Wilsonhalligan discusses the difference between the two main yachting seasons and provide tips on what to expect during the Caribbean season, including how to remain safe in your downtime and how provisioning works in more secluded areas.

As the Caribbean season begins, many yachts will start making their way across the Atlantic. Wilsonhalligan recruits all year round for both the Mediterranean season (May-October) and the Caribbean season (November-April) – so this time of year is busy. For many yachties, the Caribbean season is something they look forward to, but what are the differences between the Med and Caribbean seasons, and what can yacht crew expect when they get there?

More Time At Anchor

Caribbean islands are picturesque and varied, so there’s no shortage of exciting itinerary locations. The ‘milk run’ between Monaco and St Tropez can often be a pleasant change; however, there are fewer ports with berths for larger yachts, so you may spend much more time at anchor than you would in the Mediterranean.

A Busy Festive Period

Yachts are often quieter during the Caribbean season, with the busiest charter period being over Christmas and New Year. This means yacht crew can expect to be super busy over the festive period, with little chance of time at home with your own family and friends during the holiday period.

More Water-sports And Beach Setups

Deck crew will likely be busy with lots of water sports activities when their guests are onboard. The guests are usually keen to take full advantage of the Caribbean’s warmer waters, utilising all of the toys the yacht has to offer as well as some of the world’s most stunning dive sites. Crew are likely to spend time on the beach, but mostly for setting up Beach set ups for guests. These often consist of a fun day for children or maybe a romantic dinner for the owner in a private bay.

Provisioning Differences

Chefs may find provisioning slightly trickier in the Caribbean than they’ve experienced in the Med. On the larger islands of Antigua and St Maarten, it’s easier to have regular deliveries flown in from the US and Europe. When crossing from the Med, it’s definitely worth being well prepared and having specific European luxuries in good stock onboard. Visiting the local markets however is a great experience if chef’s are able. An abundance of tropical fruit can be found and the fresh fish and lobster caught every morning by local fisherman is unbeatable.

Read More: Full Schedule Of Events For The 2022 Antigua Charter Show

More Dinners On Board

As there isn’t a huge choice of restaurant, interior crew may find that guests spend more time dining on board, many preferring to be at anchor and enjoy their vessel. On the bright side, this means interior crew are able to get creative with their table decorations, or collaborate with the chef to create an unforgettable dinner on a secluded beach.

Caribbean Work Hours

Although the sun is usually shining and the weather is warm, there are frequent rain showers and squalls so deck crew should prepare to be out chamois-ing and likely will spend a lot of time covering and uncovering cushions. In order to avoid the hottest part of the day, many yachts tend to finish earlier or maybe take a longer lunch break, unlike the usual working hours of 08:00 – 17:00 of the Med.

Staying safe

Yacht crew are able to catch up and unwind with friends on other yachts on the islands of Antigua and St Maarten, as these are considered to be the main yachting hubs, where yachts head between guest trips and charters. The warm and welcoming nature of the Caribbean people are what sets the islands apart from other destinations. Although Caribbean locals have an easy-going and friendly nature, it is important to remember that like in other locations, some of the ports and islands can be dangerous for crew. Crew should maintain awareness of their surroundings, avoid carrying excess amounts of money or showing off expensive possessions and jewellery. It’s important to take care of fellow crew members and ensure you all return safely to your yacht after a night out.

We are sure that the experiences you have on-board, during either season, will be unforgettable. Whether this is your first Caribbean season or your tenth, if you are looking for a new role then please get in touch with Wilsonhalligan today to find your dream job!

Liam Dobbin, Managing Director of WilsonHalligan recruitment recently posted a LinkedIn status discussing salaries in the yachting industry. This then sparked an interesting conversation about the current state of yacht crew salaries, and the tendency for yacht crew recruitment companies to be scrutinised over pay.

So, do recruiters set the salaries for the jobs they are representing?

The answer is no. So why do yacht crew recruitment companies often get the blame for salaries?

