Triton Vol. 3 No. 4

What’s New for Crew?

Training trends, course amendments, and the changes trainers wish to see

ALCOHOL IN THE INDUSTRY

Overindulgence is running rampant. Is there any turning back?

Training & Education

Who should pay for training, tips to ace interviews, how to advance in the industry, and more!

CHART YOUR COURSE TO UNRIVALED SERVICE & AMENITIES

Calling all captains and crews! Tidewater and Ocean Yacht Marina invite you to visit our best-in-class marinas, whether you want to stay a day, a week, or longer.

At Tidewater and Ocean, you can expect:

∙ Fuel Docks with Gas & Diesel - Bunker Fuel Available

∙ Over 300ft. of Face Dock

∙ U.S. Customs - Port of Entry

∙ On-site Restaurant - Tidewater Only

∙ Marine Store

∙ Up to 480 Volt Shore Power

Tidewater Yacht Marina and Ocean Yacht Marina offer premier facilities for the finest yachts along the Intracoastal Waterway. Both marinas feature on-site amenities, including fuel docks, pump-outs, marine stores, showers, and laundry facilities. Guests at Tidewater can also enjoy an exceptional waterfront dining experience.

Create lasting memories on the water at Suntex Marinas. Our professional and highly responsive marina managers and staff are renowned for delivering world-class guest experiences. So come enjoy the water; we’ll take care of the rest.

Pictured: Rick Monday, GM

WEBASTO CLASSIC FLAGSHIP SELF

CHILLER

PLATINUM

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Attitude Over Aptitude

A small quiz: There is a job opening on your crew and you are making the decision. You have two hiring choices — one is a top-level engineer with all the skills and background, but they have a bad attitude and are arrogant. Your other choice is a mid-level engineer with lesser skills but a great attitude; they want to learn, and get along great with people. Which one would you pick?

With summer in full swing, you and your crew are deep into it. How is everyone getting along? Did you learn new skills along the way this summer? Maybe you taught some to others or perhaps you just needed to polish up some old skills you’ve had for a while. If you want to keep improving, and others around you see that, you are on your way to success!

Your success and the success of your job and how you are evaluated by your peers and boss is largely based on one factor more than anything else: attitude.

Attitude should always prevail over aptitude whenever possible. You cannot teach attitude. People have a good one or they don’t. You can always teach skills to those who want to learn.

A good attitude is infectious. Others will rise when around people with good attitudes. Bad attitudes bring others down. Surround yourself with positive attitudes and the rest will follow.

Our own team at Triton (and our team at our US Marina Group marinas) were largely put together by building a team of people with great attitudes and desire to learn, regardless of their depth of knowledge in the yacht industry. As a result, we are now very proud of our amazing team who are now well versed in the yachting space. They are energized people and on their game. We hope you are as pleased with our team as we are as you stay informed, educated, and entertained!

Enjoy the remaining months of summer!

KEVIN QUIRK Co-publisher

Publishers

Jim Bronstien | JimB@TritonNews.com

Kevin Quirk | KQ@TritonNews.com

Editor-in-Chief

Kevin Maher | Kevin@TritonNews.com

Art Director

Debbie Reznik | Production@TritonNews.com

Senior Editor

Lauren Beck | Lauren@TritonNews.com

Sales Director

Edward Ibarra | Sales@TritonNews.com

Digital Sales & Sponsorships

Carrie Bailey | Carrie@TritonNews.com

Marketing & Social Media Coordinator

Ayana Evans | Ayana@TritonNews.com

Business Controller

Katherine Urdaneta | Kat@usmarinagroup.com

Contributors

Dorie Cox, Danny Davies, Gemma Harris, Ella Peters, Gina Ragusa, Corey D. Ranslem, Rachel Rowney

Contact us Triton Magazine +01 954-525-0029 1881 SE 17th Street, 17th Street Yacht Basin Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

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Vol. 3, No. 5

Triton is a free bimonthly magazine owned by YATCO, LLC

Copyright ©2021 Triton News Network. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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Triton welcomes content from captains, crew, and industry professionals to be considered for publication. Please email queries to Editor@TritonNews.com.

Contents

INDUSTRY UPDATES

14–20 The latest from the yachting industry.

OFFBOARDING: BRENNAN DATES

22–24 A former head chef’s journey from working in yacht galleys to helping create them.

CUT AND CURED CO.

26 Two crewmembers look to show America why biltong reigns supreme.

SIGNAL FLAGS

30 The universal sailing language is becoming today’s maritime texting with a new app for crew.

BOTTLED UP

32–34 Drinking and yachting have become intertwined, but can crew escape the relationship?

TRITON DESTINATIONS

62–67 The Galápagos Islands are the pinnacle of biodiversity and the best way to see it all is aboard a yacht.

CALENDAR

68 The best industry events in August and September.

Training & Education Feature

WHAT’S NEW FOR CREW?

38 New amendments, the latest trends, and whether crew are prepared adequately in a training industry update.

A NUMBERS GAME

42–44 Crew want to take training courses, but who should pay for them?

INTERVIEWING 101

46–48 Crew agents share their tips and tricks to ace job interviews.

THE “BELOW DECK” EFFECT

49–51 How is the reality TV show recruiting new crew?

HOW TO MAKE A FAMILY CHARTER A SUCCESS

52 A superyacht nanny shares the best secrets to dealing with kids on board.

UNDERSTANDING FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

54 South Florida has more and more foreign trade zones, but how do they work?

PREPARING FOR CYBERSECURITY THREATS

56 What sort of training can help crew stay ready for cybersecurity attacks.

KEEPIN’ IT FRESH

58 Chef Danny Davies shares the best ways to level up as a yacht chef.

EX-CREW MAKING THEIR MARK AS BROKERS

60 Many crewmembers transition to brokers ashore, but what’s the best way to do so?

EVENT GALLERY

70 Pictures of captains, crew, and industry professionals at yachting events and on board their vessels.

TRITON DOUBLE TAKE

76 Test your powers of observation!

ON THE COVER M/Y Kensho, photographed by Alexander Haubrich @YachtieWorld. With 12 years of experience in the yachting industry, Alexander has transitioned from yacht crew to a dedicated supporter of yachties and the businesses that serve them. His passion lies in fostering growth and opportunities within the superyacht community for yachting professionals.

WE ARE MPT

EDITOR’S LETTER

Educating the Future

The yachting industry is growing — and so are the number of crew entering the field. In what was once a secretive world with unwritten rules that made it hard to enter, the yachting industry has slowly become more available as a career choice to those interested. Social media is a significant reason behind this trend, and after speaking with Gemma Hulbert from The Yacht Stew Academy and Capt. Hugo Ortega from Superyacht Sunday School, it is evident that interest will only increase. Gina Ragusa highlighted another reason for the new crew boom: “Below Deck.” The show’s impact on the industry, whether good or bad in the eyes of crew around the world, is indisputably present.

While some hopeful crewmembers understand that the show isn’t always an accurate representation of the industry’s realities, others don’t, which is where training academies like Maritime Professional Training (MPT) and Resolve Maritime Academy make their mark. Not only do educators like Ted Morley of MPT and Will Williamson of Resolve teach green crew the realities of the industry, but they instill the right work ethic that crewmembers will need to be successful for years to come.

While working on this issue and talking to these educators, it became evident that they don’t teach solely because it’s a job, but because of their passion for the industry. The yachting industry is special in how helpful they are to new crew. The job perks — traveling around the world, lavish food and drink, and being on the open ocean — are reasons to be passionate about this industry — and to keep it secret. However, educators and experienced crew are excited to spread the word about the industry and to help those fresh faces. That inclusion, drive to create a community, and genuine care for other crew were apparent in many ways in this issue — and it’s just another reason yachting is special.

French Anchoring Regulations Modified

If you’re in the Mediterranean for the summer season, pay attention to some new modifications within the French anchoring zones. These updates affect vessels of 45 meters and larger in French inland waters and the Med.

The French anchoring regulations went into effect in 2021 as a measure to protect the area’s Posidonia seagrass. The decree prohibits anchoring outside designated zones for all yachts over 24 meters. Outside of forbidden areas, yachts from 45 meters LOA must “declare their intention to anchor or stop” at least one hour before arrival on site to the relevant sémaphore. Yachts 80 meters or larger must have a permit and a pilot on board to anchor.

Infringement fines can be as much as €150,000, and captains also face the possibility of being banned from French waters. This season, the French maritime authority has prosecuted infringements. As Professional Yachting Association (PYA) CEO Christophe Bourillon shared,

at least 10 captains have been fined between €800 to €2,000, and one captain has been banned from French waters for violations. “It’s still hefty, given that it is not the boat that is prosecuted. It is the captain,” Bourillon said. Captains prosecuted are fingerprinted and photographed.

The French regulations are complicated, Bourillon said. New regulations in the past few months ban superyachts from anchoring off Corsica. “That’s a typical example of the French authorities not making it easy for captains to pick France as a destination.”

Bourillon explained that infringements can be challenging to understand. The regulations draw a red line where vessels cannot anchor. However, “if your anchor is outside of the red line, but the AIS shows your boat as being inside the red line, you are guilty,” Bourillon said. “If your anchor is in the Posidonia and your boat is shown on the AIS as being outside, you are good.”

The PYA issued its own recommenda-

The Ocean Cleanup Completes 100th Extraction

With its 100th extraction completed in May 2024, The Ocean Cleanup has removed nearly 850,000 pounds of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) so far, with more than 24 million pounds of plastic removed from aquatic areas around the world.

The Ocean Cleanup, an international non-profit organization, is on a mission to rid the oceans of plastic and is

working on the problem from two angles: cleaning up legacy floating plastic in the GPGP and preventing more plastic from reaching the ocean from the world’s most polluting rivers.

After years of testing, The Ocean Cleanup successfully removed its first plastic from the GPGP in 2019. Since then, the organization has continuously improved its methods, culminating in

tions to captains. The first is to supplement the usual means of navigation to find anchoring areas by using the application Nav & Co, which is the official application produced by the French maritime authorities. It’s constantly updated as new regulations are adopted.

“To make absolutely sure that you will be anchoring in the right area, we strongly encourage captains to speak to the relevant sémaphore (radio station) on Channel 16, or better still — on the phone — asking them to confirm that you are in the right area,” Bourillon said. “All sémaphore’s conversations are recorded and, just in case, it could be relevant for the captain to record the conversation as well.

“We are working hard with the authorities to make it easier for yachts to stay in our waters because a yacht that goes and doesn’t come back has serious economic implications for the local economy,” Bourillon said.

pya.org

the development of the larger and more efficient System 03.

Additionally, to tackle the root of the problem, The Ocean Cleanup developed Interceptor Solutions to intercept and remove plastic from polluting rivers. All extracted plastic is also tracked and traced to ensure its origin when recycled.

“This is an important milestone in a key year for The Ocean Cleanup,” said Boyan Slat, founder and CEO. “We’ve come a long way since our first extraction in 2019. During the 2024 season, with System 03, we aim to demonstrate that we are ready to scale up and, with it, confine the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to the history books.”

The May extraction was also the first time that removal was live-streamed from start to finish.

theoceancleanup.com

PHOTO: THE OCEAN CLEANUP

World’s Largest Sportfishing Yacht Sets Sail

Royal Huisman’s Project 406, named Special One, has officially been delivered and is now the largest sportfishing yacht in the world. The 52-meter vessel departed from the shipyard in the Netherlands on her maiden voyage.

Special One is an Alustar aluminum motor yacht that features six decks of luxury and comfort combined with a performance level that allows it to sail at 30-plus knots. The vessel underwent extensive testing and trials on the North Sea to confirm its speed.

Vripack Yacht Design Studio designed the naval architecture, exterior, and interior designs of Special One, which includes a long bow, high bulwarks, and a high tower for specialized fishing. The high tower doubles as a viewing platform for guests when it is not being used for its practical function.

“The delivery of Project 406 is a testament to our commitment to delivering unique and bespoke superyachts. The individual aspirations and challenges of our motor yacht milestone projects were well outside the comfort zone of other yards,” said Jan Timmerman, CEO of Royal Huisman. “We are excited to see Special One embark on her journey and provide unforgettable experiences to her owner: the ultimate expression of personal freedom.”

royalhuisman.com

Former Crewmember Creates Feedback Platform

As crew, have you ever felt like you’re not being heard? Or that you must keep quiet about negative experiences on board to keep your job. What if there was a way to provide anonymized crew feedback so things may have a chance to improve?

Sea Feedback could be the solution. It provides a platform for anonymous crew feedback, ensuring your voice is heard, and issues are addressed without the fear of retribution.

Dr. Emma Gillett had been a practicing chiropractor for 31 years when she ran away to sea in her 50s. She spent three seasons as a stewardess, deckhand, and girl Friday on vessels ranging from 18 to 80 meters.

“It was a huge amount of work in lots of respects, as well as being totally shocking and very eyeopening,” Gillett said. “When I was on board, I recognized that culture and communication were not the best, and they’re not promoted and produced in the best way. It struck me as a really obvious problem nobody was addressing.”

As she noted, there did not seem to be honest communication between crew and yacht management so they knew what was really happening on board.

“I think crew were suffering in isolation,” Gillett said. Her background as a chiropractor, a highly regulated profession, meant that her patients were immediately provided with an avenue to submit complaints and feedback as a standard practice. She aims to get that process started in yachting with Sea Feedback, an app that can help take crew feedback to management.

Sea Feedback is designed to enhance yacht safety and communication.

Once the management company signs up, all crew on board can download the app. Providing feedback is as simple as typing into the app and submitting it to the Sea Feedback office ashore, which is staffed 24/7. The feedback, whether positive, negative, or neutral, is anonymized and shared with the management company for action.

The need for anonymity in the feedback system is to encourage crewmembers to share concerns without fear of retribution. Gillett emphasizes that it’s a place to share professional feedback with constructive negative and positive input. The system is designed to flag specific keywords, so anything urgent is immediately handled.

“It’s creating a developmental process for crew because they’ve got to reflect on situational awareness, and they have to develop their thinking,” she said. “It’s there to aid compliance [and] it’s a proactive tool to not only protect crew and yachts, but it [also] creates a culture that is much more expressive and better for the owner. And in the end, it will save money because retention will be far greater.”

