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New to Yachting

Yachting is a unique career that gives you the opportunity to travel the world whilst working as part of a close-knit, united crew on some of the most advanced luxury superyachts.

Discover the crew behind the ultimate yachting experience

Creating the ultimate guest experience on board a yacht takes a variety of dedicated people with different skills and backgrounds. Depending on its size and operational structure, each yacht requires a unique skill set and a different number of crew members on board.

Generally speaking, smaller superyachts between 24-30m (80-100ft) in size will require a crew of between 2 and 8 members, whereas mid-sized yachts between 30-60m (100-200ft) will require between 8 and 20 crew members. Larger superyachts that are over 60m (200ft) in size will usually have a much bigger crew of over 20 people, whereas yachts over 100m (328ft) in size will have anywhere between 30 to 50 or more members on board to operate and maintain the vessel.

Each crew needs a different range of skills and every crew member will have their own titles and responsibilities on board. The range of exciting roles available on board larger superyachts include opportunities in:

The Deck Department: Includes Officers, Bosuns and Deckhands, the Deck Department is under the command of the Captain and is responsible for both the safe navigation and operation of the yacht.

The Engineering Department: Built up of a Chief Engineer and, depending on the size of the yacht, other Engineers, ETOs and AV/IT Officers. The Engineering Department is responsible for all mechanical and electrical operations on the yacht. From maintaining the propulsion systems to plumbing and HVAC systems, they are responsible for the safety, performance and efficiency of all the mechanics and electrics on board as well as ensuring compliance with any applicable regulations.

Interior Department: The interior department is focused on attention to detail and manages everything regarding the guest experience on board. This department includes Chefs, Stews, and Pursers, as well as specialist positions such as Spa Therapists, Nurses, Personal Trainers, etc.

Bespoke training is offered to the interior team, giving them the confidence to deliver world-class service on board. Crew members joining the deck and engineering departments will need to obtain certifications allowing them to safely man the vessel throughout the journey.

Whilst working on the yacht, crew members share their work and living spaces as well as create memories from once-in-a-lifetime experiences together. We know that it’s important that personalities and characters match and crew members can work and live together in harmony, so guests and crew can have the best time on board.

Here at YPI CREW, our solutions-driven recruitment team pride themselves on their extensive knowledge of the yachting industry and are experts in superyacht recruitment . We are committed to handpicking the best-suited candidates for every yacht, building a high-performing, friendly crew able to deliver the ultimate guest experience on board.

By working with us, we can make the job search for your ideal yacht job easier by offering you direct access to exclusive job offers, personalised job search support, and professional assistance to help you create a tailored CV . Create a YPI CREW profile today and our recruiters will be able to contact you directly when a suitable position becomes available.

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About the Yacht Positions

The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and experience. Explore professions within each department.

What Size Yacht Requires a Crew? Here’s What You Need to Know

Do you dream of owning your own luxury yacht? Are you wondering what size yacht requires a crew and what kinds of responsibilities the crew members have? Whether you are just beginning to plan your yacht purchase or are a seasoned boat owner, this article will provide you with valuable information about the types of crew members, their responsibilities, and the benefits of having a crew on a yacht.

You will also learn how to choose the right crew for your yacht, considerations for hiring a crew, and how to properly care for your yacht crew .

So, let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of yachting!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yachts that are over 30 feet in length generally require a crew to operate them safely.

This is because larger yachts typically require more maintenance and management than smaller ones, and without a trained crew, they can be difficult and dangerous to operate.

Some yacht owners opt to employ a full-time crew, while others may hire part-time or seasonal help depending on their needs.

What is the Definition of a Yacht?

When it comes to understanding what size yacht requires a crew, its important to first define what a yacht is.

A yacht is a large, luxurious vessel that is typically used for pleasure trips.

Yachts are typically motorized, and can vary greatly in size and design.

They may be used for leisurely cruises, racing, or any other type of recreational activity.

Yachts can range from small, open-deck vessels to large, multi-deck superyachts.

Generally, yachts over 80 feet in length are considered to be large enough to require a crew for operation.

The size of yacht that requires a crew depends on the size of the vessel, its intended purpose, and the needs of the owner.

Large yachts may require a larger crew to operate and manage the vessel, while smaller yachts may only need one or two crewmembers.

The crew will typically consist of a captain, engineer, mate, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and chef.

The captain is responsible for the navigation and operation of the yacht, as well as overseeing the other crewmembers.

The engineer is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the yacht.

The mate is responsible for deckhand duties such as cleaning and painting.