Liam Dobbin, Managing Director of WilsonHalligan comments:

Whenever a role comes to us that is below ‘average’ salary we of course inform our client this is the case, as any good consultancy would. However, sometimes a budget is a budget or the overall package compensates for not being average. I always say there are two types of salaries, “one salary to fill a job, and another type to keep someone”. For instance, I spoke with someone this week who mentioned that the job was 10% lower than average. This opens the question “what is an average yachting salary?” Looking at yachting only, no two yachts are owned the same, operate the same, or are of the same build and age. So how can yacht crew salaries depict what is average? 

I was told I should be pushing salaries up, not promoting low salaries. Ok I said, I’ll keep you posted for new positions. Out of interest, what else has come up for you? I asked, ” Well, I’ve been approached for two other jobs with similar salaries”. We left the conversation with the same thought in mind that perhaps the market average has shifted?

This example could have been a case whereby this person has 3 years of experience, and as longevity increases, would be able to ask for a higher salary given their experience. Sometimes we are given a fixed salary and others a salary range. During or after an interview, a negotiation can then happen to achieve what they are looking for. We just may approach a crew member with the lower end of the scale initially and though negotiations your expectation could be achievable.

READ MORE: Yacht Crew Rotational jobs: Good or Bad?

The big question is are yacht crew salaries down?

However, the answer to this depends on whom you ask and which areas of yachting you look at. 

LD: Some yachts on the market are offering 3:1 rotation and Deckhand/Stewardess salaries in the region of €3000 per month.  This is paying more than some newly qualified Officers on cruise ships. This leave ratio is better than some yacht Captains get. I have Captains jobs currently offering 45 days leave a year.

Looking at the yacht Captain market, Captains are seeing similar salaries to what they were getting 10 years ago. We all hear about the biggest salaries, but looking across the market I would say there has not been an increase across all yachting positions.  This always comes down to supply and demand, but combined we can educate that saving on a salary doesn’t always lead to saving in the long run.

If you would like to add your comments or thoughts on current yacht crew salaries, email Lucy@superyachtcontent.com.

For further information on yachting salaries, contact info@wilsonhalligan.com

Are you yacht crew wondering what to include on your packing list for your first job?

There are few jobs quite like working on a yacht. When your job is your lifestyle, your colleagues are sleeping in a bunk next to you and you’re working for some of the wealthiest people in the world it makes for a unique experience. When preparing for your first yacht crew job, it might be tempting to bring everything you own with you, however, this is a guaranteed way to get on the wrong side of your crew-mates. Personal space on yachts is limited so you don’t want to be cluttering up the already-tight crew areas.

The team from Wilson Halligan are sharing with us their handy guide on what to pack for your first yacht job. From the essentials to personal extras, this guide will help you cut the clutter and focus on what you really need.

So, what should I pack for my first yacht job?  

This is a question we get asked all the time by green crew so we thought we would make life easy for you with our go-to list!  

Start by choosing the lightest suitcase you can find. A hard, square-type suitcase is not going to win you any immediate friends as they are a mission for onboard storage. A collapsible bag with wheels is the way forward, so it can be easily stored onboard.   

The Essentials:  

• Passport
• ALL yachting certificates (originals)
• Drivers License/ID
• Medication

The Basics :

Shoes  

• Flip flops because no yachtie could ever live without a pair!   
• Smart shoes for going out.  
• Trainers if you fancy hitting the gym or going for a run.  

Clothes  

• Casual Clothes: Shorts , Jeans, T-shirts.  
• Going out outfits – Dress / Nice tops / Shirts / Formal Trousers  
• Workout clothes  
• Comfies – PJ’s/ trackies  
• Underwear  
• Swimwear  

Tip: Only pack a couple of each. You will have you will have plenty of chance to buy new clothes once you get that first pay check (and also depending on the yacht will be spending a LOT of time in uniform!)  

Grooming  

• Toiletries (travel size)*  
• Makeup   
• Hair products (brush/elastics /bobby pins)   

*Once you are onboard, many of your day-to-day toiletries will be supplied. Therefore, bring small travel-size versions of these to tide you over.   

Technology   

• World Travel Adaptor  
• Mobile phone (be sure to do your research on the best provider for international roaming)  
• Kindle/eBook  
• Laptop/iPad  
• Camera  
• Headphones  

Tip: download books or movies before you leave your strong land internet connection-you’ll be surprised at how slow the internet can be on some superyachts, and captains may also restrict your access to preserve bandwidth for the guests. 

