Miami International Boat Show 2022 – What’s New?

The Miami International Boat Show returns after a 5-year absence, and with a change of location. 

Miami International Boat Show

 

Where is the show being held this year?

The 2022 Miami International Boat Show will begin on Wednesday, February 16th, and finish on Sunday, February 20th. The boating event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, One Herald Plaza, Sea Isle Marina, Museum Park Marina, and Island Gardens.

  • Miami Beach Convention Center will offer powerboats up to 49 feet, engine manufacturers, marine accessories, electronics, and retail pavilions.
  • One Herald Plaza will feature larger powerboats, motor yachts ranging from 50 feet to 125 feet in length, yacht tenders, engines, marine accessories, and retail pavilions.
  • The Sea Isle Marina is one of the 5 venues which will showcase boats and engine manufacturers, with trials of over 150 yachts and boats taking place.
  • Museum Park Marina will provide an up-close look at the latest sailboats, catamarans, and sailing accessories.
  • Island Gardens Deep Harbour will showcase SuperYacht Miami with the largest and most luxurious yachts at the Miami International Boat Show.

What exactly is ‘The Boat Show Experience’?

Pride Park will be the ultimate boater’s destination, located directly outside the Miami Beach Convention Center. With non-stop activities for guests, it seems this years event organisers have pulled out all the stops!

Activities list:

  • Nautical Ventures AquaZone – For thrill-seekers and water lovers alike, the AquaZone is designed to give boat show-goers an upfront and personal experience with a variety of water sports and innovative marine products.
  • Discover Boating Educational Zone – An interactive educational and informational resource center dedicated to enhancing your boating knowledge.
  • Costa Conservation Village – Dedicated to sharing information on how we all can protect and promote a healthy marine environment (featuring the Volvo Penta Sustainability stage).
  • Electric Zone “Products of Tomorrow” – State of the art electric propulsion systems, battery-powered boats, and high yech Products from across the globe.
  • Wake Sports Experience – Featuring professional wake sports athletes from the competition circuit. Test your skills aboard the wake surf simulators.
  • Community Corner – Engage with community clubs and associations dedicated to promoting the many benefits of marine stewardship and community involvement.
*There will be live music performances from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday 2/17 through Saturday 2/19.

Who’s on the 2022 Miami International Boat Show exhibitors list?:

To keep up-to-date with the latest exhibitors attending the show, make sure to regularly visit the Miami Boat Show website. A selection of some of this years exhibitors are:

1. Sunreef Yachts

Miami International Boat Show
Image from Sunreef Yachts, via Sailing Yacht Bundalong

2. Wajer Yachts

Miami International Boat Show
Image from Wajer Yachts

3. Wards Marine Electric

Image from Wards Marine

4. Jetsurf USA

Miami International Boat Show
Image from Jet Surf USA

Where can you buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting Discover boating – Miami International Boat Show.

To view the latest Superyacht News, Click here 




What Is a Superyacht First Officer? And How Do You Become One?

Want to learn more about the role of the Superyacht First Officer and how you can land your dream yacht job?

Having come from a yachting background, our team is equipped to help you land the job of a lifetime as a Superyacht First Officer. Here is all you need to know:

Superyacht First Officer
Photo by Yura Timoshenko on Unsplash

What is a Superyacht First Officer?

Typically, the Superyacht First Officer, often referred to as the Chief Officer/Chief mate is second in command to the Captain. Meaning, they work side-by-side with one another regularly. First officers face the responsibility of being able to cover the Captain when needed due to the chain of command on board. It is not uncommon for the First Officer’s duties to overlap those of the Captain, whether those responsibilities involve managing, leading, or communicating with the crew. In addition to knowledge of all deck and bridge procedures, the Superyacht’s First officer must also possess the ability to teach the crew new repair and maintenance skills.

How much is the Superyacht First Officers’ salary?

It’s hard to say a certain figure, due to yacht crew salaries changing based on the size of the vessel, the yacht they’re aboard, and so on. But realistically, for first officers, an expected monthly salary ranges from €4,500 up to €10,000.

What are the main responsibilities of a Superyacht First Officer?

Here is a more thorough list of all that is expected from a Superyacht First Officer. They have to:

  • Assist the Captain with all administrative duties.
  • Follow all safety procedures. This includes arranging regular safety drills.
  • Use bridge and navigation systems to navigate the yacht.
  • Manage the Deck Crew.
  • Maintain the deck itself. This includes being in charge of deck inventory and equipment.
  • Set watch schedules.
  • Adhere to the deck budget.

What skill sets are required to become a Superyacht First Officer?

To fulfil their role and responsibilities, Superyacht First Officers must also:

  • Have good leadership skills to lead the Deck Crew and stand-in for the Captain if need be.
  • Be a good communicator with the ability to delegate.
  • Have excellent organisation for boat handling and watchkeeping.
  • Demonstrate very strong navigational skills.
  • Have ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices.
  • Show extensive knowledge of boat maintenance. This includes knowledge of carpentry, corrosion, rope splicing, outboard motors, painting, and varnishing.
  • Have advanced water sports knowledge.
  • Demonstrate strong computer skills.
  • Basic engineering skills.

