How to improve life onboard for the crew…
Behind every polished deck and seamless itinerary are crew who work, laugh, and sometimes cry together. They are the ones who transform a yacht from a machine into an exclusive members-only world. Captains know this better than anyone.
Empathy at the Helm
When asked what he’d change with a magic wand,Brendan O’Shannassysays he’d addmore empathy for crew. “They’re not machines. We take young, sometimes vulnerable people far from home without replacing their support networks. With a magic wand, I’d give crew stronger psychological safety and real career paths.”
Captain Kelly Gordonshares a moment that says it all: “One of my stews came back from seeing her family and was sad. We ended up crying together over coffee. That’s leadership too.”
78% of Captains believe empathy and patience are the most important traits for leaders at sea.
Retention is Everything
Captain Joe Gallegosbuilds retention around what crew actually value—real incentives like extra leave, bonuses, or flexible cover. “I’ve brought in cover so a great crew member can go home for three months for family reasons and return. It’s not worth losing good people over solvable issues.”
Captain Paul Duncanfocuses on respect: “You maintain an ecosystem of healthy respect for each other. That comes from the top down.”
OnGO,Captain Corey Adcockuses a3:1 scheduled leave system. “We don’t call it rotation because people online get picky, but it gives structured time off. Crew can book holidays, courses, and see their families.”
Training That Works
Having individual development plans helps crew understand how they can grow.Captain Craig Thurlbournbuilds realistic timetables: “If crew express interest in an area, they’re supported. Set a clear path and goals—and everyone can work their way up.”
Rafael Cervantes, who manages 65 crew, says every day is “a puzzle to solve,” balancing last-minute changes with moving dozens of people across borders.
Several captains agree: new crew now join with more knowledge, more certificates, and better preparation. AsCaptain Paul Duncanputs it: “They’re savvy enough to be in online forums. They come in better prepared than they used to.”
Seven out of ten Captains tell new crew the same thing: never give up.
The Mentor’s Role
Mentorship runs deep.Captain Martin Shairpconstantly promotes junior crew into leadership roles: “Giving them responsibility and respect helps them grow.”
Corey Adcockbelieves in “controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows.”
Captain Herb Magneyrecalls telling a young deckhand:“You’ve got all this potential. You may not see it, but I do.”
One in three captains credits a mentor or chief engineer as the most important influence in their career.
Empathy, however, doesn’t mean lowering standards.Captain Chris Walshsees leadership as being clear and fair.Kelly Gordonagrees—balancing kindness with accountability is vital.
Generational shifts bring new challenges. AsRafael Cervantesnotes, “Today’s crew value their personal lives more. That can be positive, but it changes the rhythm.” Captains are adapting.
“Work Hard, Learn Fast”
ForCaptain Corey Adcock, mentoring means structured progression: “Controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows.”
Below deck, motivational mottos multiply. One captain has“Endure and Overcome”painted above the mess. Another shares this favourite reminder:“Fail = First Attempt at Learning.”
Captain Kelly Gordonkeeps it simple: “It costs nothing to be happy,” she tells her crew, especially when days get long.
Not all wisdom is serious—the little things matter. Keeping spirits high is just as important as ticking checklists.
Captain Craig Thurlbournswears by good food as part of morale.Captain Chris Walshreminds his team: “The job is too big to sweat the small stuff.”
Saying Yes to Opportunities
Sometimes the simplest advice is the most powerful.Captain Kelly Gordonreminds her stews:
“Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable.”
AndCaptain Ferdi Haymancaptures the spirit of yachting perfectly: it’s “a 20-armed octopus—chaotic, but endlessly fascinating.”