Overview of the Yachting Industry
Whatever your skillset, whether you’re creative, a people person, good with your hands, organised, love pulling an engine apart or passionate about the outdoors, there is a job for you in yachting. From naval architect to yacht broker: interior designer to engineer, the yachting industry offers opportunity in abundance.
You’ve just got to know what to look for and where to look.
Here’s a flavour of the diversity of jobs the yachting world offers, onboard and shore side:
Shipyard – where yachts are built, repaired and re-fitted. The shipyard team will work alongside the superyacht design team to finalise every detail of a yacht.
Engineers – responsible for making sure all onboard systems and machinery run smoothly and safely. From maintaining and monitoring engines, filters, power consumption, batteries, fuel tanks and generators to any onboard machinery EG: Chef’s fridge, a guest’s electric blinds or the salon’s AV system.
Naval Architects – design the structural integrity of a yacht, to meet the requirements of the owners or operators, including mechanics, hydrodynamics, steady/unsteady body motion, load, water displacement and strength of materials.
Exterior Designer – as the name suggests, design all external facets of a yacht – from sketch and 3D modelling to concept: including hull shape, deck space, unique onboard features (like a pool or winter garden) materials and latest technology.
Sales Broker – is employed as a consultant on behalf of a yacht buyer/seller to list, find, purchase, and sell yachts for them. The broker has a duty to both buyer and seller but is paid a commission on the sale of every yacht he/she brokers.
Marinas – a specially designed harbour with secure moorings and pontoons for pleasure yachts to moor (park!), often offering supply, repair and other facilities.
Charter Brokers – manages and charters (rents) yachts on behalf of the yacht owner, with access to licensed yachts worldwide, a Charter Broker will also work on behalf of clients to find yachts, plan trips and find the highest quality boats and deals.
Family Offices – private wealth management advisory firms who work on behalf of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (HNWI). An outsourced solution for an affluent individual or family to hand over the management of their finances and investments.
Lawyers – assist with a broad range of legal matters such as finance, owning, managing, building, selling, buying, dispute resolution or insuring yachts up to or above 100m, whether they’re operated commercially, including charter or private.
Class Society – just like dinghies there are different classes of superyachts, J Class for example, is a rule specification where every yacht within that class is built to a particular design, size and spec.
Yacht Agents – offer shore side services, ensuring clients comply when they arrive in port and pay any VAT, customs and immigration fees due. Up to speed with their country’s rules and legislations, they might also help with port clearances, berth bookings, itinerary planning, organising shore side excursions, cruising recommendations and yacht supplies.
Captain & Crew – every superyacht has its own hierarchy (diagram?) of staff, but generally onboard crew work as a team, reporting to the captain, responsible for the day-to-day operational side of the yacht. Living, working, and eating onboard as it travels from port to port. Each crew member has a defined role, but with an excellent level of service expected. Whether it’s polishing the silver or maintaining tenders.
Yacht Manager – supports vessel, owner and crew with financial and safety administration, crew management and operational support. Often making decisions regarding the overall functioning of the yacht. Supporting captain and crew when they’re onboard and taking the lead when the yacht is in the yard (EG: for a refit).
Interior Designer – designs the interior of the yacht, in line with owner or operators’ requirements, including layout, materials, finishes and features.
Suppliers – the provisioning of products and services for vessels to run and be continually maintained. Could be anything from crew uniforms to food supplies, flowers for table decorations, cutlery, crockery, paint, fuel, fresh water, AV equipment, linen, tableware, furniture, art, lighting, soft furnishings, tenders, jet skis, salon equipment, helipads etc.