How to land a job as a First Officer:

The role of the First Officer is high up on the chain of command and therefore, experience is key. Chances are, if you’re currently an experienced second officer, you can progress to become a First Officer. However, if you’re just starting out as a yachtie, a minimum of five years of experience working in a similar role is expected of you. This can include work as a second officer, or experience as a captain on a smaller vessel.

As well as this, you must have a minimum license of OOW unlimited. MCA STCW Officer of the Watch or Chief Mate certifications are required for most First and Second officers. But, these requirements may differ under certain circumstances. And RYA or IYT certificates can be obtained for yachts of a smaller size.

Listen to Brianne Wight discuss what her role as a Superyacht second officer entails:

Video by Oat Futures

Hopefully, now you have a better understanding more about the role of a Superyacht First Officer and how you can become one. If you have any questions for us, please make sure to get in contact with one of our team. 

Click here to register now and view the latest yacht job vacancies via the Superyacht jobs board.

And for the latest Superyacht news, click here.




5 First Time Chief Stew Mistakes

Top tips for Superyacht Chief stews

Step up as chief stew the right way and avoid these common stew mistakes

After training hundreds of stewardesses to become Top-Notch Chief Stews, Yachts Mermaids founder Marién has made a list of the common stew mistakes she has seen in first-time interior HOD. And helpfully, how to avoid them so you can have an easier time transitioning.

Here are some common chief stew mistakes and how to avoid them:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCowvE7hcXK/

Mistake 1: Forgetting to develop a management mindset

How to avoid: You are likely thinking of jumping into a Chief Stew role because you’re awesome at your job. But the crazy thing about your new position is that it’s not about you anymore. As a stewardess, your number one job is to accomplish tasks. Now, as a Chief Stew, your number one job is to help other people outstandingly achieve the tasks.

This shift is often difficult for first-time Chief Stews, but it’s crucial—your performance will be tied to your team’s performance. This means that if your team fails, you fail. And if they succeed? You can take credit, but you have to share it with the rest of the team, or they won’t be willing to do an excellent job for you in the future.

Mistake 2: Not having an SOP in place

How to avoid: Create an Interior Management System, aka SOP. This manual, or stew bible as we call it in the interior departments, will be the backbone of your management duties. Without it, you will be lost like a needle in a haystack in your new role. The Mermaids Kick-Starter Bible will support you in creating your own Interior Management System. With over 90 digital and editable templates, you will save time, which means you will lead by example as a Chief Stew. Download the MKSB here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVc6kbuLVgI/

Mistake 3: Repeating what previous Chief Stews have done onboard, even when inefficient or wrong.

How to avoid: Learning who you are as a leader is the key to succeeding in your new role. Repeating what others have done if it works is ok, but I often see first-time chiefs doing things the way they have seen others do it, even when they know it is not beneficial just because they haven’t taken the time to develop their leadership skills. The best way to achieve this is by investing in developing your self-leadership skill sets. If you are ready to heighten and develop your natural leadership skills in no time, check out the YM self-leadership mini-course; Click here.

Mistake 4: Over compromising

How to avoid: Knowing how to set boundaries with the crew, owners, and guests is crucial to your success. As a first-time chief stew, you want to show that you can do the job, but that doesn’t mean that you need to say yes to everything they ask, specifically if doing so means achieving the outcome by putting your mental and physical health at risk . Sometimes NO is the correct answer. That’s why reconnecting with your feminine energy and menstrual cycle is the key to setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. Understanding the 4 phases of your menstrual cycle will allow you to plan your personal and work life around it to support your mental and physical health and that of the team. Click here to learn more about the YM Magic Womb Masterclass for Stews.

Mistake 5: Leading from a frenetic energy

How to avoid: Having a self-care routine is essential to prevent engaging in frenetic energy. Practices like meditation, exercise, and guided breathing will help regulate your energy. As a leader, whatever you feel, others will notice and feel it too. If you are constantly anxious or worried, your team will pick up on that, and more than likely, they will start to feel the same way, which translates to a chaotic team energy and service. Taking care of yourself should be your #1 priority. If you don’t have a healthy mental and physical state, your work performance will suffer, and so will your team efficiency—That’s why Marién recommends investing in a coach or therapist to help you maintain balance in your life. She has over seven years of experience supporting stews in this field. Click here to book a session with Marién.

Here is what others are saying about their coaching sessions with Marién:

“Marién always gives me the tools I need to calm down and come back to myself so that I can be the best leader for my team.” -Greta

“my overall mindset has changed for the better, and we have done some critical work unlocking my full potential. It has helped me, not only in my work life but my day-to-day life.” -Marcelle

Remember that the secret to succeeding in anything you do and avoiding stew mistakes is preparing and investing in yourself. Click here to learn more about all the ways Marién can support you.

 

We hope you are able to avoid these common chief stew mistakes and progress you career successfully!

For further guidance visit the Yachts Mermaids homepage here.

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




What Is The Charter Cost Of Superyacht Amaryllis?

