I work on a superyacht AMA

[belowdeckyoubet]

I was thinking about describing my job in an abstract way, it's very hard to do. So, I work on a big white boat, like you see on the tv. AMA

[belowdeckyoubet]

@Tehmina23 yes, I have come across that in some form, mainly in the form of ex kgb bodyguards...

[Ikora]

I know someone whose relative worked on yachts like this for years. There was a lot of drug taking and partying amongst the crew. Is that the norm? Plus she never got married and blamed her job as the reason think that’s valid?

[belowdeckyoubet]

@Ikora hmm, yes and no. Recreational drinking and drug taking is, of course, always present - the yachtie norm is work hard/play hard. BUT the industry is far more regulated these days and spot drug tests are the norm now. So, it's not as prevalent anymore.

On the relationship front - I'd say it's the same in any industry. No one forced your friend to stay and sacrifice a family life, so maybe it's just that she didn't meet the right person along the way. But - now that I'm
Thinking about it - being single is more the norm than being attached. But women have an age shelf life so going beyond 40/45 is about the max career you could expect.

[Wherearemymarbles]

I have a good client with a 62m sailing yacht and the running costs are truly eye watering. No way a mere celeb could afford it!

And its not as if he spends more than 3 months a year on it!

How long has the owner had the yacht and if you can answer how did he make his money?

[belowdeckyoubet]

@Wherearemymarbles I think it’s quite usual for boat owners to start small and go bigger. They’ve been boat owners for about 15 years, but this particular one 3 years. My boss made his money with a very lucrative military (American) contract with medical supplies...

Yes, I’d say it costs roughly $3M a year to run

[MrsRLH75]

Hey! I know this post is a bit old but I’m hoping it’ll get seen by the OP! My 16 year old son is keen to get into yachting after his A’levels, probably as a deckhand, and I’d love to know how he would go about getting into the industry. Thanks!

[Laggartha]

We have holidayed in Croatia, beautiful, inexpensive places. Once we were dining in a harbour-side restaurant as an Italian yacht docked. When the main man came ashore, he was greeted by a few locals who seemed to be paying him homage, kissing his fingers etc. I found it quite scary.

[Spiderplants]

I was invited on to Lady Lara when she was in Ibiza, I didn’t accept but bitterly regret that. Do you have authority to invite randoms on? And why might I have been invited?

[belowdeckyoubet]

@Spiderplants no, it's one of those golden rules that crew are not allowed to invite people onboard, unless the captain gives it the green light. I wonder, in your case, were there guests on who wanted a party after being out for the night? Not to be crude, but sometimes the guests ask the deck guys to go and bring back people to party with. The intentions are not usually so pure...

[belowdeckyoubet]

@MrsRLH75 btw, I did send you a pm a few days ago

[ChristmasPlannier]

Following

[3boyshere]

Watching

[KaycePollard]

Is it a proper yacht, ie with sails, or just a big motorboat?

That was my first question! A proper boat, or just a big floating monstrosity?

[Cheermonger]

This is a great thread 🤩

[fiveminutebreak]

I was in the Bahamas in August and our hotel overlooked the marina with all the super yachts lined up! I found it fascinating to see so much luxury in one place. Can I ask the name of your yacht? Really wanted a tour of them but I guess that's not the done thing! Also what's your favourite place to moor? And do you get much time off? How many crew work on the boat with you?