There is a per-license fee for the service, which Gillett said runs approximately the cost of a junior crewmember, but costs vary depending on vessel size. The app is currently available and Sea Feedback plans to expand globally.

seafeedback.com

PHOTO: ROYAL HUISMAN

Quay Crew Releases

Head Chef Salary and Leave

Report

Quay Crew surveyed more than 100 superyacht chefs from various yacht sizes for their first head chef salary report to provide insight into head chefs’ real-time compensation. Jasmin Gosling, Quay Crew’s galley consultant, notes that readers should understand the galley is a much more fluid department than others, with head chefs able to join yachting later in their career and flit between yachting and shoreside jobs.

Of the more than 100 head chefs surveyed, 80% were men, 19% were women, and 1% preferred not to say. Private/charter positions comprised 60% of surveyed chefs, solely private accounted for 37%, and solely charter made up 3%. Chefs on board yachts ranging from 39 meters to 100 meters plus were surveyed, with salaries and leave on offer generally rising with vessel size.

Although this rise is similar to other crew positions, Quay Crew found no strong correlation between professional experience and pay for chefs on yachts.

“This is likely due to the fact that appointing, and retaining, a head chef is a somewhat personal choice — and if the owner/charter guests like you and your food, you will achieve good longevity and a better salary, whether you have Michelin experience or not,” Gosling wrote in the report.

Surveyed chefs had an average of 9.94 years of land-based experience, while 64% of respondents had five or more years of experience on superyachts. Most respondents had professional culinary training, a Ships’ Cook Certificate, or Michelin experience. Chefs with Michelin experience worked on land for an average of 11.6 years, while chefs with only professional

culinary training worked on land for an average of 6.9 years.

Although most chefs received some type of certificate or professional training, only 6% of respondents had worked on their current yacht for seven or more years. A whopping 46% of respondents reported being on their current yacht for less than a year, and 35% reported being on board for one to three years. Gosling attributes the lower longevity back to the personal choice of owners and charter guests.

“This is another reason that longevity is lower than you can expect from other superyacht roles, with job mobility higher,” Gosling said.

Quay Crew’s report finds that the average monthly salary for a head chef is €8,879, with the average salary on a private yacht being about €500 more than that on a private/charter

yacht. Head chefs on yachts up to 39 meters received an average monthly salary of €6,786, while head chefs on yachts over 100 meters received an average monthly salary of €10,071 — supporting the idea that the bigger the boat, the higher the wages.

Time-for-time leave ranked highest among respondents at 54%, while 60 days or less came in second at 27%, some rotation third at 11%, and 8% reported “other” types of leave.

“Pay and leave packages are where I would expect them to be, and although longevity could be better, this is not surprising due to the personal nature of the role,” Gosling said. “As such, any good head chef can enjoy a successful career in yachting.”

Visit Quay Crew for the full report.

quaycrew.com

Teams Collect Waste to Clean Italian Shores

Cleaning teams participated in a seabed and shoreline cleaning challenge on June 9 in various locations in Italy. This was the sixth year of Spazzapnea — Operation Clean Beaches and Seabeds, which divides participants into teams to compete to collect the most waste by either freediving or walking along the shore.

In 2024, Sculati & Partners, a communications and press office agency, competed in Genoa. In total, participants collected 1,400 kilograms of waste just from the Genoa area, with Sculati & Partners’ Maria Villarreal, Ilaria Parigi, and Camilla Melinossa collecting five kilograms together.

“We at Sculati & Partners have decided to support them in friendship to help give maximum visibility to the competition because we believe it is our duty, as we work ‘in close contact with the sea,’ to take care of the environment and support events like this,” said Silvia Montagna at Sculati & Partners. “Our S&P team also participated with enthusiasm by making a small but important contribution!”

In total, the 2024 event amassed 5,151 kilograms of waste from the seven locations in Italy. The collected waste was sorted, weighed, and cataloged, receiving scores

based on the harm posed to the marine environment and decomposition times. These findings are also included in a Citizen Science SeaCleaner national database that maps waste, and starting this year, Spazzapnea ODV will collaborate on the Citizen Science “Cupid 4Science” project to study sea cleaning’s effects on microplastics.

“On one hand, we are proud to support such an important project, capable of making a difference to our fragile marine ecosystems,” a statement from Sculati & Partners said. “On the other hand, the impressive result of the collection should serve as a warning to all of us about how much work still needs to be done in terms of fostering a culture of respect for our ecosystem.”

sculatiandpartners.com

IMO Approves STCW Amendment to Tackle Sexual Harassment

The Joint International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tripartite Working Group (JTWG) approved amendments to the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping (STCW) Code that will tackle bullying and harassment in the maritime sector. The amendments’ objective are to ensure a safe workplace for seafarers, including the prevention of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

The amendments were discussed during a JTWG meeting in February at the IMO Headquarters in London and included representation from governments, ship owners, and seafarers.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment on board. Recognizing that this is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for the industry’s sustainable growth, we are committed to preventing and combating bullying and harassment in the maritime sector,” said Arsenio Dominguez, the IMO’s secretary-general.

Following three days of deliberation during the February meeting, the JTWG agreed on several recommendations to be submitted to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee at its next meeting in May (MSC 108). The draft amendments were approved, and starting Jan. 1, 2026, all seafarers will be required to take specific training to be prepared to prevent and handle bullying and harassment.

“The recommendations that we have made by consensus this week are a step in the right direction to dealing with violence and harassment, including sexual assault, bullying, and sexual harassment in the maritime industry,” said Danny McGowan, vice-chairperson of the JTWG for the Seafarers’ Group.

imo.org

Brennan Dates: From Manning Galleys To Designing Them

By Kevin Maher

After more than 20 years as a head chef on superyachts, Brennan Dates has worked on some of the most dynamic charter programs in some of the best galleys in the yachting world — and some of the most disappointing. Tired of cooking in galleys built without chef input prior to the build, and armed with a deep understanding of what makes a good galley, Dates started Superyacht Galley Designs. His new business places him at the forefront of changing galleys in the industry, as he helps new builds and refits with the task of creating galleys that elevate and embrace the guest experience.

How and when did you get into yachting?

It was in 2001. I noticed quite early that, in a lot of the high-end restaurants I worked at in the U.S., there wasn’t a lot of happiness around me — not the owners, not the managers, not the chefs. It’s a very hard business. I have so much respect for everyone that came from that world or at least spent time in the hospitality trade. I think I just needed more. I didn’t want to walk past the same dumpster every day on the way to work — it just wasn’t enough. One of the things I’m good at is empathizing with myself and seeing what the future might be either on the path I’m on or a new one. It helps me make the choices that will bring me closer to happiness and I didn’t like that idea of my future in restaurants.

What made you create Superyacht Galley Designs?

From the smallest boats in the industry to the largest, I’d say about 80% of their galleys are built with no professional yacht chefs involved. That negatively impacts the guest experience, and the whole point of this industry is a positive, amazing experience for guests. I think these yachts are built by people who never worked ever in hospitality, much less a day in the service areas of these yachts. I’ve reached a high level in the industry in my 22-year career, and [galleys] never get better, it never changes. The pantries are always too small, the wrong equipment [is in the] the wrong spot, and the galley and service areas are an afterthought. Chefs are not consulted in these builds because the industry thinks, “Ah, chefs, they’ll all want something different,” and I don’t think that’s true. Even if it were true, I don’t think a clever solution is to have someone that has never done the job design the room. It just doesn’t make sense. It’s like you’re designing a racecar, but you only know how to ride a bicycle — you have to speak to the driver. I feel like the industry operates under the idea that we’re in the transportation industry, but we’re 200% in the hospitality industry and service areas are treated like throw-away rooms on a general arrangement.

What are some of the things a galley created with a chef differs from one without a chef?

You can always recognize as soon as you get into a galley that a chef was involved in the build, or did the most recent refit — it’s wild, but it’s super obvious. It can be vice versa when you go in [the galley] you’re like, “Someone just didn’t

Brennan Dates

care and this room was an afterthought,” and unfortunately that’s more typical than not. The things I notice are a good flow — and it’s not rocket science. Food comes in cold, it gets prepped, it gets cooked, it gets plated, it goes out — that’s a circular flow that’s easy. The unsexy part of a galley is that it needs to get cleaned from top to bottom and all the pots and pans washed as efficiently as possible. The dish pit is a massive part of the flow and [its placement] is often the first thing I decide.

Getting someone like me involved right from the start can save yacht owners a lot of money in a few ways. First off, you won’t need to pay a chef during the entire three-to-five-year build period since I offer expert advice online and in person. Plus, by setting up the galley with the right equipment from the beginning, you can avoid expensive refits for years. You’ll also benefit from more durable equipment that needs less maintenance and reduces staff turnover. In the end, you’ll get the perfect setup for whatever type of cuisine you prefer.

What made you realize you had a knack for design work?

I designed the galley on M/Y Moonrise with that build team, and it was interesting to collaborate with everyone and solve our problems together. Whether it’s from the engineer making sure we have enough power, ducting, maintenance access, or with the chief stew to figure out how food is going to get from the galley to the table — it felt kind of like the same teamwork you have as charter yacht crew.

water with my galleys on them, I can say, “Look, if you like what we’ve done on Moonrise, Obsidian, or Alibaba , I can help you.” That imposter syndrome is there for me, as it is for most people, but when you have boats in the water that you’ve already done that you can point to, I’m not coming to shipyards or to owners with my hat in hand asking to give me a chance. I think that’s what gave me the courage, where I had already done a few galleys on big boats and knew they turned out far better than what the initial plans were.

How did you start the business?

It was now or never. It was the exact time for me to take the risk and commit to this business 100%, which means I don’t take rotational or temp jobs on yachts, I just do this. If I run out of projects, then it’s my job to find more. I think because I already have boats out there on the

What has been the biggest challenge you faced when creating Superyacht Galley Designs?

I’m creating a new market in a prestigious industry. No one outside of the yacht chef community has cared about galley design before and I’m carving a new niche. The challenging part is convincing people that it’s as important as I think it is. I have a few amazing mentors — I can’t express how thankful I am for them — but most of the time I feel like I’m just completely blazing my own trail. There are days where

you’re so anxious and insecure, like, “Why is it so hard?” I think it’s what makes it so exciting. You can’t have positive emotions without having negative emotions.

How has moving ashore been and what do you miss of yachting?

You mean not living in a bunk bed anymore? It’s expensive out here, but that’s fine. I told myself during the last half of my 20-year career in yachting that I refuse to believe this is the most money I’m ever going to make in my life. You have all that time on board where your overhead is taken care of, but when you’re on shore it’s expensive. What I’ll miss the most is how fun a good, solid crew mess is. A bunch of bonded people that go through charter season after charter season together and see each other incredibly happy, and also see each other really low. That type of camaraderie and friendship is hard won, and I’ll miss it.

Stepping away from being a yacht chef was a big decision, why did you decide to do that?

I’ve loved being a yacht chef, I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like without all these experiences and travel. I’ve been riding my motorcycle around the world since 2006, from the beginning of my career. That gave me a lot of time to think over almost 100,000 miles. I take stock when I can about if I’m happy. Am I becoming better? Am

I growing? Or am I just making money? I tallied up the happiness factor versus my lifestyle, money, and fulfillment, and decided to take the risk on a new chapter in my life as an entrepreneur and business owner.

What is your advice for yachties looking to use their yachting experience to build a business in the industry?

You have to have an idea that you believe in. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks — you have to believe in it and be all in. Work on it a little bit every day until that little bit becomes a day, five days a week, six days a week, whatever. There’s a sort of brotherhood/ sisterhood ashore of ex-yachties that are now entrepreneurs. They know you’ve done your time and you’re the part of the industry that knows exactly how things happen operationally with guests on board. They’re going to give you free, amazing advice or get you an invitation to a party that gets you in front of so and so — it’s an incredibly powerful group.

What’s next for you and Superyacht Galley Designs?

I’m going to be designing galleys on some of the largest yachts in the industry from the back of my motorcycle as I ride through Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. My around-the-world trip will be finished after that and my new business will be much bigger by then. ‹

superyachtgalleydesigns.com @OliveOilandGasoline

facebook.com/groups/superyachtgalleydesign

PUTTING BILTONG ON AMERICA’S PLATE

By Kevin Maher

Meat’s back on the menu for South Africans in the United States, as Nicole Ackerman and Tremayne Johnson’s biltong company, Cut and Cured Co., brings the iconic South African snack to the States. South Africans are very familiar with biltong, but not every American may be. An air-cured beef snack, biltong has no heat or smoke added to the curing process. Although some might think beef jerky is a comparable snack, the two don’t have too much in common other than being made of meat.

“It’s cured in a different way to jerky, and I would say that the process we use in biltong is actually far better because it preserves nutrients,” Ackerman said. “When you use heat, the nutrients evaporate.”

A common misconception is that the curing process isn’t as safe as smoking or heating, but the air-curing process is more than enough to make meat edible. Johnson and Ackerman take the process from their ancestors, as their forefathers would use the process to preserve meat while crossing the Kalahari Desert. Not only does biltong’s process improve the consumer’s nutrient intake, but the curing process is healthier, too.

“When jerky is made, one of the main ingredients for curing is sugar, and we don’t use any added sugar in our recipe,” Johnson said. “For one kilogram of meat, we use four tablespoons of Worcestershire, and that recipe has sugar in it, but when it comes down to one bag or seven ounces of biltong, you’ve got about 0.00002 grams of sugar.”

The pair’s Pompano Beach, Florida, based biltong company wasn’t always their plan, especially when they joined the yachting industry years ago. After growing up in Knysna, South Africa, with

a successful rugby career that almost took him to Charlotte, North Carolina, Johnson eventually accepted an invitation from his brother to join the yachting industry after injuries derailed his career. Already familiar with yachting due to his brother’s ties to the industry, Johnson became an engineer, working on several yachts. Ackerman’s push into the yachting industry was like Johnson’s. Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, she had friends around her who turned to yachting, but she never considered it herself — until life became a bit too tedious.

“I was at home, working as a graphic designer, and I was really bored of just sitting at the office,” Ackerman said. “I did a season in the Med, I spent time being a deckhand, a stew, a little bit of cooking, went back home and said, ‘[Working at home] is definitely not for me, I’m not coming back.”