Abeking & Rasmussens 78.4m Superyacht Amaryllis

Superyacht Amaryllis charter cost – What is it? The 257.32ft/78.43m custom motor yacht AMARYLLIS was built in 2011 by Abeking & Rasmussen. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests and double the number of crew. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, Amaryllis is capable of reaching 7,000 nautical miles.

The interior design of the yacht is predominantly white, with a variety of woods and soft cream colours. The designers responsible were the London-based design firm Reymond Langton, who also designed the exterior.

It’s time to talk prices:

Superyacht Amaryllis is valued at a whopping $120 million, with an annual running cost of $12 million. She’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted. However, this explains her charter cost:

Rate/Week – Winter: From €650,000 (Approx. $735,302)

Summer: From €695,000 (Approx. $786,229)

So why does the Superyacht Amaryllis charter cost rank as one of the most expensive charter prices in the world?

She does have a variety of special features, such as:

  • A Beautiful marble bathroom and claw-foot bed in the owner’s suite
  • Sundeck pool lit up by underwater lights
  • Plunge pool and full spa facilities
  • An elegant lounge area with grand piano from Gaspiano Luxury Pianos
  • Cinema suite
  • Complete with a gym and beach club

Let’s take a closer look at some of these special features:

Superyacht Amaryllis

Superyacht Amaryllis gym area

Toys and Tenders on board Superyacht Amaryllis

lounge
All images by Yacht Charter Fleet


Some of the amenities included in her charter cost are:

  • A 9.9m Graf Ipanema custom wooden tender with Volvo 370hp
  • 2x Seabob F5S underwater scooters
  • 2x Jetsurf Factory GP Surfboards
  • Yamaha FZS Jetski Yamaha SJ700
  • BBQ and Gym equipment
  • TechnoGym Excite 900 Treadmill
  • A Keiser M3 spinning bike

After all of that, the real question is: Would you pay upwards of €650,000 for a week-long charter aboard Amaryllis?? Let us know over on our socials by clicking, here.


To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here.

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Where To Visit In The Uk?

Wanting to visit the centre of the Superyacht universe, but struggling to decide on where to visit in the UK? This can be a daunting prospect for many visiting the UK by Superyacht.

Where do I start?

There are a lot of things to think of when planning a trip to the UK and here are some of the most common worries;

  • Cities
  • Anchorages
  • Berths
  • Customs and immigration
  • Tides
  • Provisions
  • Activities

Most Superyachts visiting the UK use an agent. This is purely because for most Captains it is an unfamiliar destination for a Superyacht. Add to this the fact that the country is so diverse and a little local knowledge goes a very long way.

MGMT is the only Superyacht specific agency covering the entire UK. It was set up by brothers Mark and Nigel Upton in 2009 and has grown every year since the London Olympics in 2012. They look after most of the Superyachts visiting the UK every year and do everything from berth bookings and provisions to itineraries, fuel, and chauffeurs.

Destinations

In the UK there are some real “must-see” places which are high on the list of all guests. But there are a lot of absolutely stunning places which a lot of people don’t know about.

London

The Capital of England and a great place to take a Superyacht. There are plenty of berth options available and having your yacht in the centre of such an iconic city is a must.

Where To Visit In The Uk
Credit- MGMT Instagram

Portsmouth

A great option as you make your way along the South Coast. Drop into Gunwharf Quays where you will be properly looked after by their team managed by Mark Collings.

Gunwharf Quays Superyacht port
Credit – Gunwharf Quay

Poole

Further west along the south coast and a popular marina for Superyachts, Poole Quay Boat Haven is another great option along your route. For larger yachts, the commercial port is a very clean and modern facility with a small tidal range which is always a bonus!

Poole Quay Boat Haven
Credit – Visitsoutheastengland

The South West

There are a lot of stunning options in the South West, and we’re confident that once you’ve taken a look, you’ll know where to visit in the UK. Needless to say, Dartmouth is one of the great Superyacht destinations in this area followed by Falmouth and also the Scilly Isles, which is like the UK version of The Bahamas. One of the most beautiful and remote spots in England.

Choosing where to visit in the UK is a no brainer when you see The Isle Of Scily
Credit: Peter Cumberlidge

The West Coast

Less commonly visited by Superyachts as the west coast tends to get missed out on the trip to either Ireland or en route to Scotland. This is not to say there aren’t some great places to visit. Superyachts have been to Bristol, Cardiff, and Liverpool on their way to or from Scotland. Each of these locations offers the perfect start-off point for some truly memorable inland excursions. Stonehenge, Bath, and Snowdonia are among these.

Mgmt Yacht bespoke planning
Credit – Matin Walley Photography

Scotland

Where To Visit In The Uk
Credit- Aberdeen Harbour Instagram

Usually either the start or endpoint for most Superyacht UK itineraries. Scotland never fails to disappoint as it offers such diverse options for a Superyacht visit. Scenery ranging from white sand beaches to towering cliffs, deserted Lochs to remote castles. But, not only the classic reasons to visit Scotland. There are lots of award winning restaurants, beautiful hotels, activities galore and of course Whisky!

