Yachties work very long, demanding hours (12-14+ hours/day, 7 days/week) when guests are onboard, often for weeks straight, especially during peak charter seasons (Summer Med, Winter Caribbean). Work schedules vary greatly by yacht type (private vs. charter) and size, with some large yachts using rotations (e.g., 2 months on/2 off) for year-round operation, while smaller ones might have more downtime between trips but intense periods when owners are present.
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.
The comments made by the ``Below Deck'' crew about their current group of guests were inappropriate and beyond unprofessional. Our crew all believe that the show has now crossed the line of being bad for yachting, and especially bad for charter yachts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Mark Howard Dead at 65 - IMDb.
With the right attitude, qualifications, and knowing where to look for work, becoming a Yachtie is achievable for anyone who wants it.
The 'off-season' is the perfect time to expand your skill set and hit the books. Complete courses that will upskill you come the summer months – that could be about engine repair, hospitality, wing surfing, powerboat handling, navigation and seamanship, and much more.
3️⃣ A chance to spend their last working years traveling the world. 🔸Yachting has no upper limit on age and there truly is a program for everyone. I know Stewardess' that are 50+ and work on heavy charter vessels, slow private vessels, live-aboard owner vessels and everything in between.
Last month, Lee surprised Bravo fans when he slammed Sandy during a speaking engagement after being asked who is least favorite Below Deck star was. “My least favorite? Captain Sandy," he told the crowd in a video shared on social media. "And we all know why.
Chef Mila Kolomeitseva was fired by Captain Sandy on season four of Below Deck Mediterranean after failing to use her cooking skills to produce top-quality food for guests—including some not-so-nice nachos. "Of course it makes me feel awful," Mila said of her departure.
While exact figures vary, Ben Robinson (Chef) is often cited as the wealthiest cast member due to his multiple seasons and post-show ventures, with estimates around $2.5-$3 million, but Captains like Lee Rosbach & Glenn Shephard earn significantly more annually (hundreds of thousands) from salaries and large tips, though their net worths are harder to pin down, with Captain Glenn estimated at $1.5M.
The barefoot rule for yachts and boats alike is an age-old practice made to keep the teak decks undamaged, and dirty soles away from the clean and sparkling floor. Commonly, shoes stay outside the cabin, and no shoes are worn on deck, also.
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.
Length of Journey
A 32ft yacht will max out at 6 knots (about 7mph) whereas a 50ft yacht will go significantly faster at around 15 knots and cruise at around 10 knots. The majority of average cruisers crossing the Atlantic will be on boats between 34 and 60ft with journey times between 16 and 30 days in good weather.
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.
Officer's Epaulette
The epaulettes worn by officers often display three stripes, representing their position of authority and responsibility. The specific design and colour of the stripes may vary depending on the officer's rank, such as the first officer or second officer.
25–30 feet is great for solo liveaboards who want a manageable boat with essential amenities. 30–35 feet offers a comfortable setup for couples or those starting out in the liveaboard lifestyle. 35–45 feet is ideal for families or anyone seeking full-time liveaboard living with more space and upgraded features.