Navigating the Yachting Seasons: A Guide for Aspiring Crew Members

Breaking into the yachting industry can be an exciting, though sometimes challenging, journey. One of the first things you'll need to understand is how the industry’s seasonal nature affects job opportunities, travel, and visa requirements.

Each season offers unique opportunities, so having a solid understanding of where to be (and when) is crucial as you set out to land your first role. In this post, we’ll explore the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons – the two main yachting hubs – and offer practical advice for positioning yourself for success.

What Are Yachting Seasons?

Unlike a typical job, yachting is seasonal, primarily following the schedules of two main cruising grounds: the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

During the peak of each season, yachts are active with charters and private use, which means crew demand spikes. The seasonality of the industry dictates where you should ideally be based depending on the time of year, with a general rhythm that has crew focusing on Europe in the summer months and the Caribbean during the winter.

The Mediterranean Season: May to September

The Mediterranean yachting season is the main event for many aspiring crew members, drawing thousands of yachts and superyachts to the Mediterranean’s most glamorous locations.

This season typically kicks off in early May, with a high concentration of yachts arriving on the French Riviera for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.

These events attract ultra-high-net-worth guests who expect the best service, creating increased demand for day workers and seasonal crew positions.

What to Expect Early in the Season

If you’re starting out, the early Mediterranean season offers lots of opportunities but also fierce competition. The Côte d'Azur, or the South of France, becomes a bustling hub of activity, with crew members arriving from all over the world to walk the docks, attend interviews, and meet with agents.

The competition can be intense in May, but as the season progresses, fewer new job seekers are coming in, which can work to your advantage if you arrive slightly later.

While May might be the traditional start, yachts hire year-round, so don’t feel pressured to be there exactly at the season’s launch.

Late Season Opportunities

By late September, the Monaco Yacht Show marks the Mediterranean season’s unofficial close. In 2024 alone, the show hosted over 120 superyachts, attracting industry leaders, yacht owners, and crews alike.

If you missed the beginning of the season, being in the SOF around this time can be strategic, as yachts look to transition from Mediterranean waters to their winter destinations. This is a perfect moment to secure day work and even longer-term positions.

The Caribbean Season: November to March

The Caribbean season picks up just as the Mediterranean winds down, with most activity concentrated around popular yachting destinations like St. Barts, Antigua, and St. Maarten.

November marks the unofficial start of the Caribbean season, beginning with the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. This show serves as the key hiring point in Florida and often attracts crew agencies, captains, and yachts making their way to Caribbean hotspots.

Visa Requirements and Regional Considerations

A significant difference in the Caribbean season lies in its visa and immigration requirements, especially in U.S. waters. For example, it’s illegal to seek work on a B1/B2 visa in the U.S., though South Africans and many Commonwealth nationals have favourable visa options in Antigua and other parts of the Caribbean.

Antigua hosts its own international boat show in early December, which has become a popular point for hiring seasonal crew. For South Africans, a six-month visa on arrival in Antigua can be an advantage, making it an ideal base for job hunting.

Choosing the Right Location for Job Seeking

If you’re looking to break into the Caribbean season, it’s worth spending time in yachting hubs like Fort Lauderdale in the early season and then considering a move to Antigua or St. Maarten as the season progresses.

Keep in mind that many yachts are looking for crew to take them through the winter season, particularly around the festive season when charters pick up and demand for service staff increases.

Practical Tips for Success

1. Stay Informed and Plan Ahead with Visas

Working on superyachts can require specific visas, depending on where you’ll be docked and which countries the yachts frequent. It's vital to have all visa paperwork in order, as issues with visas are common and can set back your job hunt significantly. When in doubt, work with agencies familiar with yachting visas to ensure smooth entry into the industry.

2. Take Advantage of Networking Events and Boat Shows

Both the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons have critical boat shows that attract decision-makers and owners who are directly involved in hiring crew. These events can be invaluable for networking and meeting agents. Even if you’re not actively hired at a show, the connections you make can open doors down the line.

3. Consider a Staggered Start to Avoid the Rush

Starting in May for the Mediterranean or November for the Caribbean isn’t a strict requirement. In fact, arriving slightly later can sometimes work to your benefit, as you’ll face less competition while yachts still need crew to complete their season.

4. Trust in Perseverance and Patience

It can take time to land that first position. In my own experience working as an interior manager for over 16 years, I saw countless new crew members start out. While some found work immediately, it took others weeks, even months, of persistence. The job market is competitive, but the industry has always had openings for committed, well-prepared individuals.

How Trilogy Can Help

At Trilogy, we know that starting your yachting career can feel daunting – we’ve been in your shoes. With years of experience guiding new crew members, we’re here to offer advice, guidance, and insider knowledge to help you succeed. Whether you’re just curious about the industry or ready to jump in, we’d love to connect and discuss how you can chart your own course in yachting.

And remember, the coffee and honesty are always free…