The UK has it all. Literally!

Whether you start in London and finish in Scotland or Vice Versa this is a country so diverse many Superyachts are making return visits, even in the winter!

Following on from where to visit in the UK, expect to see more on the kind of support you can expect from the huge amount of companies based in the UK.

For inquiries about MGMT Intinerary services, click here or get in contact via info@mgmtyacht.com.

For the latest Superyacht news, Click here.




Q&A With Bannenberg & Rowell Designs, Dickie Bannenberg

Jon Bannenberg founded the modern yacht design business in the 1960s and sadly passed away in 2002. His passion for design was passed down to his son, Dickie Bannenberg who now manages Bannenberg & Rowell with his creative director Simon Rowell. We got the chance to catch up with Dickie, and discuss the Superyacht design company founded by his father:

Bannenberg and Rowell

Your father, Jon, was the founder of Jon Bannenberg DesignsLtd. Did your passion for yacht design come from him?

I guess I did get it from him, via osmosis. As a kid, I have strong memories of seeing my Dad come back from the studio and then be at his drawing board at home until late at night. He’d be working on big plans, all hand-drawn, with soft pencils, erasers, and stencils. I would often go to shipyards with him for launches. He’d have clients to dinner often ( not something that really happens these days ). His clothes would smell of aeroplanes.

What challenges have you faced following in such big footsteps?

They are big footsteps and I don’t try and follow them exactly – partly because they are impossible to follow (!) and also as I am not an out and out designer like my father. The Bannenberg name, of course, is a famous one in the yacht industry so it perhaps helps open some doors that were previously shut. But it’s also a lot to live up to.

What was the most memorable project delivered by your father?

Well, that’s like picking a favourite child and I think most people would agree he design dozens of groundbreaking yachts so I’m not going to pick one!

What unique challenges do you often face when designing a superyacht compared with designing a land residence?

There are many overlaps with land-based projects but, of course, some very particular requirements for yacht design and construction. Some are regulatory – regulations imposed by Classification Societies and the Flag States. Depending on the type of yacht, there can be weight restrictions. Above all, you are working within quite a restricted envelope – even on large yachts – in terms of the sheer number of systems and technical equipment that has to be incorporated. A deckhead void, for example, has to swallow a/c ducting, cable trays, insulation, fire control systems, and much more. That’s before the placement of light fittings, speakers, and many other items.

Bannenberg and Rowell Design has worked with some extremely reputable superyacht builders. Who do you most enjoy working with and why?

I am going to play the favourite child card again! What is true is that certain yards are a better match for different new build projects. It can be as fundamental as having the physical space to construct a project of, say, 80 metres. Or it could be a question of propulsion expertise. Then there is the contrast between semi-custom new builds and something completely bespoke. We’ve worked with almost all of the Northern European yards, leading Italian ones and others in the US, Spain, and Turkey.

Where and how do you get inspiration for your Bannenberg and Rowell designs?

We have a slightly magpie-like mindset, by which I mean scavenging ( sorry – drawing inspiration from ) worlds as diverse as architecture, car design, graphic design, contemporary culture, and elsewhere. Curious minds are encouraged in the studio.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CW5obansRa-/

How do you recruit for such a unique skillset when finding new design team members? 

Our Bannenberg and Rowell team includes designers from hotel and residential backgrounds, a naval architect, an ex-ballet dancer, and a digital modeler from industrial design practice. By and large, everyone is involved in all the current studio projects. The team is adaptable, committed, and cares about presentation. Although design work is increasingly digital, hand-drawing skills are greatly valued and important. So – the recruitment recipe…..

What project are you most proud of to date? 

Rather than choose the project of which we are most proud, I am going to highlight the 72m Feadship JOY, which was our first exterior of the “second Bannenberg era” if I may tag Bannenberg & Rowell like that. She was delivered in 2016, was a multi-award-winning yacht, and has a phenomenally successful record as a charter yacht.

Lastly, What has been the most challenging project for Bannenberg and Rowell to date? 

As my father used to say – “The next one”

Bannenberg and Rowell

For the latest Industry News, Click here




The Ocean Cleanup: What Can Yacht Crew Do To Help?

The non-profit organisation have started to use their technology to rid the world’s oceans of plastic

There are now an estimated 5.25 trillion macro and micro pieces of plastic in our oceans. The number is only increasing, so in order to solve the issue, human intervention is needed. This is where Boyan Slat, CEO of The Ocean Cleanup has stepped in. The notion behind the cleanup is rather simple. Slat states that all we need to do to effectively solve the problem is ‘turn off the tap’ and then ‘mop the floor’. Meaning, we must halt the plastic flow from rivers, and remove the legacy plastics that are already there.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGfrZG2jQxr/

But, how does The Ocean Cleanup plan to achieve this? Here is all you need to know:

The Ocean Cleanup backstory

The nonprofit organisation was set up in 2013 by Boyan Slat, when he was just 18 years old. At the age of 16, Slat went scuba diving in Greece and was alarmed to see more plastic in the ocean than fish, so wished to find a solution to this problem.  In 2012, he held a TedX talk about how to rid the world’s oceans of plastic using technology. The video went viral, and the momentum that followed allowed him to drop out of school and found The Ocean Cleanup.