The deckhand is responsible for assisting the mate with various tasks.

The steward or stewardess is responsible for housekeeping and other guest services.

The chef is responsible for preparing meals for the guests.

Overall, the crewmembers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the yacht, including navigation, maintenance, and housekeeping.

They are also responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the yacht’s guests.

Depending on the size of the yacht, the crew may also be responsible for additional tasks such as security, entertainment, and other services.

What Size Yacht Requires a Crew?

When it comes to yachts, size definitely matters.

If you want to enjoy the luxury of sailing the open seas, you’ll need to consider if a crew is necessary.

Generally speaking, yachts over 80 feet in length require a crew to operate.

Larger yachts may require a larger crew depending on the needs of the owner.

When it comes to crewmembers, they can include a captain, engineer, mate, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and chef.

These crewmembers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the yacht, including navigation, maintenance, and housekeeping.

Additionally, they are responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable experience for the yacht’s guests.

The captain is typically the most experienced member of the crew and is in charge of all operations on the yacht.

The engineer is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the yachts mechanical systems.

The mate is responsible for navigation and safety, as well as assisting the captain with tasks.

The deckhand is responsible for taking care of the exterior of the yacht, such as cleaning, painting, and polishing.

The steward or stewardess is responsible for providing hospitality services to the guests, such as serving food and drinks.

Lastly, the chef is responsible for preparing meals for the guests.

Having a crew onboard a yacht is beneficial for many reasons.

A crew ensures that the yacht is operated safely, efficiently, and with the utmost care.

They also provide a level of luxury and convenience that many yacht owners desire, such as gourmet meals, drinks, and recreational activities.

Furthermore, having a crew onboard can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, allowing the yachts owner to focus on enjoying the voyage.

In conclusion, yachts over 80 feet typically require a crew to operate.

Depending on the size and needs of the yacht, the crew can include a captain, engineer, mate, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and chef.

Having a crew onboard provides a level of luxury and convenience that many yacht owners desire.

Furthermore, a crew ensures that the yacht is operated safely and efficiently.

Types of Crew Members and Their Responsibilities

When it comes to operating a yacht over 80 feet in length, a crew is necessary.

The size and number of the crew will depend on the needs of the yachts owner, as well as the size and type of yacht.

Common crew members can include a captain, engineer, mate, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and chef.

Each crew member has a unique set of responsibilities that are essential for the successful operation of the yacht.

The captain is the leader of the crew and is responsible for the overall safety, navigation, and maintenance of the yacht.

They must have the appropriate qualifications and experience to safely navigate the vessel and its passengers.

The captain is also responsible for ensuring that the yacht complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

They are often the main point of contact between the yacht and any authorities.

The engineer is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the yacht.

They must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the yachts mechanical and electrical systems, including engines, generators, and other onboard systems.

They are also responsible for troubleshooting and repairing any issues that may arise.

The mate is responsible for assisting the captain with navigation, maintenance, and other duties.

They must have an understanding of the vessels systems and be able to take the helm in the captains absence.

The deckhand is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht.

This includes cleaning, polishing, and waxing the hull, decks, and exterior surfaces.

They must also be knowledgeable in the use of deck equipment, such as winches, windlasses, and mooring lines.

The steward or stewardess is responsible for housekeeping duties on board the yacht.

This includes cleaning and maintaining the interior of the yacht, as well as preparing meals and drinks for the guests.

The chef is responsible for preparing meals for the guests and crew.

They must be knowledgeable in all aspects of food preparation and presentation, as well as food safety and hygiene.

These are the typical crew members of a yacht over 80 feet in length.

Each crew member is responsible for ensuring the safe operation of the yacht and providing a pleasant and enjoyable experience for the guests.

An experienced and knowledgeable crew is essential for the successful operation of any yacht.

Benefits of Having a Crew on a Yacht

Having a crew on a yacht is an invaluable asset for any yacht owner.

A crew can provide a variety of services and benefits that can greatly enhance the experience of owning a yacht.

Having a crew on board can increase the safety of the yacht and its passengers.

A crew can help to navigate the yacht through unfamiliar waters, as well as handle any emergencies that may arise.

A well-trained crew can also help to maintain the yacht, ensuring that it is running at optimal performance.

In addition to safety, a crew can also provide a more enjoyable experience for those on board.

A crew can be responsible for housekeeping and meal preparation, freeing up the owner and guests to relax and enjoy the journey.

A crew can also help to organize activities, such as fishing, waterskiing, and sightseeing, to ensure that all passengers are entertained.