Once Ackerman fully dived into yachting, she slowly worked her way up from deck and stew positions to working as a head chef. Although both natives of South Africa, the pair didn’t meet each other until visiting Florida in 2015.

“I came over to do courses, upgrade my license, and a mutual friend told me Nicole Ackerman is going to be at the bar,” Johnson said. “She walked past me at the bar, I said hello to her, and we’ve been together since then.”

Johnson and Ackerman didn’t just have synergy towards each other, but also had a shared love for biltong, a food that has helped fuel their adventures across the seas.

“I think I’ve just got a passion for it, working with it for so long and just loving it,” Johnson said about why they chose to make biltong.

“It’s also just so nostalgic and the most South African snack you could possibly get,” Ackerman added. “It’s such a staple of South Africa.”

Although Ackerman’s experience in the galley would have some believe she handles most of the biltong, Johnson has spent the last seven years developing his recipe and making biltong while on board and ashore. Both Ackerman and Johnson had experience making biltong, especially for fellow crewmembers on board — often using the engineer room’s dry atmosphere to cure the meat.

“Being on yachts and always in the galley, on crossings you always make biltong for the crew because that’s what they want,” Ackerman said.

The pair’s love of biltong, combined with their passion for bringing healthier, more sustainable food to the world, led them to create Cut and Cured Co. A push from the couple’s friends helped along the way, too, as anyone who tried the pair’s biltong urged them to start selling it. The two hope to make Americans fall in love with biltong like they did growing up in South Africa — while separating themselves from the competition in the process.

“A lot of companies we know use grass-fed beef, but they don’t necessarily have grass-finished beef,” Ackerman said. “The difference there is that if beef is grass finished, it’s fed grass its entire life up

until it’s been harvested. If it’s just grassfed, it’s just fed grass for some portion of its life and normally corn fed or corn finished to fatten it up.”

Cut and Cured Co. now offers four different selections of organic, all-natural, grass-fed, and grass-finished biltong — perfect for keto or paleo diets while being gluten-free and high in protein. Their traditional biltong comes in fatty and lean varieties, with beef sticks and chili bites rounding out their biltong products. Apart from biltong, Ackerman and Johnson also sell grass-fed, grass-finished, organic beef tallow. All the couple’s products are made without GMOs, antibiotics, and growth hormones.

As Cut and Cured Co. prepares to enter stores around the country, their products can be ordered online at cutandcuredco.com. Delivery throughout the United States and directly to yachts is available, while international deliveries are coming soon. As for other plans in Cut and Cured Co.’s future, Johnson plans to experiment with making biltong with different cuts like bison, elk, and maybe even a Floridian classic — alligator.

“That’s South Florida for you, no?” Johnson said with a laugh. “I’m sure there’ll be people that like that.” ‹

cutandcuredco.com @cutandcuredco @cutandcuredco

Photo: S/Y ABIDE by Billy Black.

SIGNAL FLAGS: TODAY’S MARITIME TEXTING

WHAT

DID ONE FLAG SAY TO THE OTHER? NOTHING, THEY JUST WAVED.

By Dorie Cox

Alfa, Bravo, and Charlie are just the start of the signal flag series used to relay vital maritime messages. Think of these as yacht texting — up the halyard.

As part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), phonetic alphabet and number flags are symbols that many yacht crew know, including the yellow Q (Quebec) flag hoisted upon entry into a foreign port, which means, “My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique” and the B (Bravo) flag, “I have explosives or I am refueling.” But there are more than 1,000 international signal flags in Publication 102: The International Code of Signals, known as Pub. 102.

To help people memorize the red, yellow, white, blue, and black symbols, three sailing friends combined their skills to create the mvSigFlags application. The mv in mvSigFlags stands for their method of “mnemonic visual” learning using association techniques.

According to mvSigFlags app creators Russell Bourne, Nancy Bourne, and Robert Etheredge, the more unique and bizarre the associated images are, the better they work. The trio researched how people remember, and Nancy Bourne, a former teacher, recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and Florida Engineering Society’s Teacher of the Year, said that we have used rhymes, songs, and stories to memorize throughout our lives. Her former students, now adults, can still sing multiplication table songs.

Some familiar mnemonics include the Alphabet Song, HOMES for the U.S. Great Lakes, and ROY G. BIV for the color spectrum.

“Even silly ones get imprinted in your memory,” Etheredge, a seasoned sailor and software program developer, said. “The more outlandish, the better.”

Mnemonic examples for the signal flags in the app include:

• N (November) looks like a checkerboard for playing on a rainy [N]ovember day.

• J (Juliet) is a white stripe between two blue stripes, which signifies [J]uliet’s dead lips waiting for Romeo’s kiss.

• W (Whiskey) is a red square surrounded by a blue square and a white square, a red

bloodshot eye from drinking too much (W)hiskey.

• F (Foxtrot) is a red diagonal square on white, the end of a (F)ox’s red tail disappearing down a hole. The F flag also means “I am disabled,” so the Fox is stuck in the hole and is disabled.

Some people believe flags have been replaced by electronics like celestial navigation and paper charts, but many mariners navigate more confidently with stars, paper, and physical flags as backups. Why not use all the tools available, asked Nancy Bourne.

“Redundancy is important; when electronics go out, it could be a make-orbreak situation to be safe, or save someone’s life,” she said. “When you are on a yacht in Croatia…, flags will help you communicate beyond language barriers. For example, flying a correct signal flag such as the single W (Whiskey) flag indicates the need for medical assistance and it communicates the message in any language.”

On inland waters like the Intracoastal Waterway, marine traffic can increase the chance of accidents.

“The likelihood is small that your chart plotter will fail when you enter into that area, but you need to be prepared to warn others,” said Russell Bourne, a licensed clinical psychologist, former university professor, and former CIA employee who trained with U.S. Navy Seals.

Some flags are just fun to know. Recently a sailboat came into harbor with a string of flags and the app developers asked bystanders if they could read the message.

“No one knew what it said,” Russell Bourne said. “It spelled, ‘Just Married.’”

“Not understanding is missing an opportunity to share your message. Humans like being in contact with each other. Language is the thing that distinguishes us. This is a way to communicate,” he said. “The goal of communication is to get the message in my head to be understood by you, and thus become the same message in your head.”

Another learning tool from the team is their free nautiMessage app. This is packed with one-, two-, or three-flag phrases from Publication 102, with some contemporary, and suggestive, edits for today’s users.

“These are authentic signals. A few may seem a bit racy but they can be fun in the right context,” said Russell Bourne.

Whether used in an emergency or in the dating scene, the phrases are concise and clear, Etheredge said.

“We’ve all gotten into Twitter with short messages and now our nautiMessage app continues that same trend.”

Both apps are available in app stores and the data can be downloaded. With cross-referencing, messages can be read even if crew do not know all the flags.

“There are numerous apps that display

flags and letters, but none with helpful ways to hook the flags and their meanings in your memory. That’s the important difference,” Russell Bourne said of mvSigFlags.

A fan recommended the app’s game to gain speed and confidence.

“I hoist flags and read flags with the timing feature,” he said. “It’s a game, but it keeps me sharp. I enjoy it more than Sudoku.” ‹

Russell Bourne, Nancy Bourne, and Robert Etheredge

Bottled Up

Excessive drinking seems to be a byproduct of crew life. Is there any escaping it?

By Lauren Beck

Most people, when pushed, will acknowledge that the yachting industry has a drinking problem. Fort Lauderdale has been called “Fort Liquordale” for a reason, but far from a funny one-liner, excessive drinking affects crew work performance and personal and vessel safety.

“This is a very high-stress, high-pressure working environment, and alcohol and drugs are a problem in the industry,” said Erica Lay, director of EL CREW CO. “Drugs are never acceptable on board, but alcohol, as a legal drug, is a trickier one to navigate!”

During her 17 years in crew placement, she has been tasked many times with replacing crew due to drinking. “I’ve also been contacted by crew looking for work because the drinking culture on board their current yacht is too much, or someone senior is drinking on duty, and they feel unsafe,” she said.

“We’re a bit like a pressure cooker because we live together, play together, eat together, work together 24/7,” said Capt. Kelly Gordon. “I don’t want to demonize drinking, but we have a very clear problem in this industry.” That problem can also manifest in other ways, like mental health.

“It was almost like a well-known industry secret thing that you just don’t talk about,” said Chief Stewardess Laura Kilbey. “There’s definitely a stigma if you don’t drink. It’s a question that gets asked in the interview — and it’s not because people want the answer to be, ‘No, I don't drink anything.’ The implication is if you don’t drink, you’re boring.” Kilbey shared that she grew tired of feeling unwell, and her mental health suffered, so she decided to quit drinking.

One former crewmember Sarah, who asked to be anonymous, has a complicated history with alcohol. During her time as crew, she found drinking embedded in the culture.

“I got quite a shock over the last few years at how alcohol was such a normal thing and such an automatic response. Whether you get a job, you drink. Whether you lose a job, oh, you’re going to drink. If you get a day off, you use that day off to drink. There was always a reason for it,” she said.

Sobriety is also a challenge in an industry that only seems to encourage drinking. Most crew events offer free drinks, and after the event, chances are the crew will end up at the bar.

“How can we blame the crew for excessive drinking when we are providing them with free drinks?” Sarah said.

Peer Pressure

Capt. Gordon runs a dry boat. Like most captains, she has dealt with inebriated captains and crew during her career. While attempting to take over a vessel, the captain she was working with turned up drunk on two consecutive mornings. It was not the first time he had been drunk on duty, and the remaining crew had been forced to pick up the slack and ensure the captain didn’t ground the vessel. She also witnessed another crewmember drunk on charter and then fired them after she caught them stealing a bottle of alcohol.

“I don’t have a problem with drinking,” Gordon said. “What I have a problem with is the abuse of it and when it starts affecting your job and the day-to-day. And I have an even greater problem with it when the senior crew pressure the junior crew to drink.”

That peer pressure is a big deal, especially if you’re new and trying to find your place on board. Gordon said she’s seen it time and again: “You’re young, you’re the junior crew, and you don’t want to go, but what are you supposed to say when you’re new to the industry, and your captain and everybody else is saying, ‘Come on, let’s go!’?”

Gordon herself has also been pressured by other captains to drink. “I was a junior captain, and a senior captain was harassing me. We were out, and he just wouldn’t let up. He was relentless.”

You can likely ask any crewmember or

former crewmember, and chances are they have a tale of something that went wrong due to alcohol. Sarah recalls one moment at a boat show when her entire interior team was so hungover — or still drunk — that she was forced to send them below to remain out of sight.

“That was one of the days that alcohol really let me down,” Sarah said. “Then, I found my quality of time off was always hindered by either utilizing half of that time to drink or utilizing half of that time to be hungover and recover from drinking.” She’s been battling for sobriety for three years now, and she loves the feeling that comes from being sober.

Kilbey shared that her very first captain was an alcoholic, and he would have cases of cheap liquor delivered to the boat each week. “It was an open secret,” she said. “I didn’t know what was normal. I was 20 and naïve.”

Guidance from the Top

Being new and young might be just the place to start, however. “Young crew are easily influenced, and guiding them is our role,” said Sharon Rose, head of recruitment at Bluewater. “Someone who is in the industry for partying and drinking won’t last very long.” However, the consequences may take some time to catch up to you. Could early intervention and education make a difference? Some think so. Casey Pooley, director of Diamond Crew Solutions in South Africa, has witnessed bad drinking behavior from her students and has sent them packing because of it. She believes that educating new crew on the industry and sharing honestly the pitfalls and the positives prepares them to face these situations. Making sure they have the right skills and offering them resources can help, too, including therapy, or “… systemic therapists formerly from the industry, a peer-based support system, or even just something as simple as financial forward planning and base level insight into the industry, they stand a much higher chance of staying in a more positive and driven mind frame and not turning to alcohol to either break down communication barriers, build emotional ones, or cure boredom.”

“I remember being on a yacht as a junior crewmember that became a dry boat as

a result of crew abusing the policies on board,” said Don Mckee of YOA Crew. “I would say it's a leadership and culture question in many cases. If the HODs are setting good examples, the juniors tend to follow and vice versa.”

Diane Leander of The Crew Network agrees. “We personally believe that a clear policy on board might be helpful, especially with young crew.”

Dry Boats

Is the solution simply to have all boats be dry?

While the definition of a dry boat can vary, it could prove a valid solution. As Gordon explains, a dry boat means to her that you are not drinking during the day, on charter, or on a boss trip.

Another captain who preferred to remain anonymous also runs what is technically a dry boat. To him, it’s more a matter of working too hard and keeping his eyes on his goals to have time to drink. His crew don’t drink on board — one has been sober for more than a year, and another for almost that — and the crew usually make time for healthy pursuits during downtime.

“Every single one of the boats I worked on was dry, and I enjoyed it because we were very healthy and very focused on our goals,” he said. Drinking is expensive, and costs add up quickly. His current crew are too busy working hard and building solid financial lives to waste their time and money.

However, he doesn’t judge others who have different attitudes. He can understand why some people drink as he’s witnessed major addiction and understands exactly how challenging the yachting job can be — maybe you’re bored, lonely, or isolated. “The only way for them to express [themselves] is by alcohol,” he said.

However, even with his dry boat experience, he still won’t call his current program dry. “I will never have a dry boat, because I want people to feel at home and be able to, if they need to have a drink, they can have a drink, but all in moderation.”

Finding the Balance

The question might be whether it’s possible to strike a balance on board.

“It’s hard to find a good balance because there is always that one crewmember who takes it too far,” Cotton said. “If it was ever possible to put less pressure on happy hours and drinking and more pressure on fitness and fun outside. Maybe it would help to shift the drinking culture.”

Sarah feels that dry boats are the solution. “I personally think every boat should be a dry boat,” she said. “It makes no sense to me that boats allow alcohol versus an extremely expensive asset, a luxury asset. You’ve got all the risks involved — fire, sinking, accidents, confined spaces. The last thing you need are crew not compos mentis or not aware, or not sharp or hungover, in that environment specifically.”

Capt. Gordon agrees. “We’ve heard the stories of crewmembers stumbling back from the bar only to be found floating face down the next morning between the dock and the boat.” Also, an inebriated crewmember complicates procedures on board. If a fire or incident requires crew response, the team is one person down to help and may even require rescue.

“Safety culture is such an important thing. Why is alcohol not part of the safety culture?” Sarah said.

