences and destinations. Despite its popularity...

As technology continues to advance, automation is likely to play a significant role in shaping the future of the yachting industry. From automated navigation systems to robots that can assist with maintenance and cleaning, the use of automation could help to make yachting more efficient, cost-effective, and safe. One area where automation is already making an impact is in the development of autonomous vessels. Autonomous yachts are equipped with sensors, cameras, and other technologies that allow them to navigate and operate without a human crew. While these vessels are still in the early stages of development, they have the potential to revolutionize the yachting industry by making it more accessible and cost-effective for people to experience the joys of sailing. In addition t...

The yachting industry has come a long way since the days of luxury sailing vessels reserved for the wealthy elite. Today, yachting has evolved into a diverse and dynamic industry that caters to a wide range of customers and encompasses a variety of different vessels, from small recreational boats to large luxury yachts. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it's worth considering what the future may hold for yachting. Here are a few key trends and developments that are likely to shape the industry in the coming years: Increased sustainability: As concerns about the environment continue to grow, the yachting industry is likely to see an increase in demand for eco-friendly and sustainable vessels. This could involve the use of electric or hybrid propulsion systems, as ...

By Georgia Tindale   Content note: This article contains discussion of suicide. In recent years, there has been a clear increase in the number of conversations around mental health within the yachting industry, with helplines and other organisations such as 'Yacht Crew Help' stepping in to fill the gap which was previously evident for those looking for support and guidance on board their vessels when times get tough. More broadly, as well as helplines and more immediate help for those in crisis, there has also been an uplift in the number of instructional courses appearing that help to educate those in yachting on this topic. These cover topics such as how to identify the warning signs of suicide and mental health difficulties among friends and fellow crew, what ...

  By Georgia Tindale  An indisputable fact: Yachting is an industry which stimulates a lot of questions for those who are outside of it. As someone who was not even aware of the industry's existence until I fell into it five years ago or so (a story which is certainly not uncommon) I had plenty of questions of my own about this somewhat unusual, and definitely distinctive sphere of work and leisure!  Here, I tackle some of the most common questions that those in yachting face from outsiders – aiming to help you navigate the demanding task of explaining our industry to the uninitiated!  What is yachting? Although it may seem obvious, it is surprising how many people struggle to give a succinct answer to this, and it is best to make sure you understan...

By Georgia Tindale When it comes to surviving and thriving the quirks of the yachting industry, there are some unwritten rules which you need to follow. Here, we speak to Andrew Roch, Founder and CEO of the Crew Academy, to learn his top 'dos' and 'don't's for staying afloat within this unusual and extraordinary industry.  First off, there is a lot of drinking and alcohol around yachting, and yacht shows in particular! How should I manage to have a good time and still remain professional? This is a key point: how you are perceived at these shows is totally dependent on how you behave. So if you are at Stars'N'Bars, drinking and dancing all night long and still get up in the morning, present well and perform at the optimum level, then you've don...