Superyacht seasons refer to the periods of the year when superyachts are most commonly available for charter in a particular cruising destination. These seasons are often based on weather patterns, tourism trends, and other factors that affect demand for luxury yacht charters.
For example, in the Mediterranean, the superyacht season typically runs from May to September, with peak season being from July to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and many people are on vacation. During this time, popular destinations such as the French Riviera, the Italian coast, and Greek islands are bustling with activity as tourists and superyachts alike flock to the region.
In the USA (Fort Lauderdale and Miami) and the Caribbean, the superyacht season runs from November to March, coinciding with the dry season and avoiding the hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. Popular destinations during this season include the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and the Virgin Islands. So, what does this mean for superyacht crew looking for work?
When should superyacht crew complete their courses?
Superyacht crew should ideally complete their courses well in advance of the superyacht season they are planning to work in. This ensures that they are fully prepared and qualified to meet the demands of the job.
There are several courses that superyacht crew can take to enhance their skills and knowledge, such as the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) courses which are mandatory for all crew members. These courses cover important topics such as firefighting, first aid, personal safety, and survival techniques. Other courses that are beneficial for superyacht crew include SYSA Deckhand Course, RYA Powerboat Level II (PB2), RYA Tender Operator, and RYA Radar, amongst others. If you need assistance with determining the courses you should complete, please contact our team for guidance – georgina@sysa.info.
When it comes to completing these courses, it’s recommended to do so as close to the time of departure as possible. This is because many of the courses are practical-based, and having the information fresh in your mind can be helpful.
When should superyacht crew arrive at their destination?
Superyacht crew should aim to arrive at their destination well in advance of the superyacht season to increase their chances of finding work. Ideally, crew members should plan to arrive at least two months before the start of the season. Arriving early provides ample time to look for work, network with other crew members, and complete necessary courses and paperwork. It’s important to note that finding work on a superyacht can be competitive, and arriving early can help give crew members a competitive advantage. While it’s recommended to complete courses and arrive at the country where the superyacht is based well in advance of the season, it’s still possible to find work if you arrive later in the season. However, it may be more challenging to do so.
When crew members arrive early, they have time to explore the area and make connections with other yacht crews, local businesses, and yacht brokers. Building a strong network is an important aspect of finding work on a superyacht, as many positions are filled through word of mouth and personal connections. Additionally, the other students in your course can also be a valuable resource for finding work. If you make a good impression, they may be able to provide leads for work, day work, or interviews.
Preparing for the Mediterranean season
- Complete courses by March
We recommend that the crew complete all their courses between the beginning of January and the end of March. - Arrive at your destination by April
Crew should ideally leave for their destination from the middle of March to the end of April. - The Mediterranean season starts in May
The Mediterranean superyacht season typically runs from May to September.
Preparing for the USA/Caribbean season
- Complete courses by September
We recommend crew start their courses by July through until the end of October. - Arrive at your destination by October
Crew should ideally leave for their destination from the beginning of October to the end of November. - The USA/Caribbean season starts in November
The USA/ Caribbean superyacht season typically runs from November to March.
The super yachting industry can be highly competitive when it comes to finding a job on board a yacht. In conclusion, those looking to work on a superyacht should plan to arrive at the country of the yacht’s base at least two months before the season begins, complete necessary courses as close to the time of departure as possible, and network with other students in their courses. By doing so, they can increase their chances of finding work and enjoy a successful career in the super yachting industry. If you are struggling to find a job, we recommend reading our Step-by-step process of finding a job as a yachtie.