While eliminating alcohol altogether could be a challenge, most crew agencies said they’d had no issue placing crew on dry boats. “We have worked in the past with some dry yachts, and it has never been a problem finding crew. As long as the package offered was a good one, most people [didn’t care about] not being allowed to drink on board,” Leander said. “Occasionally, someone will refuse to be considered because of this, but they were certainly a minority.”

“We have quite a few dry boats these days and there are a large number of crew who are more than happy with this,” Rose said. “Serious crew don’t worry about the yacht being dry. They are here to work and not party.”

“Ultimately, this is an industry where safety, respect, and hard work are paramount and should be at the forefront of everything we do,” Pooley said. “If placements become difficult because crew are unwilling to sign onto a dry boat, then in my humble opinion, they should reconsider their career goals and aspirations.”

Accountability

There doesn’t seem to be much accountability for excessive drinking. Once let go, it’s likely the crew move on to the next boat, to become someone else’s issue, and the problem persists. “It’s a lack of duty of care,” Kilbey said.

Most crew agents shared that they have had to replace crew for drinking. “Unfortunately, it happens more often than it should,” said Lauren Cotton of Cotton Crews. As one agent who preferred to remain anonymous said, “We’ve fired captains, crewmembers, and entire crews over alcohol or drug abuse.”

“It’s a small industry, and I don’t think there are really any formal repercussions,” Gordon said, outside of a serious accident. But if the crew are let go for no more than drinking too much, they move on.

“I will say that your reputation travels with you,” Gordon said. Perhaps that’s one way to weed out problem people. If crew can’t find work because their reputation precedes them, or if they can’t get up on time on the job, how long will they last in yachting?

Mckee believes the issue is bound to persist unless the industry is willing to make changes. “This will more than likely continue unless more stringent measures to police this tendency are put in place on board and by management,” he says.

How do we do that? Alcohol is legal. Maybe it’s as simple as changing perspectives. As Sarah shared, “The benefit is that alcohol-free lifestyles are trending now.” The younger crew joining the industry don’t think drinking is “cool.”

“They think drinking is poisonous. And I’m finding a lot of these youngsters coming over now are sober or don’t drink. And I really think that is the way to go.”

There are people working to create healthier avenues to release stress, like Kilbey, who created the Sober Crew Social Club after her experiences in the industry. “I started this space primarily for some accountability for me because I really don’t want to drink again.”

Putting herself out there, as she explained, gave her an added layer of accountability — and she was astounded by the response. She wants to offer connection, community, and support to all yacht crew, from juniors to captains and heads of departments, as well as alternative, healthier options for crew activities. She plans to launch global events for crew interested in being sober.

“Like attracts like,” Gordon said. “Partiers are not going to want to become a part of my program. I have attracted crewmembers who don’t really drink.”

Perhaps that’s the key — finding your people. “I have so many more likeminded people around me,” Sarah said. “You are who you hang around with — you definitely are more susceptible to drinking if you’re hanging around with heavy drinkers.”

Until other policies or policing happen, it’s up to the individual. So be more intentional in your behavior, find people who embody the lifestyle you want, and if you need help, ask. Perhaps next time you want a little crew bonding, you take to the beach instead of the bar. ‹

TRAINING EDUCATION

Triton’s training and education feature section helps crew learn about new education updates, crew agent interview secrets, what effect “Below Deck” is having on the industry, and more!

What’s New for Crew?

An Update on the Training and Education Industry

By Kevin Maher

Every level of crew education is changing, from starting your basic training to obtaining your captain’s license. Triton spoke to different academies and training facilities to better understand the current state of crew education, what changes professionals would like to see, if green crew are prepared enough, and new trends.

The Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW, is the building block of a yachtie’s career. While many crewmembers have further advanced their careers, they should still be interested in the basis — especially if they’re senior

crew. Hiring crew right after certification is a reality for yachts, so should longtime crewmembers feel confident that Basic Training teaches new crew enough? Will Williamson, marine programs coordinator at Resolve Maritime Academy, believes so.

“Could we add some damage control in there? Sure, but keep in mind that a lot of our potential crewmembers that are coming through STCW Basic have never been exposed to maritime anything,” Williamson said. “You don’t want to ramp it up too much to where it freaks them out, or it’s too much that they don’t want to go into the maritime industry, but you want to give them enough that they see that this is not

resolveacademy.com mptusa.com tysacademy.com superyachtsundayschool.com

a nine-to-five office job and that they’re going to work in an environment that is inherently dangerous.”

A leading mariner training center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Resolve offers professional yacht training, certification for different STCW courses, and advanced firefighting courses in their state-of-the-art facilities.

“I think if we look at the idea behind Basic Training, it’s really more about [crewmembers’] safety, and I think in that regard, the current Basic Training course is very effective at that,” said Capt. Ted Morley, CEO and school president of Maritime Professional Training (MPT). MPT is a full-

PHOTO THE YACHT STEW ACADEMY

PHOTO MARITIME PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

PHOTO ETHICAL YACHT WEAR

service private maritime school that offers training for commercial and yachting careers in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

While STCW’s Basic Training is considered acceptable for green crew, that doesn’t mean education professionals don’t wish more was added to it — or removed. Lana Farrell, executive director at Resolve, values the attention to fire that Basic Training offers, but believes more time should be given to real-life scenarios over the full bunker gear.

“There are some opportunities that may be missed with so much time oriented towards some of the dress outs, and not to take away from the importance of it, but some of these first-time mariners may not need to know about full gear out versus, ‘There’s a fire in the galley, what are your first initiatives,’” Farrell said.

Morley agrees with Farrell’s premise, stating that he thinks it’s important to keep training relevant to the real world. One thing Morley would change from Basic Training is the new technology lag.

“There can [be] a lag to remove obsolete training requirements as technology moves away from certain areas — think of how long LORAN-C questions remained on the exams even after both the technology and real-world equipment changed,” he wrote in an email.

Basic Training, with additions and removals, can still only cover so much. As crew enter the industry and choose which area they want to specialize in, there are heaps of additional courses they can select from Resolve, MPT, and The Yacht Stew Academy — a fully online accredited training academy created by Gemma Hulbert. Hulbert started the academy

after years working as a crewmember in the industry and she helps interior crew advocate for their own education.

“Stepping on board as a junior crewmember, there are so many nuances and so much to learn and understand that STCW [Basic Training] doesn’t really touch because it’s not specific for yacht crew,” Hulbert said.

While additional, role-specific courses are invaluable for crewmembers, Capt. Hugo Ortega says crew should make sure to take them from accredited, legitimate academies.

“A deckhand course that takes two to three weeks is pretty ridiculous, and you might think it could be helpful, but I’ve talked to crew that come out of those courses and they say no, it wasn’t helpful, it was a waste of time and super expensive,” Ortega said. “There’s a lot of thievery and bad stuff from people that are looking to make money off crew, too.”

Ortega is the founder and CEO of Superyacht Sunday School, where he helps hopeful crewmembers enter the industry and guides them toward securing their first jobs, sets them up with a plan for success in the industry, and mentors them in the process.

Professional educators must also stay vigilant of incoming trends and curriculum changes as they look to prepare crew the best they can. One incoming change is an approved amendment to the STCW Code that will tackle bullying, harassment, and sexual assault in the maritime sector. MPT works with flag states and nongovernmental organizations to ensure they’re staying current with regulatory requirements, and to stay aware of what’s

to come. The new harassment amendments were easy for Morley to prepare for.

“I was part of the U.S. effort that worked on the SASH (Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment) recommendations to the IMO (International Maritime Organization) — that particular training piece is something I am quite proud to be part of,” Morley wrote.

While Morley also mentions technological advancements as a continual trend in crew education, Williamson focused on something that can endanger almost every yacht on the ocean — lithium-ion batteries. Fires caused by these batteries have become nightmare scenarios for all mariners, and Williamson sees it as a hot topic crew want to learn more about.

Ortega, at the frontlines of the incoming crew, has seen a trend that is the product of the reality TV series “Below Deck.” He has noticed many new crewmembers expect the industry to be exactly how the show presents it, and while some interactions on the show remind him of times he had in the crew mess, it leads crewmembers the wrong way just as often.

“They’re not doing their due diligence and research back home before they get on the hunt, so you see these people getting into desperation mode,” Ortega said. “They’re on Facebook groups, they’re on social media, pretty much a nervous wreck because their visas are about to finish or they’re about to run out of money.”

Hugo says this trend can often lead to desperate crewmembers being taken advantage of with extremely low wages due to their situation. He hopes to continue spreading transparency in the industry through Superyacht Sunday School.

Hulbert is seeing two trends in interior education: the openness of learning between interior crewmembers and the growing owner demand for crew responsibility.

“What [owners] are expecting is growing because, within the hospitality industry as a whole, we’re always progressing to make sure that the guest’s experience is continually elevated,” Hulbert said. “It’s important that the student’s education is continually elevated as well so that they can match that need.”

While crew responsibilities continue to grow, more crew are hungry to learn through higher education — and training and education schools, academies, and facilities like these are ready to help. ‹

PHOTO RESOLVE MARITIME ACADEMY

A NUMBERS GAME

What types of crew training should yachts invest in and who should pay?

Story by Gemma Harris. Photos by Nicola Junior Belardo

Behind every perfectly mixed cocktail, immaculate interior, and smooth yachting experience lies a team of professionals: the crew.

But how do they reach the level where they can provide such a service? The answer lies in training — both mandatory and optional.

The crew training landscape has undergone various developments, and today, the simultaneous rise of non-mandatory training options and crewmembers who want more professional development is reshaping the industry. Over the years, multiple issues have come to the fore, namely, a lack of good leadership and crew welfare issues resulting in higher crew turnover. Most industry experts attribute this to the pressing need for more training, but what should yachts invest in, and who foots the bill?

VARYING PACKAGES

Recent surveys reveal a need for more consistency in crew training investment industry-wide. According to Quay Crew, while 65% of captains report that all crew receive some form of training budget, the amounts vary dramatically — from as little as €500 to unlimited per crewmember. This disparity underscores a fundamental issue: the absence of industry-wide standards for crew development.

Emma Baggett, the founder of The OM, points out that while she has seen training budgets improve, they should be more standardized and balanced.

“There is a huge discrepancy between training budgets in deck and engineering and those in the interior,” Baggett said, highlighting a lower investment in the latter.

The variety of training packages cover everything from full coverage and reimbursement plans to partial support and self-funding.

“In 70% of cases, the crewmember pays upfront and is reimbursed after a certain length of service; in reality, there are also variations regarding whether the courses are taken during crew time or boat time,” adds Tim Clarke, director of Quay Crew.

Factors influencing training budgets include the yacht size, owner attitude, overall budget, captain advocacy, and management company policies. Some yachts allocate specific budgets for training programs as part of employment contracts, while others, typically smaller, may offer additional time off for self-funded training.

BEYOND THE BASICS

While mandatory safety and competency training keep yachts afloat, nonmandatory training further develops crew and sets them apart. However, the lack of consistency in investment and resource allocation can pose challenges for crew development.

The lack of leadership development has been a particular topic of discussion for training providers in recent years. Karl Santrian, director of BZ Maritime, focuses on developing maritime human capability.

“Leadership is a fundamental building block that sits behind a lot of other issues within the industry,” Santrian said.

“Poor leadership and communication is a problem on board the vast majority of yachts, so this kind of professional development should be a priority,” Clarke added.

Similarly, investing in crew wellbeing should be addressed.

“We should be giving all crew mental health awareness. Many management companies are realizing the [mental health] issues won’t go away, and we are experiencing systematic change, especially with the future revisions of the STCW to include mental health awareness,” said Emma Ross, founder of Seas The Mind.

TAILORED TRAINING

Understanding what a yacht or crewmember should invest in is half the battle.

“Training budgets should be about the training needed for that particular yacht or individual, whether non-mandatory or mandatory if a yacht requires a type of training, that is what they should invest in,” Baggett said.

Like most issues in yachting, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each yacht and individual has specific needs and areas for development.

“The bare minimum should be that each boat should have a training budget, and then each yacht should be dynamic about where they spend that allocation,” Ross said.

“The key element is that a lot of budgets are being ill-spent; it isn’t just about the training budget but ensuring you are spending money on the right things at the right time,” Santrian added.

While one-off courses have their place in the industry, Santrian suggests that yachts should focus on structured, longterm programs.

“Investing in one-off courses doesn’t tend to have much impact; what you need to do is train and develop people over a longer period. The industry should also invest in crew at every level.”

Continues from page 43

MEASURING DEVELOPMENT

In an industry that relies heavily on skilled and knowledgeable crew to deliver safe and exceptional experiences, why is the investment in crew development sometimes considered unnecessary?

Like all issues, there is a counterargument to investment in training — the fear of unrewarded investment. What if an owner pays for crew development only for that crewmember to move on in a matter of months? How can the industry turn this around? One solution is to justify the return on investment.

“When discussions of funding come in, I anticipate that owners, captains, and HODs want to see the metrics behind certain training, like mental health, for example. Will it reduce crew turnover, recruitment fees, etc.? We haven’t got a big enough sample yet to

give metrics,” Ross said.

Santrian explains that there is a lack of appreciation for the impact leadership has on yacht performance.

“Unlike technical capability, human capability affects every area of the yacht. The benefits to yachts are considerable if this information is put across to owners in the correct way and captains understand the benefits. Generally, you can then get them to invest,” Santrian said.

STRATEGIC SHIFTS

As the industry evolves, it is increasingly evident that investing in crew development is necessary to maintain standards. Comparing the yachting sector to other industries is eye-opening, with most large organizations investing between 2% and 5% of their payroll in employee development.

The costs associated with turnover,

potential safety issues, and subpar guest experiences outweigh the training investment. The industry needs to recognize that effective training not only encompasses technical skills, but also soft skills, leadership development, and mental health awareness. It is also crucial to acknowledge that each yacht is unique and tailor training programs accordingly, while developing better benchmarks for training budgets.

The industry must shift from its shortsighted view and confront the significant costs associated with high crew turnover — a persistent issue that has been at the forefront of industry discussions for many years. Embracing a culture of continuous professional development offers benefits that extend beyond individual crewmembers and yachts to improve the overall yachting sector. ‹

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INTERVIEWING 101:

Tips and Tricks from Crew Agents

If you’re like most people, job interviews can be a nerve-racking experience. It’s an essential step to finding your dream job, so several crew agents from around the world shared their best crew advice for going into the interview prepared and hopefully clinching that new position.