The cleanup was not as smooth sailing as it is now, however. The current cleanup system, ‘002’ or ‘Jenny’ has a predecessor, ‘001’/’Wilson’, which was launched in 2018. It did not fully work as planned, as it didn’t catch as much plastic as Slat hoped. This is because some of the lighter pieces were still able to float away back into the ocean. Thus, the cleanup needed to return back to land and more technology developments occurred.

It was not all bad news though, as the plastic that system 001 did collect was recycled and turned into sunglasses that the public could buy. The Ocean Cleanup teamed up with top designer Yves Béhar and Italian eyewear brand Safilo to create the glasses, which tell the consumer exactly where in the ocean the plastic in the frames came from. The money raised from this was used to continue their technology, and now, system 002 is out removing plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as we speak.

The Ocean Cleanup Glasses
To purchase a pair of The Ocean Cleanup sunglasses, click here.

So, How Does it work?

The circulating currents in the garbage patch move the plastic around. Due to this, there are hotspots of higher plastic concentration. The Ocean Cleanup uses the help of computational modeling in order to predict where these hotspots are and place the cleanup systems in these areas.

The cleanup system is essentially a large net with an open bottom, which is pulled along at either side by two vessels. The open bottom allows for both plastic to be caught, and ocean life to be saved. And, the two vessels maintain a relative speed difference to the plastic, so that the plastic can be caught in the retention zone of the cleanup system. They also correct the wingspan, speed, and direction of the system.

Once the system is full, the back of the ‘Retention Zone’- where the plastic is collected, is taken aboard. It is then sealed off, detached from the system, and emptied on board the vessel. Then, the cycle is repeated.

In the end, once the containers are full onboard the plastic is taken to shore to be recycled.

The Ocean Cleanup has also started to roll out smaller-scale autonomous technologies, named ‘Interceptors’. They remove plastic from rivers before they reach the ocean.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwJBg_sY1Y/

Plans for the future:

The Ocean Cleanup aims to reach full-scale deployment in both rivers and oceans. With the ultimate goal being cleaning up 90% of the world’s floating ocean plastic by 2040.

In order to achieve this, it is predicted another 9 full-size systems are needed to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

They are continuing operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This will help to capture more plastic and gather more insights during the harsher winter sea-state.

In parallel, The Ocean Cleanup has plans to start working on a System 003. This iteration will incorporate modifications to the system’s hardware and will be three times the size of System 002, allowing even more plastic to be collected. System 003 will serve as the blueprint for scale-up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYHHrjur3PQ/

All in all, the clean-up is a promising solution for the future, and we wish to see the technology continue.

To learn more about The Ocean Cleanup and its systems, click here.

For more of the latest industry news and content, click here.

 




Working an a Yacht & the Things I Wish I’d Known as a Stew

Cover Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

How many times have you thought: If only I had known?

Jamila Garcia, founder of Starfish Crew is here to tell us what she wishes she knew before working on a yacht, with a simple career tip-based guide. She reminds us that even those who are happy with the path they have followed and have no regrets can still reflect on the past. There are always things that we think we should have done differently if we could go back in time.

So, what did yacht stew Jamila wish she’d have known?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC6li1koPGm/

CAREER TIP 1-TRAINING:

“If I was 18 again, and had to decide what I was going to do with my life, I would still complete professional butler training. That is the one thing that I have always known I wanted to do. However, I wouldn’t spend 6 years at Uni for that. After completing my training, I would look for a job at a luxury hotel, or private residence. I would work for a year, to achieve the experience I consider basic to work on a superyacht, even as a Junior. Then I would look for my first yachting job, because by that point, (unlike it happened “in real life”) I would know that the yachting industry exists and you can earn a lot of money working on a superyacht! So… I totally knew what my passion was long before yachting: high-end service. But, if that’s not the case with you, I wouldn’t recommend you to go spend thousands of euros on service (let alone housekeeping) courses. I have had many Stewardesses over the years with 0 to very little service experience, and they turned out to be amazing Stewardesses (most of them Chief Stews nowadays)”.

Figure out what you enjoy and start from there

  • Find a job first
  • See what the reality is when working on a superyacht
  • Decide what aspects of it you really like
  • Focus on that route

Let’s say that, before working on a superyacht, you didn’t have a clue that you were going to be passionate about wine.

  • You love inventorying all those fantastic bottles onboard
  • Decanting it
  • Serving it
  • Advising your guests on the correct wine for each menu…

Invest your hard-earned money on wine courses. Even become a Sommelier! It would be a privilege to have a qualified Sommelier on board and it would certainly be appreciated in the industry.

Let’s say you find yourself loving flower arranging:

Invest in flower artistry courses!

Let’s say you dream of becoming a Purser:

Invest in a professional Purser course!

This career tip is especially important as it will allow you to learn more about yourself and unlock your skills!

