Busting The Myth of Missing the Med Season

If you’re considering a career in the superyacht industry, you may have heard the common misconception: 

"If you’re not in the Mediterranean by the end of April, you’ve missed your chance for the season." 

This belief could not be farther from the truth! We’re here to dispel this myth and encourage aspiring yachties to pursue their careers, even if they start mid-season.

Understanding the Yachting Season Timeline

The Mediterranean yachting season does kick off in late April, but it doesn’t mean the doors close right after. 

It only really picks up in May and the season extends through September, with peak activities occurring during the summer months. 

Major events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix in May do draw in more yachts and crew, but they also heighten competition for positions.  While these events are high-profile, they are just a part of the continuous cycle of opportunities that span the entire season​.

Why the Myth Persists

There's a burst of activity in April as yachts gear up for these glamorous events, leading some to think that once this prep is over, the job openings dry up.  However, the reality is that yachts continue to hire all season long for various reasons. 

Crew members might leave due to personal emergencies, health issues, or mismatches with the yacht's needs - creating vacancies that need to be filled continuously​. 

Training and Timing

We advocate for continuous education and readiness.  Completing courses like STCW 10, Intro to Yachting Junior Deckhand, and Intro to Yachting: Junior Stew (both approved by GUEST) significantly boosts your employability.  Importantly, these courses are available from June to August, aligning perfectly with ongoing hiring practices.

Enrolling in these courses mid-season not only prepares you with the necessary certifications and skills but also provides networking opportunities with industry professionals and peers who can offer insights and possibly job leads. 

These courses are crucial, as they cover mandatory safety training for anyone working at sea and provide a foundational understanding of the yachting industry.

Maximising Opportunities

If you find yourself ready to start in June or even later, don’t be discouraged!

The nature of the industry, with its high turnover and openings throughout the season, means that new positions pop up regularly.  Your readiness and the skills you acquire from accredited training will set you apart when these opportunities arise.

Wrap Up

Missing the start of the season is not a deal-breaker in the yachting industry.  With proper training and a proactive approach, you can enter the field at many points throughout the season.  Trilogy Luxury Training is here to ensure that you are prepared, certified, and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of a rewarding career in yachting.

Embrace the season at your pace, and remember, in yachting, as in many careers, timing is essential, but readiness and qualifications hold the key to success. 

For more information on our courses and how to enroll, visit Trilogy Luxury Training, give us a call on +27 (0)74 130 6295, or pop us a mail info@trilogyluxtraining.co.za