Be Responsive

This may seem obvious, but make sure you’re easily reachable and respond quickly when an agent or captain reaches out, said Don Mckee, co-founder of YOA Crew. Chances are no one is waiting around for you if you’re hard to reach.

Be Prepared

Sharon Rose, head of recruitment at Bluewater, recommends that you have a solid career plan. “Know your career path and goals.”

“The three most important things in this industry are longevity, longevity, and more longevity,” said one crew agent who preferred to remain anonymous.

“I believe the best way to achieve longevity is by being intentional when looking for a job and knowing the grass is not always greener on their buddy’s boat.”

Research and perform due diligence on the vessel before the interview, especially if the job comes from Facebook or an unverified site, said Lauren Cotton, president of Cotton Crews. If you know the vessel, Erica Lay, director of EL CREW CO, also recommends looking into the captain and your potential head of department. LinkedIn can be handy for this research.

Most agents also recommend crew have questions prepared in advance, and several included examples of good questions:

1. What’s the crew dynamic on board like?

2. Can you share details about the yacht program and upcoming itinerary?

3. Are there crew training incentives?

4. Does the yacht have good crew retention or crew longevity?

5. What are the job progression possibilities on board?

Cotton also recommends asking what the yacht owner particularly enjoys on board, but tread carefully here. Rose advises crew not to ask personal questions about the owner. A few agents cautioned against asking, at least in the initial interview, about salary, package, or time off. Even worse, “Do not ask for time off requests prior to getting an offer,” said Diane Leander, crewing manager at the Fort Lauderdale office of The Crew Network.

This might seem unfair, considering this is vital information to know before accepting any new job, but appearing overly interested in money can be perceived negatively.

“Remember that most things are negotiable, i.e., salaries start at a given or advertised point but can be adjusted depending on how well the candidate does in their trial period,” said Mckee. “Just because a job is advertised at a certain rate, that does not mean it will stay at that rate.”

Update your CV and photo, and check over your social media profiles to make sure nothing is showing that could hurt

Story by Lauren Beck

Photos by Alexander Haubrich @YachtieWorld

your chances. “Check your WhatsApp/ caller ID picture,” said one agent. “You think this is your private, nonprofessional item, but this is how 90% of the captains or crew agents contact you. The little circle picture you choose is the one we see when we are on the phone to you. A photo of you and your buddies in Thailand may not be what you want your potential employer to see.”

Lay suggests you bring your resume, certificates, and references. “Get yourself a nice folder to keep them all smart and presentable. Don’t leave them in a pub somewhere either!”

Be Professional

“Look presentable and put effort into your appearance,” Cotton said. “Don’t show up late, disheveled, and reeking of alcohol.”

“Having to terminate an interview after five minutes due to the crewmember having to vomit in my office’s bathroom has gone down in EL CREW CO legend for all the wrong reasons,” Lay said.

All crew agents agreed that professional dress is essential. A few had more specific tips, like Rose, who cautioned crew not to interview with sunglasses pushed up on their heads. Do not chew gum or smoke — and don’t show up stinking of smoke, either.

Other no-nos that make you look unprofessional: Don’t ask about your partner’s prospects, Rose says, and don’t get your parent or friend to call in for you, or worse, show up to the interview with you. Do not hit on the crew agent either, Lay said. She also cautioned against using casual slang in conversation, like “mate” or “dude” or similar.

a number of interviews back-to-back,” Cotton said.

If you’re new to the area, Lay suggests familiarizing yourself with the location the day before. “If you have the opportunity, wander down there the day before to do a recce. [This] helps get rid of nerves, too,” she said. She also recommends interviewees keep their interviewer’s details and contacts handy in case there’s an issue reaching the boat or the building.

If you’re interviewing over the phone or online, don’t be that person who has password issues, can’t log in, barely has

Be Engaged

The goal is to impress, so you want to look interested and alert. As Rose recommends, smile and keep eye contact. If in person, keep your handshake firm — but don’t aim to crush the fingers. Don’t cross your arms or appear too relaxed. Ask careful questions.

“Listen carefully and be interactive without interrupting,” Leander said. “Be outgoing without being overbearing.”

Rose advises that you need to highlight what you can bring to the team. This is where your research comes in, but don’t be afraid to emphasize your skills and why you think you’d be an asset to the team. You need to be confident in your abilities but not arrogant.

Most agents included a point about mobile phones — do not look at them, don’t have them in sight, and keep them on silent mode for the interview’s duration.

Be Honest

Things happen, and jobs don’t work out. “Be honest about why you left your last boat, what you are looking for, and what type of job/program you feel you are suited to,” Mckee said. “We are there to help crew get what they want just as much as we are trying to find our client the best possible crewmember. The more honesty, the better.”

Always be polite and courteous — consider the interview a test to showcase your grace under pressure.

Be on Time

It pays to be on time or early — but not too early. “Show up 5 to 10 minutes early and no earlier in case they are doing

time to open Zoom or Teams, or worse, is late.

“We arrange a time and base a lot of our process around being able to interview crew at specific times for various roles given the time differences we work with, so being prompt, responsive, and having good time management is something we always look for in a candidate,” Mckee said.

This shouldn’t need to be said, but “Don’t do a video call from your bed,” Rose said.

Let’s face it: it’s a small industry, and if there was a spectacularly awful reason you left your position, chances are crew agents or captains will hear about it. It makes sense to tell the tale in your own words and mitigate any potential damage. While honesty is good, don’t take the opportunity to badmouth your former employer, Leander said.

Diplomacy should be your watchword. As Lay advises, “Channel your inner politician — always try to make negatives into positives.” She recommends using phrases like “difference in opinions” or “different ways of working that weren’t complementary” if asked about a negative experience.

Honesty extends to your resume and

references. “Unfortunately, we regularly catch crew out who have embellished longevity, etc., on their CVs, for example,” Mckee said.

You want to be yourself in any interview. “This can be a double-edged sword, but we would prefer to get to know the ‘real’ candidate as soon as possible,” Mckee said.

Be Brave

Once the interview nears its conclusion, gauge how you think it went. “If you feel the interview is going well, do not be afraid to ask for the job!” Cotton said.

As much as you’re being interviewed, you’re also making sure the boat is a good fit for you. Pay attention to the information you receive, and stay alert for any red flags. If the job isn’t the best fit for you, it’s best to know early so everyone can move on. ‹

Networking Dos and Don’ts

It’s no secret that who you know can make all the difference in finding work. While the yachting industry has no shortage of opportunities to network and socialize, these events should be considered work.

PREPARE:

Have business cards. Even better, “Make your own business cards with a QR code link to your CV,” said Lauren Cotton of Cotton Crews. Look interested during conversations and ask questions about the industry, Sharon Rose, head of crew recruitment at Bluewater, advised. “Look professional and always smile. Use these events to get to know everyone and make yourself stand out in a positive way.”

Dress appropriately — check the weather, and “modesty goes a long way, too,” said one agent who preferred to be anonymous.

MINGLE:

“Go to every event you can, and be confident,” said Diane Leander of The Crew Network. “Speak to as many people as you can. Lots of crew will be in the same situation as you are, so as hard as it is, ignore that shyness and get chatty.”

Sometimes, it’s easier to cling to people you know. One agent advises that if you attend with friends, split up. “You have already maximized those contacts, make new ones,” she said. Don’t be shy to mingle and meet new people — after all, “you will meet a whole bunch of new people every time you join a new boat.”

BEST BEHAVIOR:

“Remember who may be watching you,” said Rose. “Crew agents and captains could be out and about.” As one agent noted, “Never assume the person you are talking to is just what their name tag says.” They may have friends who need crew or are working aboard a yacht and have good connections.

While the alcohol is likely to be flowing freely, be careful. “This is not a party — it’s a professional opportunity to make a good impression,” one agent said.

“Control your alcohol — hold on to one beer while networking,” Cotton said.

Don Mckee, director of YOA Crew, concurs. “Networking is vital. I always encourage crew to do so, but there is also a fine line between going out to bars and getting drunk versus going out to bars to meet and interact with potential employers. Mindset and intention are key here.”

As Leander puts it: “Being memorable is great, but not if it’s because you partied too hard and fell over the snack table and took out the DJ.”

FOLLOW UP:

Making connections is key, so after you’ve been introduced to someone new, follow up with an email and social media message, Cotton recommended.

“Play the long game,” Leander said. “Take contact details for people you meet, and even if they can’t help you right now, maybe they can help in the future.”

Below Deck Leaders: Trailblazing the Future of Yachting Through Reality TV

By Gina Ragusa

Bravo’s nautical reality series “Below Deck” didn’t inspire Second Officer Malia White to join the yachting industry, but being on the show certainly did.

After graduating from college with a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, she settled into a landlocked desk job like many new grads. During a night of drunk social media surfing with friends, she stumbled across a casting call for “Below Deck.”

She joked about applying for fun after a lot of rosé and found herself on Season 2 of “Below Deck Mediterranean” as a green deckhand. At the time, she didn’t necessarily want to join yachting, but merely wanted a taste of reality TV.

What began as an opportunity to be on reality television changed the trajectory of White’s career, especially after being mentored by Capt. Sandy Yawn, who was also new to the franchise.

“It definitely was after my first season when I was on the bridge with Capt. Sandy and she was like, ‘You know you could do this,’” White said, recalling the moment Yawn let her drive the superyacht.

Working for Yawn prompted her to rethink a return to her old life in Denver, Colorado.

Anastasia Surmava by Hubert Haciski

However, after filming wrapped, White did what she thought she was supposed to do — she returned to her desk job and resumed her former life.

“But I was like, ‘You know what, I could just take a chance before I get back to work, go back to the grind,’” White said. “I looked up everything I needed to do to get my 100-ton captain’s license with the Coast Guard. I flew to Florida, stayed with a friend, and did my Coast Guard ticket. From there I was like, okay, maybe I’ll just do dock work or try to get my first job.”

The rest is history. White applied the same gritty determination from the show to earning new tickets in the “real world” of yachting. “I just got my chief mate [ticket] a year and a half ago. And I’m starting to look at doing my master’s ticket,” she said, sharing that she has also found an ideal situation with her current boat that allows her time to earn additional certifications.

White says many new crewmembers she’s met joined yachting after watching “Below Deck.”

“I’ve had people work on my boat that are like, ‘I watched the show and I want to go try this.’ Sometimes those people are really good at their job, and sometimes those people are not great at the job and they’re just kind of doing it, like backpackers that just want to do it for a season,” White said.

Gabriela Barragán is another “Below Deck” crewmember who found the industry through the show.

Barragán was a stew on “Below Deck Sailing Yacht” Season 3 and found her way into yachting after looking for a career change. She started watching the series in 2016 and after exploring different options in the maritime industry, she completed courses and joined a boat in 2020 — just as COVID-19 hit. Thankfully, she found a sailing yacht still running charters in July 2020 in New England. After starring on the show, she worked for “Below Deck” alum Wesley O’Dell in St. Thomas. Barragán looks forward to the summer season and is still working on sailing yachts.

While the show may have helped some “Below Deck” crewmembers make yachting their career, other “Below Deck” stars, like Yawn, have leveraged the series as a springboard to draw more people into this rapidly growing industry.

Yawn launched a groundbreaking initiative to bring the business of yachting to millions of public school educators, parents, and students throughout the U.S.. The idea is to offer more options for students who aren’t interested in going to college or a trade school.

“I founded Captain Sandy’s Charities in 2019 because I wanted to bring maritime education into public schools,” Yawn said. She pointed out that while schools may present a menu of career opportunities to students, sometimes there isn’t a fit for everyone.

“Why not educate them and let them know there are job opportunities and careers in the marine industry,” she said. “We rolled out our first program in Florida across the high schools. And now this year we’re going to go into middle school. And then we’re going to expand it across the U.S. and across the globe.”

Yawn is especially excited about exposure in landlocked states, where the maritime industry is often not a consideration.

“Even in middle America, they’re like, ‘Oh, my God, there are jobs in the industry!’ And this show put this on the air,” she said. “People see it and they go, how do I get into it? We need hard workers. We need people who are committed. So that’s how the idea was born.”

The program, Adventures and Learning in Marine Careers, made possible by Captain Sandy’s Charities, offers a complete teaching kit, and a series of educational YouTube videos and interactive materials to help educators introduce yachting careers to students. The material, which includes fun quizzes and handouts, prompt engagement. The digital quiz includes Yawn’s voice gently reminding the quiz taker to “try again” when they get a wrong answer. A correct quiz answer is met with a resounding celebratory horn.

Beyond the positions seen on “Below Deck,” Yawn’s program also aims to raise awareness that joining the maritime industry doesn’t necessarily mean a life at sea.

“If you don’t want to travel and work at sea, you can actually get jobs on land. Carpentry, plumbing, electrician in shipyards and repair yards. You could be a yacht broker, charter broker, sales broker — those are all opportunities,” she said. “So really, [the program is] to educate them. Instead of saying, I could

Capt. Sandy Yawn Malia White

Hannah Ferrier

go to college, become a doctor or whatever they’re choosing, they could say, I’m not college material or I’m college bound. My parents don’t have the money, I don’t have the scholarships — this is a business that has the same benefits of all those other jobs and the starting salaries are bigger.”

Hannah Ferrier and Anastasia Surmava, also “Below Deck” alums, opened Ocean Training International Academy in Australia after endless fan inquiries about the industry.

Ferrier was a longtime “Below Deck Med” chief stew, while Survama juggled two roles as a third stew and chef on Season 4 of the show. They are fully aware of “Below Deck’s” reputation in the industry, but believe tides are turning.

“I think there will always be the salty old timers that will continue to roll their eyes about ‘Below Deck,’ but I also think it has done amazing things for the industry,” Ferrier said. “On a personal level, to watch my students go from working at a Starbucks in their local landlocked town to video calling them on a yacht in the Caribbean is such an amazing feeling. I am a big believer in traveling and exploring the world when you are young. Your twenties are for

The program, Adventures and Learning in Marine Careers, made possible by Captain Sandy’s Charities, offers a complete teaching kit, and a series of educational YouTube videos and interactive materials to help educators introduce yachting careers to students.

making mistakes and growing as a person and nothing will ensure you make more mistakes or give you the growth yachting does.”