Having a crew on board also allows for greater flexibility when it comes to planning a trip.

A crew can help to plan a route, as well as provide advice on the best places to visit, the best restaurants to dine at, and the best activities to enjoy.

Finally, having a crew on board allows for peace of mind when it comes to operating and maintaining the yacht.

A crew can handle repairs and maintenance, as well as provide timely advice on any issues that may arise.

Overall, having a crew on a yacht can provide a wealth of benefits that can help to make the experience of owning a yacht much more enjoyable.

From increased safety and flexibility to more enjoyable activities, a crew can help to make owning a yacht a truly remarkable experience.

How to Choose the Right Crew for Your Yacht

Choosing the right crew for your yacht is an important decision that can make or break your boating experience.

Not only do you need to consider the size of the yacht and the number of crew members required, but you also need to make sure that the crew members you select are experienced, well-trained, and knowledgeable about the type of yacht you have.

When selecting a crew for your yacht, there are a few key factors to consider.

First, you need to make sure the crew members are qualified and certified to operate the vessel.

It is important to have a captain and crew that have the necessary certifications and experience to safely operate the yacht.

Additionally, you should consider the size of the crew you need.

Depending on the size of your yacht and the activities you plan to do, you may need more or fewer crew members.

In addition to experience and qualifications, you should also consider the personalities of the crew members.

You want a crew that is professional and knowledgeable, but also friendly and accommodating.

You want to make sure that the crew you select will be able to work well with the yachts guests and make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Finally, you should consider the cost of the crew.

Different crew members may have different rates depending on their qualifications and experience.

You should also factor in the cost of any additional supplies or equipment needed to operate the yacht, as well as any licensing or permit fees.

With careful consideration and research, you can select a crew that is qualified, knowledgeable, and friendly, and that will ensure that everyone aboard the yacht has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Considerations for Hiring a Crew

When it comes to hiring a crew for a yacht over 80 feet in length, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.

The first is the size of the yacht.

Depending on the size and layout of the yacht, the number of crew members required may vary.

Larger yachts typically require a larger crew to manage maintenance, navigation, and housekeeping duties.

The second is the type of crew members you need to hire.

Yachts over 80 feet will typically require a captain, mate, engineer, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and a chef.

These crew members are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the yacht, and must be experienced and knowledgeable in their respective areas.

The third is the budget.

Hiring a crew for a yacht of this size can be expensive.

Depending on the size and scope of the vessel, the cost of hiring a crew can range from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Finally, you should also factor in the experience of the crew.

It is important to hire experienced and knowledgeable crew members who are familiar with navigation, maintenance, and housekeeping.

They should also be able to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the yacht’s guests.

By taking all of these considerations into account, you can ensure that your yacht is well staffed and that the crew is up to the task of operating and maintaining the vessel.

How to Care for Your Yacht Crew

Having a yacht crew can be a great way to make sure your yacht is running smoothly, but it also comes with certain responsibilities.

As the yacht owner, you must ensure that your crew is taken care of and their needs are met.

This means providing them with proper wages, benefits, and a safe and comfortable working environment.

The first step to taking care of your crew is to ensure they are paid a fair wage.

This should be based on the size of the yacht, the type of work they will be doing, and the amount of experience they have.

It’s important to remember that the crew is responsible for the safety and enjoyment of the yacht and its guests, so they must be adequately compensated for their work.

In addition to wages, the crew should also be provided with benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation.

This ensures they are taken care of and that they can take time off if needed.

It also shows that you value their contributions to the yacht and appreciate their hard work.

Finally, you should also provide a safe and comfortable working environment for your crew.

This means making sure the yacht is well-maintained and that all safety protocols and regulations are followed.

It also means providing adequate rest and leisure time for the crew, as well as ensuring that their living quarters are clean and comfortable.

Taking care of your yacht crew is essential for ensuring that your yacht runs smoothly and that your guests have a safe and enjoyable experience.

By providing them with a fair wage, benefits, and a safe and comfortable working environment, you can make sure your crew is taken care of and your yacht is running at its best.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, owning a yacht larger than 80 feet will require a crew to operate.

Depending on the size of your yacht, you may need to hire a captain, engineer, mate, deckhand, steward or stewardess, and chef.

When choosing your crew, it is important to consider their experience, qualifications, and availability.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of their wellbeing and provide them with a safe and comfortable environment.

Ultimately, having a crew on your yacht can provide many benefits and provide you with a memorable and enjoyable experience.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Does Yacht Size Matter for Crew Careers?

