Yes, yachting is a very hard job, characterized by extremely long hours (often 16+ hours/day), demanding physical and mental effort, cramped living conditions, being away from home for extended periods, and a strict hierarchy, despite the glamorous perception. While it offers unique travel and experiences, it's a high-pressure, fast-paced career requiring significant resilience, a strong work ethic, and the ability to constantly serve demanding owners and guests.
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.
Overall, while it can be challenging to get started in yachting, persistence and a willingness to work hard can help increase your chances of success.
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.
No, don't worry you are not too old! I started in my late 20s and I have friends in their late 40s still working on deck. You're still in a great spot. Especially with those passports.
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.
But don't despair; you can still get yacht jobs with no experience – if you know how to go about it! The best place to start for most people is with an entry-level position. This most often means going for a job as a Deckhand or Stewardess.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With the right attitude, qualifications, and knowing where to look for work, becoming a Yachtie is achievable for anyone who wants it.
The beauty of hands-on sailing is that no prior experience is needed. Tall ships and classic boats are designed to be sailed by a crew working together, and that includes complete beginners. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be learning by doing, guided by experienced sailors who were once in your shoes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Respecting the crew and their roles is fundamental in yachting etiquette. Always inform the crew about any new passengers you intend to onboard during your charter. Also, remember to adhere to the “barefoot rule,” which is common practice on many yachts, as shoes can damage delicate decks.
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.
Below Deck Mediterranean's Captain Mark Howard Dead at 65 - IMDb.
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.
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.
40+ Can Find Work On A Yacht
If you are slightly older, it may take you slightly longer to find work but it is certainly not impossible. A lady in her 40's trained with us a few months ago to become a yacht stewardess and she found work no problem.
Deckhands often help in loading and unloading cargo, equipment, or passengers to or from a moored vessel. Depending on the size and weight of the cargo, they can do this with lightweight hand-operated equipment or heavy machines.