Ferrier and Survama estimate that approximately 80% of their students enrolled due to the Bravo reality series.

“‘Below Deck’ has had a massive impact on the yachting industry,” Ferrier said. “When I joined the yachting industry, social media consisted of posting a few grainy photos to Facebook once every few months and the yachting industry always sat under a cloud of mystery. Yachties were forced to sign NDAs and no one ever got

to see what happened above or below deck on superyachts. Since ‘Below Deck’ has blown up into the phenomenon it is today, the industry has been flooded with hopefuls looking to enter the industry. I also think social media has had a big impact on the industry with more people learning about the industry through TikTok and Instagram.”

So has “Below Deck” made waves and created growth in the maritime industry? While attributing growth directly to the show is impossible, crew and industry expert Norma Trease, also often referenced on the series, explains several factors come into play in terms of crew growth.

“We’re probably looking right now at about 55,000 crew worldwide that are paid to work on yachts, some of them more part time than others,” Trease estimates, also mentioning a 30% increase in crew over the last 20 years. “I don’t think that ‘Below Deck’ has actually increased the number of crew, per se. The reality is that as the number of professionally crewed yachts has grown, the number of crew has grown. That’s a mathematical, sensible increase in the amount of crew because it’s the amount of crew that are needed.” ‹

Gabriela Barragán

How to Make a Family Charter a Standout Success

BY ELLA PETERS

I’m Ella. I have more than nine years’ experience in yachting, seven of which were spent as a superyacht nanny. I have been lucky to work on the most incredible charters and family trips.

Working as a nanny on family charters brings a unique blend of excitement and challenges and requires the crew to be not only skilled at their usual responsibilities, but also adept at catering to the needs of young guests.

Let’s start off with a few questions about the role of a superyacht nanny:

Does a superyacht nanny work directly with the chef to make sure the children’s meals are correct?

Typically the nanny will liaise with the chief stewardess on the children’s meals. I find out from the parents if they are happy with the proposed menu (and if there are any changes they would like), what time they would like the children to eat, and if all guests are dining together.

Are any duties split with regular crew duties?

In nanny/stew roles, there is a lot of crossover with standard crew duties. These can be quite tricky as a lot of yachts now have “no unattended children” policies, which means it is hard to nip off to do crew duties when the children are awake. When they are napping, it can be a good opportunity to undertake stew jobs. As for freelance nanny roles, there is typically no expectation of doing stew duties. However, I always make my bed properly, keep the children’s areas tidy, sanitize toys every three to four days, and help out wherever I can. If turn-downs haven’t happened before the children’s bedtime (and the kids are sleeping in their

parent’s cabin), I will often help with turndowns as I know I am good at tip-toeing. If the babies/children wake up, I am a familiar face and can settle them back to sleep.

Do you work with different boats and how do they process the different requests you have as a nanny?

I work freelance and so I am always on different boats, from 20-meter day boats to 90-meter-plus superyachts. Ahead of the trip, I liaise with the chief stewardess to ensure we have everything required for the children for the charter’s duration. I like to source toys and activities to do on board as I know from experience what works really well. Chief stewardesses seem to have a funny knack for buying the same “Paw Patrol” and “Peppa Pig” activities each time — it is really strange how often it happens! As for children’s other provisions — toiletries, crockery, high chairs, etc. — the chief stewardess takes care of this, although I am available to chat through options and offer recommendations. Lastly, the guests will normally bring their own baby formula, diapers, and more as the brands they are using are often not available in the yacht’s destination.

What is a day in the life of a superyacht nanny like?

Typically, the first day is madness, especially the first hour the children are on board. They are all over the place, taking everything in, getting to understand what is where and what incredible things are on board. It is a trip they have been really looking forward to, so there is a lot of excitement!

I recommend not showing them everything at once — I am sure there are incredible things the yacht offers that can be held back a bit. This way the excitement lasts longer.

Safety on board is paramount, especially so with children and babies. Set the safety protocols from the start of the trip and highlight just how important they are to the children. If

they are old enough to understand, involve them in the safety briefing.

Morning breakfasts are normally two rounds — first the kids eat when they wake up, then they snack as the adults eat breakfast. This sort of doubles as a mid-morning snack and gives them lots of energy for water sports.

After breakfast has settled, swimsuits are found, and sun cream is applied, it is time for water sports! The morning is often the best time of the day to make use of all the yacht toys as the water is calmer and the sun a little less intense.

If lunch is on board, the family will often dine together with a family style buffet. Afternoons are kept calmer, especially after a big lunch. Younger children might take a nap (thoroughly recommended to recharge their batteries!), while I encourage indoor activities such as Legos, den making, arts and crafts, or games in air-conditioned spaces with older kids.

After some chill-out time, it is often back in the water for the kids, unless the yacht is underway. If there is a pool on board, I often find deck crew having water gun fights with them!

In the evening, children normally dine earlier than adults (and also often before canapés have been served). For housekeeping, I know this set-up can make turn-downs very tricky — parents getting ready while kids eat, then kids bath and bed routine with nanny when cocktails and canapés begin.

To keep the charter exciting for everyone, I recommend leaving activities like treasure hunts and water Olympics challenges to one of the last days. The first days are filled with exploring the yacht and all the water sports it offers, so these charter activities keep the “wow” factor alive among guests!

To find out more about Ella’s Superyacht Nanny services — job referrals, guides, coaching, provisioning and more — email ella@superyachtnanny.co or visit superyachtnanny.co.

A family charter experience should be a safe, enjoyable, and memorable voyage for guests of all ages. Remember, effective communication, proactive planning, and a commitment to safety are the foundations for a successful family charter. ‹

Here are my top insider hacks for helping the deck crew make a family charter a resounding success.

Safety First on the Slide

Slides are a beloved feature of family charters, but they come with risks, especially for little ones. When sliding down with a child, ensure they sit properly on your lap, with their body not touching the slide. This prevents accidents (potentially broken legs) where their legs may get caught under yours. Alternatively, consider sliding down first and being there to greet them in the water.

Lead by Example

Children are keen observers and often emulate the behavior of adults around them. To avoid unexpected water gun attacks or other playful antics, lead by example and demonstrate respectful and considerate behavior on board. Water fight etiquette is also important — no drenching the captain or taking indoor shots.

Respect Parental/Childcarer Guidelines

While you may have different opinions on what children can safely do, it is essential to follow the directives of parents or guardians.

Respecting their wishes fosters trust and ensures consistency in enforcing rules and boundaries. From personal experience as a nanny, I often look to crew to reiterate rules to children — for example, “checking” with a deckhand that children are not allowed on the fore deck when dropping anchor. Why? It is not safe and children can be a distraction that hinders maneuvering.

Protect Deck Surfaces

For meals enjoyed on deck, use a drop cloth under any highchairs being used to ensure the teak is protected from spills and mess. This simple yet effective measure helps safeguard the wood floors while accommodating the needs of young guests who are just starting to explore the exciting world of food.

UNDERSTANDING FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

BY LAUREN BECK

Over the last several years, several foreign trade zones (FTZ) have been established in South Florida.

Currently, there are hundreds of these zones throughout the U.S. and seven FTZ marinas in Fort Lauderdale, with one more zone in progress. There is one FTZ each in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce.

“The entire concept tends to be confusing,” said Michelle Terorotua, director marine, aviation, and compliance at Compass Logistics & Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Terorotua has worked with South Florida marinas to assist them in becoming foreign trade zones. Compass works with the FTZ marina and the yacht to prepare and file the FTZ paperwork to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements.

WHAT IS A MARINE FTZ?

At its very basic definition, CBP explains, “ForeignTrade Zones (FTZ) are secure areas under U.S. Customs and Border Protection supervision that are generally considered outside CBP territory upon activation. Located in or near CBP ports of entry, they are the United States’ versions of what are known internationally as free-trade zones.”

Since the purpose of FTZ is to encourage foreign commerce, these international commerce zones have duty and tax benefits. “Under zone procedures, the usual formal CBP entry procedures and payments of duties are not required on the foreign merchandise unless and until it enters CBP territory for domestic consumption,” CBP states.

The approved facility is considered the zone area, but only the activated slips are FTZ. Work can only be done on board vessels at FTZ facilities with Production Authority; not all FTZs have this. Terorotua said that parts enter the zone duty-free and can then be installed on board following the inventory protocols set up for the FTZ.

While these areas may be outside CBP territory after they’re activated as FTZ, vessels are still subject to U.S. federal regulations and, in some cases, state and local laws.

WHO IS ALLOWED IN AN FTZ?

Any foreign-flagged vessel can use the foreign trade zone.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN FTZ?

The point of the zones is to sell the boat. Foreign-flagged vessels can be shown to U.S. or foreign buyers in U.S. waters without needing a boat show bond. However, a vessel sale cannot be completed while in the FTZ.

“Yacht owners and leading sales brokers are benefiting from this highly advantageous program, which eliminates the upfront payment of import duties on new builds and foreign-registered yachts prior to offering for sale,” said Gili Wojnowich, IGY’s Regional Director of Operations.

The slip must be activated before it can be used as FTZ. “Each slip is ‘activated’ with CBP as it is needed for an FTZ vessel, and then deactivated once the vessel is permanently departed from the FTZ slip,” Terorotua said.

Vessels can request temporary withdrawal from the FTZ territory for sea trials, boat shows, exhibition, or yard work for a maximum of 120 days. “Each request must detail exactly the purpose for the temporary withdrawal, what is being done, where it is being done, the dates and intended time frame for completion,” Terorotua said. The 120 days is usually reserved for any extended periods at shipyards. The vessel must return to the same FTZ. CBP may also call the boat back for inspection.

Once in the zone, there are no minimum or maximum stays, but these FTZ slips are in demand. According to Terorotua, “During our season (arguably mid-September to mid-May), most marinas are full and have waiting lists. Keep in mind that these FTZ marinas are also ‘regular’ marinas. There are no slips held aside just for FTZ.”

She recommends planning as far in advance as possible to anticipate demand, especially as area boat shows approach. According to Pier Sixty-Six, vessels can transfer from one FTZ to another, but they must get approval first.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF AN FTZ?

While there are excellent benefits to using an FTZ, there are also limitations. Entertaining is not allowed. “We call it the No Fun Zone because if the boat is in the Foreign Trade Zone, the owner is not allowed to use it, not for any personal use,” said Megan Lagasse, marine director at Pier Sixty-Six Marina. The yacht owner cannot stay on board; the captain and crew are the only people permitted to remain to take care of maintenance, and they must submit a crew list.

MARINA FTZ IN FLORIDA

Bahia Mar Marina

Bradford Marine/Roscioli

Derecktor Fort Pierce

IGY Yacht Haven Grande at Island Gardens

Pier Sixty-Six

Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center

Safe Harbor Rybovich

Seahaven Superyacht Marina

Universal Marine Center 17th Street Marina (coming soon)

“The vessel cannot leave the dock without CBP’s permission,” Terorotua said. She also emphasized that a logbook must be kept for all persons boarding the vessel while they’re berthed in the FTZ.

Once a boat enters the FTZ, it must surrender its cruising permit, which is subsequently canceled. In addition, the FTZ marina must hold the vessel’s original registry until the boat leaves the FTZ permanently.

While a boat for sale can be shown, the sale cannot be closed in an FTZ.

To ensure the boat is not subject to duty from its time in the U.S., they must submit arrival documentation from their next foreign port of call.

“You must touch foreign soil and send back proof of arrival in the form of an entrance to that country or their equivalent,” Terorotua said.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

Operating an FTZ has costs, both ongoing and annual. Dockage fees will vary depending on the FTZ where your boat is berthed. Pier Sixty-Six charges just a broker’s fee, while another marina charges $1.50 more per foot to be in the zone.

“Associated FTZ processing fees, including the required bond, typically range between $1,500 to $3,000 for a vessel in excess of 100 feet,” said Gili Wojnowich, IGY’s Regional Director of Operations.

The boat is still responsible for the usual marina fees during its stay and paying for the slip during any temporary withdrawals. Terorotua explains that the marina cannot place another vessel in the slip if an FTZ vessel is entered there.

The FTZ also requires a subrogation bond equal to one time the potential duty or a maximum of $500,000. According to Pier SixtySix, “This bond lasts for a full year and covers the vessel at all boat shows. This bond ties a vessel directly to the facility of which it is checked into. The bond cannot be transferred from facility to facility.” ‹

CYBERSECURITY THREATS IN THE YACHTING INDUSTRY

What are the biggest cybersecurity threats to yachts, captains, crew, and owners, and what sort of training can increase their defenses?

By Corey D Ranslem

Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and complexity within the marine industry. Earlier this year, MarineMax disclosed in a company filing that they were the victim of a cyberattack, but they’re not the only victims. Management companies, builders, suppliers, and even yachts have suffered attacks to varying degrees. Unfortunately, most experts believe the maritime industry is about 10 years behind other industries when it comes to putting measures in place to mitigate cyberattacks.

The most common attacks within the yachting industry are ransomware and man in the middle. A ransomware attack occurs when nefarious software is introduced into a computer system, encrypting the files, and taking the system hostage until the hackers receive a demanded ransom payment. A man-in-the-middle attack occurs when an attacker inserts themselves into the communication between two parties, typically via email. They will then use that position to divert money or payments into another account.

Ismael Valenzuela, the vice president of Intelligence and Threat Research at BlackBerry, says they are seeing three major threats globally: ransomware, infostealers (currently targeting healthcare and financial sectors), and critical infrastructure attacks.

“We have essentially seen an increase in volume, speed, and impact when it comes to attacks in the last few years,” Valenzuela said. “Exploits related to heavily utilized legitimate software such as ConnectWise ScreenConnect, GoAnywhere, and multiple genuine Ivanti products have been weaponized by threat actors at an alarming rate to deliver a whole host of malware to unpatched victim machines.”

These types of threats will continue to evolve as both hackers and cybersecurity companies work to integrate artificial intelligence into their operational models.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we live and work,

and this is also true for threat actors. Unique malware is being created and launched at an astonishing rate as generative AI helps speed its development,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela and his team at BlackBerry have uncovered evidence that attackers are now using nearly 5.2 unique pieces of malware per minute to target organizations.