CAREER TIP 2-SIZE OF THE VESSEL:

“However, I did get one thing right: the size of the vessels I wanted to work on. At the beginning of my career working on a yacht, I was lucky. My first yacht was a 56-meter motor yacht. Because it was an explorer yacht, the interior was quite large for a vessel that size. I instantly felt comfortable on board. So that’s the size I have continued working on. The largest yacht I have worked on is 62 meters, with 17 crew. That was more than enough for me. I have never wanted to work on a larger vessel, even when I have been offered amazing positions on large yachts. I just know that I feel much more comfortable with a certain amount of crew around me. Amongst other factors”.

This is to say that no one knows you better than yourself.

  • If you don’t feel comfortable working on a 100-meter vessel, or a 30-meter vessel, remember that when you are looking for your next position.
  • Don’t just accept another position on the same size vessel you have just resigned from if a big part of the reason for your resignation was the size.

CAREER TIP 3-LONGEVITY:

“I stayed on my first yacht for 18 months. 18 Outstanding months. I did more nautical miles during those 18 months than during the eight next years. However, this was a private yacht where I basically did the-same-exact-thing every-single-day. Guests on and guests off. Because the yacht’s route wasn’t your typical “yachtie spots” I did not have contact with any other yachties other than my co-workers. I literally did not have a clue about the existence of charter yachts. Had I known I would have probably left my first yacht sooner. Not much sooner though, I would have done one year. Longevity, and all that, right?”

So, it is helpful to think about how long you should stay on your yacht and when to move on to the next

  • Stay on every boat you work on for at least a year.
  • Then, do whatever you feel you need to do with your career after your year onboard. Especially when you are just starting.

CAREER TIP 4-WORKING ON A PRIVATE YACHT OR CHARTER:

‘I personally would much rather work on a charter yacht. Not only because of the money. I just get too bored on a private yacht. I like to be the one deciding what I do with the table settings, theme parties, where to serve what etc. Owners telling me to serve red wine in the water goblet, and stuff like that… I just can’t deal. However, this is just me. You might feel much more comfortable knowing your guests, doing the same thing etc… That’s perfectly fine. Also, let me tell you something. Starting your yachting career on a “heavy charter” yacht might blow your mind (in a bad way). I was working on a yacht with a  heavy charter where two of the junior stews were 100% green and that was their first, and last, season. Charter yachts are pretty hardcore. So remember this if you get offered your first position on a heavy charter yacht’. 

You need to be able to know if you have a preference as to which yachts you would like to work on

  • Try both when first starting out
  • Then, decide what fits YOU better

GUIDANCE:

‘I did not know that the yachting industry existed. Therefore, I couldn’t have sought out any advice or guidance on how to get into it from anyone. However, if I had to start again, the first thing I would do is look for a place to get all of this advice’.

Invest in getting the RIGHT information from the RIGHT people

  • Find out the right steps to take to land your first position EXACTLY
  • Connect with yachting industry professionals that could help you find a position
  • Invest in: Getting a professional CV done, finding out what you are going to be asked during interviews, and, what your role will entail.

Two places which offer this advice is firstly www.starfishcrew.com

Download the free basic guide to working on superyachts here.

And, Crew Library also has many free resources and services.

Working on a yacht with Jamila Garcia, the founder of Starfish Crew

We hope this article provided you with an insight into the life of a stew working on a yacht.

For more of the latest industry content, click here.

If you looking for your first position working on a yacht or maybe you are a seasoned yachtie looking for your next adventure. Head over to our jobs board to see our available positions.

 




Gibraltar’s Best Bars and Restaurants For Yacht Crew

Coming on land for a few hours?

2021 was a jam-packed year for Gibraltar. They waved hello and goodbye to some of the largest and most recognised Superyachts; From Nord to Solaris, to Luna. With crew occasionally getting the chance to come ashore for a few hours, it’s worth knowing the best places to go. We’ve put together a list of the best bars and restaurants in Gibraltar for you to visit to make your short stay worthwhile.

Gibraltar’s best restaurants:

Mons Calpe Suite

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Being the only restaurant on the Gibraltar rock, Mons Calpe Suite will give you that dinner with a view experience.

Rendezvous Chargrill

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Situated in Queensway overlooking the marina, Rendezvous is not one to skip. Everything they plate up is homemade, from the bread to the smoked olives. And having been here myself I can tell you that, to this date, it’s the best meal that I’m yet to have had.

La Sala Restauraunt and Bar

Restaurants and bars in Gibraltar

Located inside the Sunborn Yacht Hotel, La Sala is a 5* restaurant offering a lunch menu but also a varied a la carte menu featuring a range of International and Spanish favourites. If you’re looking to have dinner with a view, I’d recommend their alfresco option on their back terrace.

Casual restaurants in Gibraltar:

Grille 53

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Just opposite the Sunborn hotel, you’ll find Grille 55. If you’re looking for the freshest Steaks & Seafood & the friendliest service, this is the perfect place to go.