Personal Extras  

• Sentimental photos for cabin Laptop/iPad  
• Favourite tea bags from home  
• Small portable speaker  
• Sunglasses
• Yoga mat for all those yogis out there!  

Got your first superyacht stew job? Discover our 10 money tips for yacht stews here

Superyacht Housekeepers

Wilsonhalligan often sees green yachties apply for the role of a Superyacht housekeeper and work their way up to the head of the house. With the housekeeper role being a common entry position into the Superyacht industry, it’s a great way for aspiring yacht crew to begin their career at sea.

What experience do I need to become a Superyacht housekeeper?

Of course, it is always advantageous to have previous relevant experience in hospitality to join yachting. For example, working in high-end restaurants as a waitress. Or working in various areas of hotels i.e. the restaurant and housekeeping. However, you can also enter as a green stewardess without any hospitality experience whatsoever.

Nonetheless, working in Housekeeping in boutique hotels and high-end (chain) hotels will put you in good stead to gain a good housekeeping position on board a reputable yacht.

Depending on the size of the yacht, and previous experience, as an entry-level stewardess housekeeping is generally the area you will start off. Especially for someone who hasn’t any hospitality experience. This is because housekeeping is an area that can be taught to a green stewardess. As it doesn’t necessarily put them under pressure with guests straight away. They can practice making beds time and time again before guests arrive.

What are the requirements for Housekeeping on a yacht?

Housekeepers need a strong eye for detail, keeping a lookout for fingerprints, watermarks, smears, dust, etc. You need to be meticulous and take pride in your work. Ensuring every bed and cabin looks like it has come straight out of a catalogue. As well as looking after guest rooms, housekeeping also includes looking after different ‘public’ areas of a yacht. These include guest corridors, guest’s day beds, crew areas, etc.

It is important to be trained in the correct use of products and chemicals for each and every surface to make sure there is no damage made to the expensive materials.

Although there is less guest interaction in housekeeping, guest satisfaction still plays a very important role. To the guests staying on board, when the crew pays attention to the finer details, it really makes an impact. For example, noticing how they sleep at night (how many pillows, how many covers, blankets). Or if they are eating the turndown of fruit/chocolates and what type of water they drink. Preparing the cabin in this personal way the next night can leave a lasting impression.

Video by Top Notch Tabletops

What progressions are available once landing a yacht job as a Superyacht housekeeper?

There is great career advancement in housekeeping on yachts. From Junior Housekeeper, to lead Housekeeper, to Head of House. We know many pursers who have come from a housekeeping and service background. As they have learned the same managerial skills needed while a purser actually has nothing to do with service.

Let us know through our socials if you have any questions by clicking here.

Interested in a career as a Superyacht housekeeper? Get in touch with Wilsonhalligan Recruitment.

For the latest Yacht Crew career and training advice, click here.

‘How is the superyacht job market?’ This is one of Wilsonhalligan’s most frequently asked questions. Or, even more common is ‘What is the Superyacht Captain’s job market like?’ 

The job market itself has been active. Actually, it is currently the most competitive they have ever known it to be. At the moment, it is not uncommon to see 200+ applicants on a Jobsite posting within 24 hours.  

Is COVID To Blame?

It can shoulder some of the blame. Many yachts cut costs and rotations during 2020, but vessels were back in operation again a few months after the world went into lockdown. There has never been this much activity with the brokerage market. And new builds, although delayed, are still being delivered.

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The Job Market for Superyacht Captains

For superyacht captains, ultimately, it’s a Simple Math Problem. The number of qualified Captains outnumbers the total amount of yachts in the world. These numbers are based on Wilsonhalligan’s place in the yacht job market and from Boat International. Records show there are 5000 yachts between 24m and 50m, with nearly 800 over 50m.  With Some Captain careers spanning over 30 years, the number of Captains available evidently surpasses the number of yachts. When you get to that career point looking to be over 50m, you are looking at less than 1500 Captains jobs if most were rotational. In reality, it would be more like 1000/1200 jobs worldwide.  