As the threat landscape continues to develop, the types of training available for yacht crew are growing with necessity. Several in-person and online training organizations are offering some form of cyber-related training for large-yacht crew. Currently, there is no mandatory training for crewmembers, but experts strongly advise that crew attend either in-person or online training on cyber threats at least yearly.

A unique cyber training tool is making its way into the large-yacht market — a cyber escape room. Amy Stokes-Waters has developed cyber escape rooms to encourage crew to work together to solve technical cybersecurity problems.

“Our cyber escape rooms provide interactive learning that makes security awareness training engaging. Through the use of hands-on activities, users are able to experience cyber security in an active environment and receive positive reinforcement, which differentiates it from the often-tedious online learning experiences currently in use,” Stokes-Waters said.

Stokes-Waters has been conducting cybersecurity escape room training in other industries, but is now working with a partner to bring this training to the large-yacht industry. This training provides a unique opportunity for crew to work together as a team to solve a potential issue. It takes about an hour and is a great addition to a larger cybersecurity training course. The cybersecurity landscape will continue to warrant additional training for yacht crew as the threats evolve in regularity and difficulty. ‹

Furthering Education for Yacht Chefs

By Chef Danny Davies

Hello again, sailor!

This month, I’ve been delving into the world of culinary education and courses for chefs. I wanted to give you a list of “off the beaten track” courses that are hard to find and hugely rewarding. Learn from the locals who specialize in a particular cuisine, take lessons from a master, or explore the online world to find niche specialities.

Let’s start off with cuisine-based courses. These can be found in every country, and my advice for a yacht chef trying to build an understanding of different cultures is to visit the country

you’re interested in and spend a week or more at a restaurant that specializes in it. So to learn how to make Thai food, go to Thailand and learn from the locals. I’ve been told the Thai Cooking Class by Chef VJ in Phuket covers a variety of classic Thai dishes during the course, which you can take day by day.

You could also learn from another chef who has mastered the skills and now offers courses. For sushi, the Tokyo Sushi Academy offers a short course in sushi making. In Los Angeles, the Sushi Chef Institute offers courses from two days to four months! In Barcelona, Chef Toni Rodriguez runs Wild Slice Academy, a vegan pastry school that offers courses in both English and Spanish. It runs a two-day masterclass and a five-day intensive course. The courses are great for chefs wanting to add vegan pastries to their skill set, and also for the patisserie technique, which can be applied to both vegan and regular pastries.

Food experiences are a great way for a seasoned chef to taste and get involved with everything from farm to table. Chef Peggy Markel runs Peggy Markel, which takes chefs to different countries for fully immersive food experiences. Harpke

Family Farm in Fort Lauderdale is another example of the food experience. I personally have attended a tour and a tasting of their microgreens and edible flowers. After a great few hours learning how the greens are grown and harvested, we tasted the greens and learned the best ways to use them in dishes.

Stages, another training option, are fantastic but difficult for yacht chefs. A stage is when you work at a restaurant for free just to learn from the chefs. Stages have great value in not only learning how each dish is made, but also in being part of the team that serves the dishes in the restaurant. These stage experiences allow you to cook the meal again and again to master the skills. They are hard to do unless you’re on rotation and getting paid.

Last, but not least, is the Internet and social media. There are hundreds of free YouTube channels dedicated solely to culinary skills and improving your repertoire. I’ve been using them for years to help me better understand a recipe or technique. “Jules Cooking Global” is a fantastic YouTube channel where Chef Jules Wiringa teaches you his outstanding techniques and recipes, which are Michelin-star quality. ‹

For more information on courses for chefs, check out my YouTube channel “ Behind the Line with Chef Danny Davies” or Instagram @futurechefproject.

Largest yachts* sold in May and June 2024

Jun-24

AMBROSIA

For many, working on board a yacht is a professional dream come true. However, the realities of life may mean that a shoreside role becomes more and more appealing as you grow into your career.

Thanks to the unique qualifications and knowledge that come from being crew, staying within the yachting industry and becoming a broker is a natural transition for many professionals. But what does this look like in practice and how do you transfer the skills into this new environment?

In collaboration with YATCO, we spoke to Giverny Jade, head of charter at Mortlock Yachts, Igor Abrate, a yacht broker with YachtVilla, and Brendan Roney, managing partner at BR Marine Group. Jade, Abrate, and Roney all moved from life on board to shoreside roles as sales and charter brokers.

Why did you choose to become a broker?

Jade: Throughout my career in international hospitality, I’ve developed a deep understanding and enthusiasm for customer satisfaction. Few things are as rewarding as crafting dream vacations in breathtaking locations, many of which I’ve been lucky enough to explore myself. My husband Tristan and I founded Mortlock Yachts after receiving numerous inquiries and requests for advice on charters, new builds, management, and sales through his YouTube channel, Super Yacht Captain. My firsthand experience enables me to offer personalized and well-informed recommendations to clients, thereby enhancing their satisfaction.

During my 11 years on board as a crewmember, I built a valuable network of industry contacts, yacht owners, other crewmembers, and service providers. The experience I gained in daily operations, crew dynamics, and understanding the

From Sea to Shore: How Ex-Crew Are Making Their Mark as Brokers

By Rachel Rowney

practicalities of yacht crew, particularly in charter settings, is invaluable. This knowledge allows me to anticipate many aspects of planning while effectively bridging the communication gap between client expectations and operational realities.

Abrate: I embarked on a brokerage career to challenge myself, merging my passion for yachts with my sales acumen and cultural adaptability. This unique blend allows me to connect effectively with my clients.

Roney: I slowly moved into yacht sales as a captain to see if it was a good fit for me and my growing family. I knew there would be a time when I could not remain on the high seas for an extended period, so I was excited to explore other options that would keep me in the industry I love. Full-time yacht brokerage was a no-brainer!

I take pride in building longterm relationships, interacting with

Giverny Jade head of charter Mortlock Yachts

clients, and helping them achieve their goals. This position affords me that opportunity every day while remaining in the yachting industry. It took many years to go full-time since yacht sales are commission-based, and while I enjoyed my 25 years as a captain and crew on vessels, now that I have been off boats for a few years, I am surprised I did not depart sooner.

What has been the biggest learning curve as a broker?

Jade: The biggest challenge for me has been launching our own company in an intensely competitive industry with numerous costly barriers to overcome. However, our established connections and ongoing relationships have been invaluable assets throughout this journey. Nurturing these relationships has proven to be a tremendous advantage. Running a business in any field comes with its challenges, but with experience managing teams, living in close quarters as crew, and thriving in the demanding yacht industry has honed our ability to complement each other’s skills effectively.

Abrate: Transitioning from onboard work, where urgency prevails, to brokerage taught me the value of thoughtful decision-making. I now approach goals with a comprehensive understanding of potential outcomes, reflecting deeply before acting.

IGor

Abrate

YACHT

BroKEr

Yacht-villa

Roney: My biggest learning curve has been the realization that all the hard work and energy one puts in does not always lead to a sale. This also means that sometimes there’s no immediate reward. You have to be able to see “the bigger picture” in many instances.

I’ve been on the sales side on many vessels as captain or crew and it always “appeared” to be an easy task. What I found out the more I got into it is that there are so many intricate details behind the scenes to get to the point of an actual sale. This has given me a deeper appreciation and renewed energy to surround myself with the best mentors and professionals to ask questions and learn as much as possible.

While “grinding” it out, I was gaining an incredible amount of knowledge in the sales sector, forging new networks, making sure my clients were looked after, and understanding how to search for the right vessels with on and offmarket opportunities — not to mention all the paperwork that goes along with it!

I had to humble myself. I had to accept that I didn’t have all the answers, keep an open mind, remain teachable, and be open to guidance from my peers and those who had been there before me. Fortunately, I’ve been able to get to the time of my life where I can utilize all that knowledge by finally opening and owning a yacht sales and charter company.

Brendan Roney managing partner BR Marine Group

How did you use your onboard yachting experience or connections to get your current job?

Jade: My time on board charter yachts allowed me to cultivate strong relationships with prominent companies in the industry — although we hadn’t planned to start our own brokerage until seven months after leaving our last yacht. I deeply value the connections I made with individuals I met during my time as crew, many of whom I now collaborate with in my current role. The encouragement and support we received from other yachting professionals fueled our perseverance through the challenges of building and growing our business.

Abrate: Mark Seaton, the broker who mentored me, recognized my commitment to this new venture. My extensive yachting connections played a pivotal role. Leveraging my knowledge of ports, marinas, and onboard crew dynamics, I approach my work with respect and insight to ensure the best outcomes for my clients.

Roney: I messaged some local Palm Beach brokerages many times with no real interaction, so I walked in the door one day. This led to an opportunity for the next meeting and the next, to land me a sales license. I did not use a specific contact to get in the door, it was just like when I started yachting and “walking the docks.” ‹

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS

DARWIN’S PARADISE: THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS IS THE ULTIMATE WILDLIFE YACHTING DESTINATION

By Kevin Maher

Pinnacle Rock in Bartolomé Island

Made famous by Charles Darwin’s 19th century expedition that helped him develop his theory of natural selection, the Galápagos Islands continue to be a marvel of biodiversity. Also known as the Galápagos Archipelago, the islands contain some of the most unique animal life on the planet, with close to 80% of the land birds and 97% of the reptiles and land mammals inhabiting the islands not found anywhere else on Earth. Animals like the giant tortoises, Darwin’s finches, the Galápagos penguin, and the famous Galápagos pink iguana are just some of the species that can only be found on the islands. While hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Ecuadorian islands every year, exploring the Galápagos by superyacht allows for unbound island exploration and intimate experiences with the islands’ wildlife through hiking, snorkeling, diving, and cruising.

Entering the Galápagos

With some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet, the Galápagos Islands’ regulations are strict and working with an agency is mandatory during your time there. Every yacht visiting the Galápagos must obtain permission before arrival in the form of an “Autógrafo,” an entry authorization provided by the Ecuadorian government. Unlike some trips where charter agents can help with paperwork, foreign-yacht charters are not allowed in the Galápagos.

To obtain an Autógrafo, paperwork must be started at least 60 days before the visit, and applications are not always accepted. Passport copies from all crewmembers and guests on board during the visit, a certificate of registry as a pleasure yacht, blackwater or sewage certification, protection and indemnity insurance, and proof of Automatic Identification System (AIS) on board is all necessary to begin an Autógrafo, according to Superyacht Galápagos. Yacht agency Superyacht Galápagos helped create the regulations and processes for

foreign yachts to visit the islands. The Autógrafo states that the yacht will only visit the islands on their planned itinerary and requires yachts to carry a naturalist guide on board while in the Galápagos. Vessels can apply for up to two 15-day itineraries in protected areas. Once approved for an Autógrafo, a vessel can stay in the islands for up to 60 days.

There are four main ports in the Galápagos: Puerto Ayora located on Santa Cruz Island; Puerto Baquerizo Moreno located on San Cristóbal Island; Puerto Villamil located on Isabela Island; and Aeolian Bay in Baltra Island. These four ports work as port of entries for a vessel’s first arrival to the islands, but your choice of port must be communicated and arranged with an agent’s help before arrival. Movement between these four ports is allowed, but departures must be issued by the Port Captaincy of each port first. Aeolian Bay in Baltra Island is the only fueling station and has the only airport on the islands.

A “Fuel Code Authorization” is needed before superyachts can fuel on Baltra. The island’s long fueling

station is owned by Petroecuador, an Ecuadorian state company. Superyacht Galápagos or other agencies can help with fuel code authorizations and implementation into the Petroecuador’s system to allow superyachts to fuel, but these authorizations can take multiple business days. The price of fuel on the islands is updated every month, with a new, fixed fuel price introduced at the beginning of each month until it’s updated the next month. Fuel deliveries can be arranged with Superyacht Galápagos on any day of the month, but an almost exact amount of fuel must be requested, as ordering an excess amount or leaving requested fuel behind for later is not possible. Yachts could choose to arrive in Baltra and refuel there instead of using the delivery system. The fuel dock is 80 meters long and 10 meters deep during high tide. The dock has two pipes, with one 35-meter-long pipe delivering fuel at a rate of 100 to 250 liters per minute and the other 25-meterlong pipe delivering fuel at a rate of 250 to 450 liters per minute. Private fuel barges are also available.

Provisioning in the Galápagos is essential, as Ecuador has strong regulations on what products can enter the islands. Plant or animal byproducts are only permitted if they have been processed to the point they are no longer capable of being infested by pests or transmitting diseases. These products must also be inspected to prevent stowaways from entering the country. Examples of prohibited products in the islands are coffee beans, fresh flowers, oranges, tuna, milk, and steak. All vessels must also have a fumigation and clean hull certification from the last port as well. This regulation is strictly adhered to, to ensure no foreign rats, insects, or other creatures make their way to the Galápagos. Yacht agencies like Superyacht Galápagos can provide vessels with a full list of permitted products while also importing products from mainland Ecuador.

The Galápagos Islands’ rules change on a regular basis and are governed from Ecuador’s mainland. Make sure to check with your agent for updated rules and fees.

Left: Restaurant in Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. Right: Beach on the island of San Cristobal

DESTINATIONS

Exploring the Islands

Comprising 13 major islands, seven smaller islands, and more than 100 islets and rocks, the Galápagos Archipelago contains more to see than is possible in 60 days. From snorkeling in crystal-clear water surrounded by playful sea lions in volcanic calderas to hiking active volcanoes with wildlife at every step, each island of the Galápagos is unique. While there are endless activities on the islands, most on-land activities require a naturalist guide. Renting a motorcycle or a car is prohibited, so on-land travel must be done by taxi, bus, bicycle, or on foot.

San Cristóbal Island

Created by a fusion of now-extinct volcanoes and the first island Darwin landed on during his expedition, San Cristóbal is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos, the first to be permanently inhabited by humans, and is home to the island’s capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. A major reason early settlers chose this island to inhabit first is due to El Junco Lagoon — one of the only sources of freshwater in the Galápagos. Despite its name, it is a volcanic crater lake. El Junco’s

summit offers panoramic views of the circular crater and excellent bird watching for hikers that reached the 700-meter peak. On the island’s eastern side, visitors will find Punta Pitt — a small beach that has barking sea lions and is the sole location where all three varieties of boobies nest together. Nazca, red-footed, and the famous blue-footed booby all inhabit this beach. Visitors hoping to see tortoises can visit the Cerro Colorado Tortoise Reserve in the island’s highlands, where the reserve

operates as a semi-natural breeding center for the giant tortoises of San Cristóbal. Kicker Rock, an iconic site for snorkelers and divers, is located near the island and is one of the best locations in the entirety of the Galápagos for underwater experiences. The rock formation, named after its shoe-like appearance, has a channel running through it, offering calmer waters that are home to eagle rays, sea turtles, hammerhead and Galápagos sharks, and schools of tropical fish.