Little Bay

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLT_zZfF0uB/

Little Bay has quickly established itself as the premier Indian restaurant in and around Gibraltar. Favoured by visiting celebrities, royalty, and politicians including Gibraltar’s own Chief Minister. Their kitchen consists of six talented chefs from India and Brazil, who have previously worked in five-star and Michelin-star restaurants.

The Kasbar

The most amazing Vegan/ Vegetarian cafe in Gibraltar. Located down a side street in the heart of Gibraltar’s Old City. Kasbar serves a varied selection of teas, coffees, juices, and smoothies. If you enjoy natural, wholesome good food, then add this to the top of your list.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CWC_L8Driuy/

Gibraltars best bars:

Aqua Bar

Bars in Gibraltar

Once again, located in the Sunborn Yacht hotel is the Aqua bar. Fancy sitting poolside for a few hours, and enjoying the views of the Gibraltar rock before getting back to sea?

The Star Bar

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbegXDNAnyU/

The Star Bar (Gibraltar’s oldest legal drinking establishment) dates back several hundred years. There is a local story that Christopher Columbus diverted into Gibraltar to enjoy a fillet steak meal at The Star Tavern on his way to discover the Americas… The Star has updated since then, swapping its original look for an interior of diner-style lighting, polished wooden surfaces, and cool exposed brickwork

The Lounge Bar

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Sisters Sonia and Michelle formed the Lounge Bar in 2010. Situated in Queensway Quay Marina, they strived to create a social gathering place for residents and visitors where they could relax and unwind away from the hustle of the town’s center.

My Wines

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQx-hyKl07f/

A one for the wine lovers out there! My Wines boasts Gibraltar’s largest selection of wines available to you as a Wine Boutique as well as a “walk-through wine list”  at shop prices and without corkage fees. They stock 300+ world wines from over 23 countries and counting!

Vinopolis

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGkHwuWlOHj/

Vinopolis Gastrobar combines a modern concept of serving wine ‘by the glass. All wines can be tasted by the glass as they offer the latest technology in wine serving and preservation systems. You can purchase a chargeable wine card and try different wines at ease.

The Arena sports bar

http://www.instagram.com/p/BkLWNv3HhQN/

If you’re looking for a more lively setting, perhaps to watch the latest sport on a big screen, head to ocean village. The arena sports cafe is recognised as the best spot for live sports and music in Gibraltar.

If you find yourself on a short stopover, be sure to refer back to our list of the best bars and restaurants in Gibraltar to visit.

For more of the latest Superyacht news, click here.




Yacht Jobs: 5 Things To Avoid Asking in Your Interview

With yacht crew jobs on the rise, we’d like to give you advice for your interview. We’ve all been in a job interview before, haven’t we? If you’re already yacht crew, you will have been interviewed at some point. But, as time passes and your seniority builds you will find yourself interviewing others.

Lots of us have left an interview thinking “why did I ask such a stupid question?”. Others thought it went really well but never heard back. So, we talked to some Captains and senior crew and learned some of the things which annoy the interviewer. These are all questions that won’t do you any favours in a job interview. In fact, they pretty much guarantee you won’t get the job.

Yacht Crew Jobs

Do yacht crew get the weekends off?

Imagine you are a Captain. You have just spent half an hour talking to a potential new crew member about the yacht, itinerary, etc, and ask if they have any questions. This is the first thing that they ask. Yes, everyone likes a day off now and again but really? You must have a better first question than this!

How often do we get a pay rise?

This is the sort of question in an interview that will normally result in you being asked to leave! Ever wonder why you aren’t getting a second interview? This has probably got something to do with it.

Are any of the crew hot?

Yachting may not be the most PC industry in the world but there is still a line you don’t cross. This question is the line that comes after the line you don’t cross! Don’t be expecting a call back after that kind of blunder. Job interview over!

How fast is the internet on board?

Yes, we know it is very important to keep in touch with friends and family back home. It’s even more important to make sure you can post on Instagram to make sure they all hate you for your “perfect life” too. But, remember this is a job interview. We agree that communications and contact with the outside world are important but timing is everything. This should not be one of your “deal-breaker” questions.

How many courses per year will the yacht pay for?

Unlike the first three, this is actually a fair question to ask. However, from speaking to a few Captains about this it is all about timing and context. Asking about time off for training and self-development can make you look keen. You are career-minded and Captains like this. But asking for extra time off and money to pay for the courses can make you appear greedy and self-serving. There is a time and a place for this one, choose it wisely.

Remember this

Yacht crew jobs will always be around, and the interviews are tough. Remember, they are the only opportunity the interviewer gets to see what you are like as a person. Yes, it is definitely important to be yourself. Your personality is a major part of what is under scrutiny in a job interview. But, be the best version of yourself! Working on a Superyacht is all about presentation, standards, manners, timing, and most of all hard work. The person interviewing you wants to see you are capable of all these things. So, whilst all the questions above are valid (except maybe the hot crew one!) there is a time and a place for everything.

Yacht crew jobs

To view our current yacht crew jobs available via Wilson Halligan, please visit our jobs board here 




What is Compound Interest and How Can Yacht Crew Utilise it?