Claire Griffiths is Dockwalk ’s contributing editor in the Mediterranean. She fled to the sunny south of France from Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Claire has a background in journalism for national and regional UK press and a career in political and corporate PR prior to that. Claire’s hobbies include eating, sleeping and dancing at inopportune times. She tries to avoid sheer drops and Olympic bobsled runs. Email Claire at [email protected]

Crew reveal why bigger isn't always better and that yacht size might not be as crucial as you think for carving out a successful career at sea...

They’re not talking about shaking it down for a limbo dance when the crew pitch into the long-running debate on whether or not size matters, asking, “So, how low should I go?”

According to BOAT International ’s 2024 Global Order Book, there were 1,166 projects in build or on order at the start of the year, with more than 45 kilometers of superyachts will be built, launched, and delivered between now and 2028. There’s a steady demand for yachts across all size categories, but the average size of vessel is on the up with 24 projects in excess of 100 meters.

There is obviously a need for crew across all vessel sizes, but does it really matter what size yacht you start your career aboard?

Small But Mighty

First mate Trenton Echardt has worked on board 29-meter M/Y Olga 1 since October 2018. “There are definitely plenty of pros for working on a smaller boat,” he says. “You can learn a lot more than just one role, because you’ll be forced into multiple roles. As a deckhand on a 75-meter or anything upwards, you’ll probably only be doing wash jobs and probably only seeing one side of the boat for quite a while and doing one type of job whereas you’re a bit more hands-on on a smaller boat. There’s not as many people so you’re going to find yourself in scenarios where you are going to have to be taught to learn quickly.”

But there are downsides to small vessels. “The living quarters can be a bit tight, with maybe four crew sharing one bathroom, or whatever it might be,” he says. “And you’re more closed in on each other, very personal, and private space might be limited, and you feel that you can’t really get away.” While he acknowledges that this isn’t much different from a larger vessel, “it’s amplified on the smaller yachts.”

The diversity of the job role on small boats can give crew a boost, not only to their confidence but also to their experience. It can act as a speedy “leg-up” the rungs of the career ladder. Echardt was lucky enough to land a role with Capt. Gary Morton, who was ready and willing to invest in his development. “If you’ve got a good captain, which I have, you can possibly get drive time — but that’s not the case on all smaller boats,” he says. “I’ve got the ticket available to legally drive and my captain is willing to teach me, so I have got three years of driving experience. A lot of captains prefer not to allow drive-time because it goes on their heads if something goes wrong.” His driving sea hours and current certificate — Yachtmaster Offshore (soon to qualify as OOW) — means at the age of just 27, he could soon command a vessel up to 200GT.

“There are definitely plenty of pros for working on a smaller boat,” he says. “You can learn a lot more than just one role, because you’ll be forced into multiple roles….”

“So there’s a possibility to learn a lot, but I guess it can be much more pressurized than on a bigger boat, so you either get used to the pressure or you have to look for another job if you can’t handle it,” Echardt says. “Being able to handle that pressure is obviously a good thing moving forward — you’ll be able to handle different situations, maybe more than some people who have just been in relaxed roles of polishing the stainless steel the whole day.”

“Most new crew will be open to any size yacht,” Crew Recruitment Specialist Sharon Rose at Bluewater says. “If they have come from a cruise background, then they will be more interested in larger vessels. It all depends on their background; sailors tend to go for a smaller sail or motor yacht to get their foot in the door. More experienced crew will be looking at their career path, so a second stew from a larger vessel may want a chief stew position on a smaller yacht.”

The advice she gives on yacht size depends. As Echardt said, crew can learn more on smaller boats where there’s more opportunity to help out in other departments, whereas crew in a big department on a large vessel will tend to work only within that team, but then they get to really focus on their skillsets if they have a specific career path in mind.

Training vs. Experience: If You Want to Make it as Yacht Crew, You Need Both

“Generally,” says Rose, “I would advise starting smaller if they have that option, learn as much from all the departments on board to get a good appreciation of what everyone does.” Normally, crew who go straight to larger vessels for a first season will have a particular skill the yacht is looking for, such as beautician, hairdresser, carpenter, etc. “If you want to get ahead as a newbie on a small boat, you need plenty of confidence and [must be] ready to learn at a fast pace,” Rose says.

Is Bigger Better?

Sophie Allen is head of housekeeping on the 62-meter M/Y Cloud 9 and previously worked in the same role on board M/Y Tanusha . She’s worked on yachts ranging in size from 26 to 106 meters. After dayworking on yachts around 60 to 65 meters, she managed to get a job as housekeeper on a 65-meter, loved the role, and worked her way up to head of housekeeping.

