Yachties work intensely, often for weeks or months straight with very few days off, especially during peak charter seasons (like 3-6 months in the Med or Caribbean) when hours are long (12-16+ hrs/day) with 6-day weeks standard, but they usually get substantial time off (weeks/months) between seasons for rest, training, or yard periods, with rotations like 2 months on/2 off common on larger yachts.
The show is filmed for only six weeks because of the high-cost of chartering the yacht. Unfortunately, crew have said the seven or eight week mark of working a charter is when yachties really let loose.
Yes, yacht crew are paid a monthly salary from yacht owners and can expect to receive tips on top of this from charter guests, if they work aboard a superyacht that does charter trips. Yacht crew receiving tips for their work has become very common on busy charter yachts, even for entry level crew.
In reality there is no set finish time so you should expect 12 – 14 hour days. It has been known for yacht crew to work weeks without a day off however, the perks do outweigh the long hours and hard work, which is why working in the Superyacht industry is so attractive.
On Below Deck, a chief stewardess can reportedly make upwards of $65,000 (c. €61,000) for a season, while deckhands and junior stews typically earn less. These figures are broadly in line with standard industry salaries in 2025.
Captain Sandy Yawn of Below Deck has a net worth of $400,000 according to The Sun. A seasoned veteran in sailing, she receives the same salary between $150,000 to $210,000 and the $5,000 to $6,000 a month appearance fee.
The crew is usually relieved that real yacht life isn't as dramatic as it looks on Below Deck. Most professionals value teamwork, respect, and smooth operations over conflict, and prefer a calm, efficient work environment rather than the constant tension the show portrays.
The 10% rule for yachts is a common guideline suggesting you budget roughly 10% of the boat's purchase price annually for all running costs and maintenance, covering things like fuel, insurance, marina fees, routine servicing, and unexpected repairs. This rule acts as a ballpark figure for yacht ownership expenses and helps owners estimate ongoing costs beyond the initial purchase, though actual expenses can vary significantly with boat age, size, usage, and location.
Annual Leave Requirements for Yacht Crew
Under the MLC, yacht crew members are entitled to a minimum of 2.5 days of paid annual leave per month, equating to 30 days per year.
The "12-person yacht rule" states that a private yacht carrying more than 12 passengers (excluding crew) must meet stricter, cruise-ship-level safety and certification standards under the SOLAS convention (Safety of Life at Sea), a United Nations maritime treaty, making them a "passenger ship". This limit applies to commercial charters; private trips have flexibility, but exceeding 12 guests on a commercial charter requires extensive, costly upgrades (like SOLAS-approved lifeboats, advanced fire systems) for the vessel, making it impractical for most.
🏆💸 Stream the latest episode on @peacock. Now, the tip. Not every tip is always going to be as big as the first tip but success is much about how we pivot and rebound. So, in this case, what I love is these charter clients actually saw how hard you worked and so they decided to give you $40, 000.
What is the average age for working on a yacht? The average age of customer that trains with Flying Fish who intends to start a career on a yacht is between 22 and 35 years old. However, if you're under this age do not be put off!
On Below Deck, guests pay less ($15,000 to $40,000 for two to three days) to cover the costs of making the show. In fact, luxury charters work with “APA” (Advance Provisioning Allowance), which pays for things like fuel, food, and docking fees. Read our guide to yacht provisioning to learn more about APA.
As we have now established that the show is an unscripted reality show following yacht crew, this doesn't mean that it's an accurate depiction of a yachtie's real life. The life of a yachtie as portrayed on the show is a bit different than what a yacht crew experiences in real life.
No, Gary and I are just friends." Gary echoed his co-star, telling E! of the romance...
Obviously Capt. Lee has the longest tenure as Captain. I think Kate has the longest as chief stew. Ben is longest for the chef. Eddie is the longest for the bosun/first officer position (I'm combining those two together because they fill the same role on the show).
On a superyacht, the crew typically has their own designated sleeping quarters, which are separate from the guest accommodations. The location and layout of the crew quarters will vary depending on the size and design of the yacht, but they are typically located in a lower deck or in a separate area of the vessel.
After the draining charter was finally over, Captain Glenn Shephard informed the crew that their tip was a measly $6,500 to be divided amongst them. When the episode aired, fans were furious at how cheap Erica and Charles were and slammed them on social media for leaving the worst tip in Below Deck history.
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.
Rule 69 of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) addresses misconduct, obligating competitors, owners, and support persons to not engage in behavior that breaches good manners, sportsmanship, or ethics, or brings the sport into disrepute. It covers serious offenses like bullying, intimidation, cheating, or foul language, and is handled by Protest Committees, not through standard protests, requiring hearings for investigation and potential penalties.
Tom Brady's primary yacht is the 77-foot Wajer 77, a Dutch-built "mini-superyacht" known for its luxury and speed, featuring four cabins, a full galley, and space for family and friends, with a notable upgrade from his previous 55-foot Wajer 55S.
Skipping the tip can also lead to awkwardness if you book with the same yacht company again. Your crew may remember your party didn't tip last time and be less motivated to provide top-tier service. Avoid this uncomfortable situation by always tipping your crew appropriately.
Captain Sandy Yawn was in jail multiple times due to severe alcoholism, leading to arrests for drinking and driving (DUI) and other alcohol-related offenses, including one night she had to stay overnight in jail, before she got sober in 1989. She struggled with addiction, stealing cars, and being constantly in trouble before turning her life around and pursuing a career in yachting.
“My least favorite? Captain Sandy,” Captain Lee said in the video. “And we all know why. I don't like her. Normally I don't have to like people to work with them, I can work with almost anyone.
Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Mark Howard Dead at 65 - IMDb.