What is Compound Interest?

Put simply, compound interest is the earning of interest upon already existing interest.

For example, you have £50 in a savings account, earning interest at a 10% rate, compounded annually. At the end of the first year, you’d have £55 (50 in principal + 5 in interest). At the end of the second year, you’d have £60.50 (55 in principal + 5.50 in interest). Ending the third year, you’d have £66.55 (60.50 in principal + 6.05 in interest). This is how compound interest works.

Simple vs. Compound interest

Unlike compound interest, simple interest doesn’t earn interest upon interest. If you invest the principal amount of £50 at 10%, you will only earn interest on the principal amount (£5 interest per year). You will see linear growth in your savings with simple interest, whereas compound interest has a ‘snowball effect’ where over time, money grows at an exponential rate.

compound vs simple interest

How can yacht crew utilise interest?

Due to the high earnings of yacht crew, they can invest a larger amount than most. Investing more will lead to a much higher return. This is all money that can be saved to secure your financial stability after leaving the yachting industry.

Fixed-rate ISAs can provide good interest (generally the longer you are willing to tie your money up, the higher the interest rate). Also, make sure to consider assets like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. These will also gain interest.

The importance of a financial advisor

Whilst it’s a good idea for yacht crew to be knowledgeable of their finances, investing your money can be a minefield. This is why professional financial advice can be of huge benefit. At CrewFo, we are here to help yacht crew look after their savings by demystifying the process of investing.

If you’re wanting to reap the benefits of compound interest, we are here to talk through your options.

 

Stop by the crew mess for more tips on managing your money.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash



Below Deck Season 9: Where Are They Now?

Season 9 of the hit TV show Below Deck is coming to a close. But, where are the cast now?

Below Deck season 9 has seen many new faces, as well as a few returning faces. It’s been an entertaining cast for sure with many members rocking the boat this season. If you are curious about what the cast have been up to since filming ended here is all you need to know:

Captain Lee Rosbach

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWUODgHFxfJ/

As we know, Captain Lee had to delay his start on this season due to health reasons. However, he came back healthy and happy. Since filming, he shared some exciting news on his Instagram. He has now became a great grandad following the birth of the beautiful Amelia Charlotte and has now returned to Florida to be with his wife Mary Ann.

Captain Sean Meagher

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVeeUgglIGc/

While Captain Lee was absent Captain Sean stepped in. Captain Sean is actually the real life Captain of the Yacht used in the show, My Seanna. Since filming, Captain Sean posted on his Instagram that he sold the yacht back in July. According to Express, My Seanna sold for nearly $22 million!

Heather Chase

Heather came on board as this year’s chief stew. After filming finished Express reports that she spent the summer peddling around Hawaii, which is where she grew up, and visited Los Angeles.

Eddie Lucas

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWWWu3dlEgg/

Eddie is a familiar face who’s returned, but this time as a first officer. After filming, Eddie returned to Baltimore to be with his family. His Instagram tells us that he did get to reunite with Captain Lee in August, as they spent some time together in Los Angeles. Back in April, he posted that he fulfilled his lifelong dream of purchasing a Rolex watch.

Fraser Orlender

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWa5AUNtiJN/

Fraser was a new face on the show, being the Second Stew. Since filming, the British born stew has taken his Instagram followers on all of his travels. He travelled to the United States and returned to London, before going to France, Greece and Dubai.

Rachel Hargrove

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Rachel returns as the Yacht Chef this season. It seems as though Rachel and Vincenzo, who she spoke of in Season 8 have split. Express have stated that Vincenzo gave Rachel an ultimatum because he didn’t approve of her career. She could only choose him or the yachting life, and since her career is going very well at the moment she did not choose him.

Rayna Lindsay

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXOeHhDpWLI/

Another new face this season, Rayna joined as a Deckhand. As well as this, she is also a trained chef. Since filming, she travelled to Mexico and officially received her license as an advanced Scuba diver. She did 15 dives to gain this qualification, one of which was with Bullsharks! She has also said in her Instagram story Q&A’s that she would like to focus on her acting career more in the future.

Jake Foulger

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKVZISoDlm/

Another new face from the United Kingdom. Jake joined as a Deckhand this season and certainly brought some entertainment. Since filming wrapped up he returned to London. But, he has made great friends with the cast. Especially Rayna who has described him as a best friend on her Instagram.

Wes O’Dell

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQux2_rtGm/

Wes made his reality TV debut this season as a Deckhand. However, he has been in the industry for a long time. His Instagram tells us that he actually has his Captains license. Since filming, he has spent his time operating his own boat, called the Nightwind II. It charters through the Virgin Islands, which is where he has moved to.

Jessica Albert

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGp1VjqLo89/

Jessica joined this season as a Stew. She and Wes conjured up a romance, but this was not pursued after filming. Since the season Express reports that she took a trip to British Columbia, Canada before heading to Florida. She currently works as a freelance yacht stewardess whilst also training to become a hairstylist.

We hope you enjoyed seeing where the Below Deck Season 9 cast are now!

For more of the latest industry content click here.