August 9, 2011
In an open-ended question, we asked: Would you prefer to work on one yacht long-term or do changes keep things interesting?
Both have advantages; I go where the wind blows me. But it's nice if the owner appreciates that the longer I stay, the more I know and therefore the more valuable I am to him.
One yacht long term is great, as long as the program is challenging and interesting, otherwise things get stale. Being on a flashy new yacht is no use to anyone if it does not engage in an interesting schedule year round.
One yacht with an owner that changes itinerary so yachting is kept interesting.
In 24 years, I have worked in crew positions and in the service arena. Because of this I have had exposure to a great variety of boat owners, all types of personalities and all walks of life. The right owner/ family is what makes it worthwhile.I have been working with the current owner for 11 years and two boats. I just love the family. They are appreciative of their crew and their talents and generous regarding the financing of their yacht. Whenever I think it might be nice to have a change I remember all those yacht owners I have met who did not have these traits. I feel lucky.
While there is something to be said for changing things up once in a while, I feel that longevity is important and I'd rather have one job that I'm happy with than bounce around from boat to boat.
I hear a lot about people working on a boat for a year, taking a holiday and then going to another boat. I guess it would be nice to take more holidays or maybe try to find the perfect owner and boat, but I'm not sure there is the perfect situation. I've always been a long-term guy and it's paid off for me. I feel like quiting once a month, at least, but I know the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Although I would prefer to work on a yacht on a long-term basis, I believe it is a thing of the past. Being a yacht captain is a temporary situation at best.
Long term is great as long as the owner and captain are good people to work with.
I have found that the best way to keep your salary going up is to stay for several years then start looking for more money.
One yacht. You experience the different generations as they grow older, have children and they all enjoy being on the boat. The owner uses the boat to gather the family together and enjoy the company of the children. It’s an adventure for young and old seeing new places and new experiences together.
Change is good but the best would be to work with one great owner who changes yachts every few years.
I prefer to work on one yacht long-term; I am old school. But, I also understand yachties who change boats constantly. It's extremely hard to find a great yacht to work on for a long period of time. Too many factors can make you want to jump ship, and it only takes one real good one for you to consider other avenues.
When I was new to yachting, I thought that changing all the time was interesting. Now that I'm older than 45, I'm happy to be with the same owner and boat. I know what to expect from him and the boat. I also have fit myself into a position where I only move about as much as I like.
I'd prefer working long term where a regular schedule of upkeep is maintained and the nuances of the boat (and owners) become familiar. It is a shame when owners, by their own inconsideration, cannot keep crew for more than a few months at a time.
I think the problem with staying on one boat, one owner is things get stale and you loose your drive and ambition to be energetic and stay on top of things.
I would love to have been able to work for one owner long term. However, I have not had the luck nor the financial buffer to be able to pick what I prefer or "wait it out" to get that super long-term job with what may be a super, good honest owner.I have on many occasions taken a captain or first officer position on short term to pay my mortgage and bills. Such is the reality for most of us. It is not about what we prefer, it is about just trying to get by and make a living.
If you work on a nice boat with great owners and make a decent living, why go anywhere else?
Although it seems untrue, I think that most crew yearn for stability. Longevity (on the same boat) in this industry is just as key as insurance history, experience, or licenses. There are many boats that tend to be revolving doors. I don't think this is caused by junior crew, but by the mentality of the managers. I have worked a few of the best captains in the industry who are calm and willing to teach all of the time. I have also worked for many more captains who are confused over who the owner of the boat is. Mentalities of the latter are what causes high crew turnover.
You don't have to change boats to keep life interesting.
Stability, as you get older with a family, is without question as secure as you can feel in the yachting industry. Leave the change to young crew who have no responsibilities and can afford to spend their income on those frivolous expenses we all used to do when we started out.
I'd prefer changes, maybe every 2-4 years, but the current job climate has me cautious about switching boats. Owner/crew relationships have a shelf life. Some are longer, others not, but it's best to go out on a high note rather than over staying.
Stability and longevity is what keeps this industry rolling. Jumping crew scares owners and destroys their fun in owning a yacht. I'm sure the industry loses more owners over crew problems than the bad economic times.
I prefer long-term reliable employment. The yacht does need to stay active, though. I could not just sit at the dock and collect a salary. That be a total waste.
The best employment situation depends on the employee's personal situation. I have a family and am older, therefore I am glad to have worked for the same owner for 40 years who has made it possible for me to do so. Most people in the business for a while would prefer a long-term situation while younger ones might prefer moving more often. I have often wondered if many owners consider making it possible for their captains to have a home life to keep more mature and possibly more reliable and experienced employees. Mine did.
I had one job for 16 years for one family that built three yachts (Feadships) during that period. My next job was for 10 years for one family that built three yachts (Oceanfasts) during that period. Long-term employment with one family is great.
For me changes make life interesting. The last yacht I captained was for four years. Perhaps my wife and I would still be onboard had it not been for the age of the vessel, size, and slightly boring agenda of the owner’s use (same ol same ol places, not interest to go places very far). Four years was the end of my use-by date.
I always changed boats with the owner. We had three different sailing charter yachts over 20 years. Working for a good friend can be a very rewarding career. We recently joined him for a canal barge trip in Burgundy. We are close friends and will be for life.
I'd love to stay in one position for the next 15 years now that I have a family, but it rarely works out like that. Something always changes, and not always for the better. Also, the new folks that have money (Russians) aren't necessarily settled in their ways of doing things. Unlike say a Highlander or even Lazy Z that has a fairly predictable schedule, with some of these new owners, they blow whichever way the wind blows. I'll think we'll see more of that in the next decade as money moves East.
I prefer to work on one yacht long term. I have worked for one person for over 29 years. That has worked great for me.
I prefer long-term owners and yes, it is very difficult to find good, long-term owners.
Occasionally a change is a good thing for learning and keeping things fresh. Depending what your personal life situation is, staying with a routine and the same yacht makes sense as well.
To read this month's entire survey about long-term, long-time captains, click here.
About the Author
