Yachting: A Career Not a Gap Year
Each year, we hear countless stories of green crew - mostly South Africans - heading to the South of France in search of work on yachts.
The dream of travel and good money, often sold through glamorous Instagram posts of friends sipping cocktails on rare days off, can be enticing.
However, the reality is often different. Many return home disillusioned and disheartened, having spent a lot of money without landing their first job. They complain of a saturated market and a lack of opportunities for green crew.
The Truth About the Yachting Industry
The yachting industry is crying out for professional, career-oriented crew who value their work and are serious about carving out a career for themselves. This is a high-end hospitality industry where the best standards are expected.
Captains don’t want to hire someone fresh out of school with no experience, hoping they can meet the high expectations of guests. It’s similar to applying for a job at a luxury hotel – you need relevant experience to get your foot in the door.
The Reality of Life Onboard
Yachting is not a typical 9-to-5 job. It involves long hours, often with little downtime.
The work is physically demanding and requires a keen eye for detail. Captains want mature, hospitality-minded crew who can provide the very best service and handle expensive equipment with care.
They are looking for people who are serious about their work, not those treating it as a gap year to travel or figure out their lives.
How to Stand Out in the Yachting Industry
If you're serious about getting into yachting, you need to approach it with the right mindset and preparation.
Here’s what you can do to stand out:
Get Relevant Work Experience: Experience in hospitality or any service industry can be a huge plus. It shows you can handle demanding tasks and provide excellent service. Experience with things like carpentry, dive instructor, mechanical experience help if you’re looking to work in the deck department - also check out our article Hard and Soft Skills Needed to Excel in the Superyacht Industry.
Perfect Your CV: Your CV should highlight your skills and experience in the best light. Make sure it’s organised, professional, and tailored to the yachting industry.
Treat This as a Career: Show that you’re in it for the long haul. Demonstrate your commitment to growing and developing in the field.
Be Service-Minded: A genuine interest in hospitality and service is a must. The ability to anticipate and meet guests' needs will set you apart.
Network Proactively: Building relationships is key. Attend networking events, connect with experienced crew members, and find mentors who can guide you.
Take Responsibility for Your Career: Do your homework. Research courses, visas, and job opportunities. This shows you’re serious and capable.
Treat Job Hunting as a Job: Finding a job in yachting takes dedication and effort. Be persistent and treat the process seriously.
Why It's Worth the Effort
Despite the challenges - the yachting industry is incredibly rewarding!
You’ll get to travel to beautiful destinations, meet interesting people, and work on some of the most luxurious vessels in the world. The hard work and dedication will be worth it for the amazing experiences and opportunities you’ll gain.
Ready to Start Your Yachting Career?
If you're serious about starting a career in yachting, Trilogy can help you get the necessary certifications and skills. Our comprehensive training programs are designed to prepare you for the demanding yachting environment.
Plus, Trilogy Placements can help you find the right job to kickstart your career.
Visit Trilogy Training to learn more about our courses, and check out Trilogy Placements for job opportunities. Take that first step toward an exciting and rewarding career in yachting today!