“I feel it is the right ratio of crew; the departments are slightly larger than on smaller boats, so you can work and hang out with different people,” Allen says. “So now I have found this is the size of crew and boat that I like.” She has no real goals to move up or down the yacht size scale, because “it’s the crew size that counts; not too many people that it’s impersonal, but not too few that you’re with the same three people every day.”

Allen believes it takes a certain type of person to work on smaller boats. “You have [fewer] people around you to rely on and you have to be confident in all areas of the yacht,” she says.

Large yachts are good for rotational positions and there’s often more opportunity to grow. Rose recommends crew gain experience working on various (and different size) yachts as every yacht has distinctive methods and it’s good to be able to adapt. “Be flexible, get as much experience as you can,” she says. “This doesn’t mean jumping from yacht to yacht, but choose your roles carefully, make sure they will train you [as] safety is key on board, [and] gain as much knowledge of every area as you can and make yourself indispensable.”

Large yachts are good for rotational positions and there is often more opportunity to grow..

Ashley King is first officer on board a 32-meter Azimut. It’s his seventh and smallest boat, the largest being the 86-meter M/Y Cakewalk , during a career that has spanned 10 years. His first boat was 42 meters with 12 crew — “not a terribly small boat but relatively so,” he says. “It was nice — I enjoyed my first yacht; she was small enough crew that there were enough people to bounce off and not be stuck with the same people all the time but not so big that you get lost in the numbers and the politics.”

For King, working on deck aboard Cakewalk also had its pros and cons. “The [number] of crew on it was a big change; I think we were 27 fully crewed.” One of the greatest differences he found was ticking the ‘i’s and crossing the ‘t’s was very much part of everyday life. “On a bigger vessel, the greatest difference is that so much is obviously done by the book,” he says. “I think you sort of get away with stuff on the smaller boats — you know you don’t have to have a crew cabin inspection every week because on a small boat the chief stew just knows that you’re doing things properly. But on a big boat like Cakewalk , it’s very much by the book.”

Is Longevity a Thing of the Past?

Despite the extra paperwork, etc., King enjoyed his time. “I kind of preferred working with that number of crew because you had crewmembers who were into fitness and you could join them for that, but if you wanted to party, there were also crewmembers who wanted a night out; you didn’t all have to be doing the same agenda all the time.”

The benefits of smaller boats outshine the big boys if the crew bond well and the atmosphere on board resembles a tight-knit family rather than a bunch of people just working together. “Also having things run by the book (as on the big boats) can be a bit detrimental, like having a cabin inspection every week,” he says. “It just takes up time that doesn’t really need to happen and filling out your hours of work and rest all the time — not that we go over it on the smaller boats, but it’s just unnecessary. If everyone is happy with the hours of work and rest, it’s fine.” He agrees with Allen and Echardt about the flexibility of roles on smaller vessels. “On an 86-meter, the deck crew is the deck crew and that is it. But on a smaller boat, I might be serving drinks one day, [the] next day driving the tender, the next day cleaning in the galley. Everyone just pitches in and helps out because you don’t have the crew to not do that.”

The Best of Both Worlds?

King recommends newbies aim for a mid-range size. “I would say to someone who genuinely wants to get into the industry and who really wants to learn the most in a position, I would recommend a mid-range size yacht, which would be 54 to 60 meters.” That way, he points out, “you’re going to be maybe the third stewardess or the junior deckie, with not a lot expected of you compared to on a 30-meter yacht where you are the only deckhand. So you have a chance to learn a bit more compared to on a very large yacht, and you can progress a bit quicker. Because on a 60 meter you still have to learn how to drive the tenders and help out around the boat a little bit — so it has that nice mix.”

He adds, “The downside of a big boat is that you would learn a lot about how a boat is run but you end up just being a cleaner if you are a junior deckhand. You’re not helping the engineers out, you’re not helping the interior crew, you’re just doing deck work.” King’s long-range plans are to keep working towards his captain’s ticket. “I’d probably aim to get a position on a 54- to 60-meter yacht; that’s the size I enjoy working on most,” he says.

More Than the Numbers

Looking ahead, there’s plenty of different size yachts to match up with all shape, size, and crew sensitivities. And in the end, after all, everything is relative. “Sometimes we can be the biggest boat as we go into port and sometimes not,” Allen says. “Boats are getting bigger and bigger every year... In my mind, a small yacht is around 35 meters and a large boat anything over 90/100 meters.”

And at the end of the day for her, as with the others, it’s not yacht size that matters, but the crew size.