Publisher's Synopsis
Estimates were that for 2,500 Luxury Yachts, we need 25,000 professional crew to maintain them, this was data I had uncovered back in 2009. By August of 2016, reports showed that we had over 10,000* yachts of 100ft or larger, with over 150 launching each year. With the industry spread-out across the globe, and such relatively low numbers of yachts, you can understand why it's such a niche. Now these numbers are growing rapidly which means a couple of things, the once almost unknown world of yachting is now more public, and there is now more competition for work. On entering this little lifestyle/career, you will experience a range of bittersweet emotions. This industry is like living in a bubble, riding the coat-tails of the world's 1%ers, travelling to exotic destinations, all the while being paid for the experience. The dark side of this experience, is the months or years away from friends, family, long hours and sometimes weeks without a day off. Most crew last an average of 2-3 years in the industry before moving back to their old life of land-based living. It's not a job for everyone, but even if you don't make it all the way to the top of the food chain, who's to say it wasn't an awesome ride along the way? (Even if you did get the odd bout of sea sickness). If I tried to sugar coat this industry, I would be doing you an injustice. Think of this book as a survival or how to guide for Yachting. With this knowledge you will have the power to ask the right questions and make the right decisions. One thing I can tell you for sure, your experiences from working on the water will forever change your life and if you do end up reading all of this book.... i'm going to be super excited to hear from you about your journey. If I can give any information back to people willing to start in our industry, ... it's going to be Welcome! You are in for one helluva ride!