The finger is often pointed at the recruiter for advertising positions below the average salary (what is an average yacht salary anyway?). Or because they’ve advertised a position that asks for a specific language skill. This is no different from when Captains ask for crew members who can speak a particular language. Ultimately, it comes down to the owner’s request. When and where possible, Wilsonhalligan will always ask what job advertisers can be flexible on. Say a yacht job is advertising for a Captain with 60m experience. There could be someone who is the right fit, but they have 50m experience. They will do what they can to make the owner/manager look past this sticking point and at least see if they can get them to interview the candidate.   

So How Is The Superyacht Job Market For Captains?

It is honestly tough at this moment in time. You must be active in the market but avoid saturation of your CV– speak to only 2-3 recruiters who you trust and may have access to otherwise unknown positions.  On the plus side, builds are busier than ever, and there is a movement within the market.

Keep in regular contact, make sure your CV is as good as possible, and feel free to call Wilsonhalligan any time for further advice and guidance on this topic.   

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See their other blogs for further reading and tips:

The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Yacht Captain CV – From the Perspective of a Leading Recruitment Provider

Yacht Crew Agencies & How to get the most from them

And for more of the latest industry news, click here.

Today Nicola from Wilsonhalligan, an ex yacht stewardess worked on Superyachts for a number of years tells us about her experience with Mental Health at Sea and what she has done after leaving the industry.

Mental Health At Sea: What It Really Means To Me…

Anyone who knows me will know I’m a ‘glass half full’ type of person. I always trying to see the positives in situations and live life with a smile.  During my time at sea, in later years when I had additional responsibility. I too had days where I struggled to cope.  Stepping up too soon, I found myself leaving a yacht mid-season (cardinal sin, I know!) to protect my wellbeing.  Despite having a supportive crew on board, I was always anxious and often in tears. On reflection I could have done with additional support.

A few years back I was at a conference in London. I was drawn to the results of the Superyacht Crew Welfare Report conducted by ISWAN (The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network). But more specifically to ISWAN itself and the work they were doing within the maritime world.

What is ISWAN?

At the time ISWAN, a charity which runs a 24/7 helpline and has traditionally supported commercial seafarers, were reporting an increase in calls from superyacht crew – I was baffled as I had never even heard of the organisation. I did my research and found out how I could get involved to help push this out to our industry.  Several others from across the yachting world had a similar view to me and we joined forces with ISWAN to share ideas and actions.

Over time, the steering committee has grown to include more fantastic key players within the yachting world. As a result; Yacht Crew Help launched at the end of 2020.

Yacht Crew Help is still a part of ISWAN but now solely focuses on supporting those on yachts.  They offer a 24/7 helpline, which is free, confidential, and manned by trained professionals, they can also signpost crew to additional help if needed.  They are there to assist with any issues which may be affecting your life at sea. Bullying, substance misuse, job concerns, the list goes on you name it they can help. They also offer free resources online and training to those at management level interested in recognising the signs of mental health problems on board.

What does the ACrew Award have to do with this?!

Very kindly I was nominated recently for an ACrew Award, in the category of Duty of Care for my work around mental health and Yacht Crew Help.  Initially I had planned to reject the nomination – firstly, because I don’t consider myself to be an active crew member on board anymore, but more importantly because there have been a whole committee of exceptional people along with ISWAN, not just me, who have helped push Yacht Crew Help out to our industry.

However, with ACrew having such a wide reach within the yachting world, I realised this would be the most perfect opportunity to continue the work we have started, give Yacht Crew Help even more publicity and reach those crew members who have not yet heard about the help available.  I therefore encourage every Captain, HOD or junior crew member to look at the website, www.yachtcrewhelp.com, spread the word to fellow crew members and help us reach every person in the industry.

At the time of writing, I am the only nominee for this award. If it stays that way and I beat the competition(!), this win will be for Yacht Crew Help and for every crew member they have helped so far.  So, that’s what the award really means to me. It’s more than just recognition or a title. It is chance to shout about Crew Help and potentially save a life.

Yacht Crew Help is a charity organisation which relies on donations to continue.  If you would like to donate, please visit:  justgiving.com/campaign/yachtcrewhelp.

For more information on ISWAN click here.