Kicker Rock, one of the Galapágos' famous volcanic rock formations

Santa Cruz Island

While Santa Cruz may be the most touristy island of all the Galápagos, it still offers visitors unique experiences. Los Gemelos (The Twins) are two large pit craters caused by the collapse of empty magma chambers. Visitors can walk the rims of both craters and visit the Scalesia forest — a unique forest made up of 15 species of trees and shrubs found nowhere else on Earth. Terrestrial birds like Vermilion Flycatchers, Short-eared Owls, the Galápagos Dove, several finch species, and more can be found here. In the highlands of Santa Cruz, visitors can dive into darkness as they hike through underground lava tunnels where lava once flowed. The island also offers three beach opportunities, with none requiring a guide — Tortuga Bay, Playa de los Perros, and Garrapatero.

There are six dive sites located around Santa Cruz, including Guy Fawkes Rocks, Punta Carrión, Gordon Rocks, South Plaza, Caamaño Islet, and Punta Estrada. These sites provide divers with opportunities to see sea lions, various species of sharks and eels, manta and eagle rays, sea turtles, and more. Puerto Ayora, the island’s capital, is what makes some believe is the reason Santa Cruz is the most touristy island. As the most populous island, Puerto Ayora is home to many of the top restaurants and best hotels in the Galápagos.

Bartolomé Island

The largest island in the Galápagos, Isabela is a seahorse-shaped island that is home to five active volcanoes. Isabela’s west coast offers vessels an experience they won’t want to miss — whale watching. More than 15 species of whales, including humpbacks, orcas, and sperm, have been identified in the area. Dolphins, fish, and birds also inhabit the island’s west coast, as the Cromwell Current wells up here, creating a nutrient-rich feeding ground for marine life.

A switch from wildlife to a humanbuilt attraction can be found on Isabela in the form of the Muro de las Lágrimas, or Wall of Tears. The wall is a historical site built between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners in the island’s penal colony. The near 100-meter-long wall caused thousands of deaths during its creation, gaining its name from the locals due to a “dense energy” that surrounds it.

An islet near Isabela, Las Tintoreras gained its name from the white tip sharks that are locally known as tintoreras. Accessing Las Tintoreras is easily done with a smaller boat, but kayak rentals are available as well. The islet contains numerous submerged lava channels where white tip sharks can be seen resting, along with mangrove forests and coral reefs that house blue-footed boobies and the occasional rare Galápagos penguin.

What some consider to be one of the world’s most beautiful islands, Bartolomé is the most visited and most photographed island in the Galápagos. One reason for this is Pinnacle Rock, a jagged volcanic cone that resembles the tip of a knife coming out of the ground. Visitors land across from the bay that contains the formation, and after climbing 114 meters, they reach the island’s summit, which provides picturesque views of Pinnacle Rock. The black lava flows at Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island, and Daphne Major and Minor are also visible from the summit, making for a perfect Galápagos picture.

Pinnacle Rock is not the only attraction on Bartolomé. Snorkeling around the formation could allow you to see a friendly colony of Galápagos penguins alongside sea lions, octopi, spotted eagle rays, and black-tipped sharks.

These four islands are just a taste of the more than 100 islands, islets, and rock formations throughout the archipelago. The Galápagos islands offer a yachting experience that few can say they have witnessed, elevating the islands into a class by themselves. ‹

Isabela Island

El Junco Lagoon

Los Gemelos, Santa Cruz Island

Aug. 1 –

Sept. 30

Dine Out Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Get your taste buds ready to enjoy delicious bites, creative cocktails, and innovative gastronomic experiences through top local Fort Lauderdale restaurants. Enjoy special three-course dinner menus for $35 or $45 throughout the event in celebration of the area’s top cuisine. visitlauderdale.com/dineout

AUG

Aug. 1–4

Sydney International Boat Show

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

The 55th edition of this event takes place at the International Convention Center Sydney and Cockle Bay Marina in Darling Harbour. Organizers hope to use the show as a platform to discuss and drive industry change. sydneyboatshow.com.au

Aug. 4

Kane Brown HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA

At Hard Rock Live at 7 p.m seminolehardrockhollywood.com

Aug. 2–4

Seafair

SEATTLE

This year is the 75th anniversary of Seafair, which runs through the summer in Seattle. Multiple events occur during its run, but mark your calendars for the Boeing Seafair Show, showcasing the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights, and the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races. seafair.org

Aug. 9

Def Leppard HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA

At Hard Rock Live at 7 p.m seminolehardrockhollywood.com

Aug. 9–18

Monterey Car Week MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

Check out this 10-day event for car enthusiasts as classic and vintage cars take to the streets, golf course, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with races, shows, auctions and more, culminating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. seemonterey.com/events

Aug. 9 & 10

Ron Funches, Dania Improv DANIA BEACH, FLORIDA

Have a laugh with stand-up comedian, actor, and writer Ron Funches, who is also well-known for his movie and TV roles. daniaimprov.com/events

Aug. 10 & 11

Monster Jam

SUNRISE, FLORIDA

Monster trucks go head-to-head in racing and freestyle events, then show off their jumps, wheelies, and donuts at Amerant Bank Arena.

monsterjam.com

Aug. 16

The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering

CARMEL, CALIFORNIA

For more than 20 years, this exclusive event has attracted guests from all over the world to view rare collections of fine cars and motorcycles in a garden party setting on the greens of Quail Lodge and Golf Club. peninsula.com/en/signatureevents/events/motorsports

Aug. 18

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA

One of the top car shows in the world, the 73rd edition this year will celebrate an expanded range of cars from pioneering Packards to the supercars of the 1990s. Visitors can also participate in the Gourmet picnic on the 18th fairway. pebblebeachconcours.net

Aug. 22

Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Opening Ceremony

BARCELONA, SPAIN

The action of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup regatta starts with a bang at the opening ceremony in Barcelona, continuing the 172-year tradition that began in 1851.

americascup.com

Aug. 22–25

Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta BARCELONA, SPAIN

The journey to the America’s Cup begins with the Preliminary Regattas, which serve as warm-up races ahead of the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series). This will mark the first time the America’s Cup teams will race their AC75s.

americascup.com/preliminaryregattas

Aug. 28 – Sept. 7

Venice International Film Festival

VENICE, ITALY

The 81st Film Festival returns once again to raise awareness and to promote international cinema in all its forms as art, entertainment, and as an industry.

labiennale.org

Aug. 29 – Oct. 7

Louis Vuitton Cup BARCELONA, SPAIN

The Louis Vuitton Cup determines which team will face the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match. Teams will compete in a double round-robin stage and a semi-final stage, followed by a two-boat Match Race Final, with winners advancing to the Cup final.

americascup.com/events/louisvuitton-cup

Aug. 23–25

Orlando Boat Show

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

More than 80 manufacturers and 500 boats will be on display at Central Florida’s annual show. orlandoboatshow.com

Sept. 3–6

SMM

HAMBURG, GERMANY

The trade, fair, and conference event for the maritime industry predicts about 40,000 attendees and more than 2,000 companies participating in this year’s industry event.

smm-hamburg.com

Sept. 5

NFL Kickoff Game

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC title rematch to start the 2024 NFL season. nfl.com

Sept. 5

Childish Gambino

SUNRISE, FLORIDA

At Amerant Bank Arena at 8 p.m. livenation.com

Sept. 10–15

Cannes Yachting Festival

CANNES, FRANCE

Nearly 700 boats, from five to 50 meters, will be presented ashore and on the water at the Vieux Port and the Port Canto.

cannesyachtingfestival.com

Sept. 11–15

Old Salt Loop Billfish Tournament

MADEIRA BEACH, FLORIDA

The 53rd edition of the billfish tournament pits anglers not only against each other, but against time too.

oldsaltfishing.org

Sept. 12

Luke Bryan WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

At iTHINK Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. livenation.com

Sept. 12–15

Newport International Boat Show

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Sailboats, power boats, and more will be showcased over fifteen acres with six connecting show sites. newportboatshow.com

Sept. 13–22

Southampton International Boat Show

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND

Britain’s biggest boat show features products from hundreds of global marine brands, superyachts, and more. southamptonboatshow.com

Sept. 19–22

Norwalk Boat Show

NORWALK, CONNECTICUT

The Northeast U.S.’s annual inwater show is back and features power boats, boating classes, and more. boatshownorwalk.com

Sept. 21

Weezer

HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA

At Hard Rock Live at 7 p.m. livenation.com

Sept. 21–Oct. 6

Oktoberfest

MUNICH, BAVARIA

The 189th edition of the largest folk festival in the world will be held at Munich’s Theresienwiese. oktoberfest.de

Sept. 25–28

Monaco Yacht Show

PORT HERCULE, MONACO

More than 120 superyachts and 500 exhibitors take center stage as shipbuilders, maritime brokers, captains, and crew enjoy the 33rd anniversary of the show. monacoyachtshow.com

Sept. 28–Oct. 6

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

SAINT TROPEZ, FRANCE

The 25th anniversary of the regatta brings about 250 boats and 3,500 crew to Saint Tropez and the French Riviera for a week of racing and festivities. lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr

Sept. 19–22

Ibiza JoySail

IBIZA, SPAIN

Marina Ibiza on the world-famous White Island will host participants for four days of racing and events on Ibiza and Formentera’s coastline.

ibizajoysail.com

Sept. 19–24

Genoa International Boat Show

GENOA, ITALY

More than 100,000 visitors and exhibitors enjoy the best of Made in Italy brands as the show celebrates its 64th edition. salonenautico.com

PHOTO: IBIZAJOYSAIL.COM

TRITON AND MIAMI SHARKS YACHTIE TAILGATE

Triton hosted our first Yachtie Tailgate and Triton Fan Zone on June 22. More than 50 guests enjoyed the camaraderie and competition while sipping on refreshing cocktails in the exclusive VIP Triton fan zone.

A fun mix of captains, crew, and industry professionals came out to support the Miami Sharks as they fought to defeat rival team Old Glory out of Washington D.C. for their last home game of the season.

Thank you to our partners D’Angelo Marine Exhaust, YATCO, and Global Marine Travel for their support of our first Yachtie Tailgate. We’ll be back cheering on the Sharks next season, so be sure to follow our socials for a chance to win VIP passes and join in on the fun.

ON BOARD M/Y NO BAD IDEAS

The captain and crew of M/Y No Bad Ideas make sure every day of work includes some fun — especially on wacky sock day. Chief Stew Xanthea Barrett and Second Stew Andria Weppenaar submitted pictures of what crew life on board No Bad Ideas looks like.

Captain: Jon Barrett

Rotational Captain: Dustin Grove

First Mate: Peter Hardwick

Chief Stew: Xanthea Barrett

Purser: Boudine Hardwick

Rotational Engineer: Sern Lagerwall

Second Stew: Andria Weppenaar

Lead Deckhand: Jack Severs

Deckhand: Zac Ruffels

Third Stew: Llewmari Nicolay

instagram.com/yachtnobadideas

Crew Lodging & Accom.

Insured to Work in any Marina or Boatyard

Underwater Yacht Maintenance Zincs, Monthly Cleaning, Propeller Removal Recovery of Lost Items, Inspections, Commercial Diving (954) 964-4804 • email: mrsgdiving@gmail.com www.mrsdiving.com

All toilets remain operational during the process Guy Clifford • Tel: +1-954-326-0791 marinevac.com • info@marinevac.com

APPLICABLE WITH GAS/WATER SEPARATOR MUFFLERS

Process: Clean-Exhaust’s dosing pump injects the specifically formulated ecoBrew into the generator/engine raw water cooling system before the spray ring. The ecoBrew emulsifies the diesel particulate matter and soot as it passes through the piping and muffler, much like the agitation action in a washing machine. No back pressure is created in the process.

Result: The exhaust gas is expelled with little or no particulate, facilitating cleaner air, cleaner harbors, cleaner oceans, cleaner hulls and boot stripes with no floating sheen or sludge.

One Captain, One Engineer, One Great Idea!... clean-exhaust

Captain Ted Sputh

Tel: +1 317-445-3873

Email: info@clean-exhaust.com

Rodger Stone

Tel: +1 518-378-6546

Email: res2itrmarine@gmail.com www.clean-exhaust.com

Yacht-Mate Products

Tel: +1 954-527-0112

Email: sales@yachtmate.com

U.S. Pat. #US 20130283768 | Int. Pat. pending #61/638,669

Anita Warwick

Tel: +1 954 763 9787

M/WhatsApp: +1 954 294 2078

Skype: ozanita

Anita@SevenSeasHealth.com SevenSeasHealth.com Crew • Expats Travel & Trip Cancellation

Test your powers of observation! There are five things different in the second photo — can you find them?

Look for answers on Instagram @thetritonnews

UNRIVALED SERVICE & AMENITIES

Calling all captains and crews! Suntex Marinas invites you to our best-in-class marina properties, whether you want to stay a day, a week, or longer.

At Suntex Marinas, you can expect:

y Extensive amenities including gyms to keep you fit, pools to relax by, waterfront restaurants for exquisite dining, vibrant nightlife, and exclusive captain and crew lounges.*

y Added conveniences such as cart runs for provisioning, high-speed fueling, and bunkering to speed operations processes to allow the crew more time to enjoy our amenities.*

y Many of our coastal marinas are just steps from the beach, and are a U.S. Customs Port of Entry.

y Two FTZ marinas located in the Fort Lauderdale area.

With 11 superyacht marinas along the East Coast, each promising world-class service and amenities, your next unforgettable voyage starts with Suntex. Visit us at suntexsuperyachts.com/triton to learn more about how Suntex Marinas can elevate your yachting experience to new heights.

*Amenities vary by marina. Please check with the individual marina to confirm onsite amenities.

SUNTEX SUPERYACHT MARINAS

BAHIA MAR, FLORIDA