My Experience!

Before joining the yachting industry, I had experience in beauty and hospitality, working long hours and struggling to make ends meet on minimum wage. Exhausted and unhappy, I began to realize there had to be more to life. A few friends had mentioned the yachting industry in passing, the tax free benefit, big salaries and adventurous lifestyle, but it took a couple of years for me to seriously consider it. At first, I didn’t know where to start, and financing the necessary courses seemed out of reach. Back then, there were no “buy now, pay later” options available. Thankfully, Lloyds Bank granted me an overdraft that covered the exact amount I needed to complete my training. Eight weeks after finishing my STCW, I was hired for my first yacht job. It was a tough season with plenty of tears, and there were times I considered giving up. But after making it through, I caught the travel bug.

My first owners wanted a therapist on board, but the cost was steep, so I offered my own services. They were thrilled, and I was given the opportunity to purchase the necessary equipment. After the season ended, I returned home, took additional courses, and searched for my next position. Before joining the industry, I hadn’t realized spas and beauty therapists even existed on yachts. With one season behind me, I saved enough to privately redo my beauty training. My second job on a 100-meter yacht was as a spa therapist and service stewardess, a new role that brought both challenges and rewards.

Starting on board, I often felt isolated and was mostly tasked with cleaning, which wasn’t what I expected. Little did I know, I was learning valuable skills. As I gained the crew’s trust, they trained me in service skills: silver service, cocktails, wine, inventory, and housekeeping. My first charter was intense—I remember one stretch working nearly 20 hours with just a few hours of sleep. Despite the exhaustion, I didn’t want to miss a moment. The guests were incredible, and some became lifelong friends. At the end of it, I received my first big tip: €8,000. It was life-changing and confirmed my commitment to the industry.

After a year, I felt ready for a new role, so I took a break and traveled alone, which helped me reflect and heal. I began to practice yoga and focus on fitness, realizing how essential mental well-being is. My next position was on a beautiful American yacht with wonderful owners and a crew that felt like family. I thrived, working almost ten months straight, yet it felt like a constant adventure. I spent two incredible years on that yacht, which is a long time in yachting terms, and eventually, I wanted a new challenge.

I soon secured a Spa Manager role on another yacht, and fate aligned—the yacht was conveniently located near my current vessel, allowing me to make a smooth transition. I spent two unforgettable weeks in Saint Martin, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s alone in the Caribbean before joining the new vessel. The new job was a “2-2 gig,” a yachting dream where you work two months on, followed by two months off, all fully paid. This meant I was now being paid for 12 months of work but only working six months each year. The salary, tips, and time off continued to increase.

Since then, I’ve worked as a Spa Manager on yachts ranging from 100 to 160 meters. The people I’ve met, the families I’ve served, and the experiences I’ve had are unforgettable. This career has given me financial independence, allowing me to buy my first home, my dream car, and benefit from over £30,000 in training funded by the boats I’ve worked on. Now, I’m passionate about sharing the good, the bad, and the honest truths of yachting, hoping to help others who want to explore this incredible industry.