Introduction to the Superyacht Industry

If you are someone that loves travel and being in and around the ocean, working on a superyacht could well be for you! Superyachts travel to the prime locations during the best times of the year and get to explore incredible regions that would normally be inaccessible and off the beaten track. 

And the best part is, Australian crew are in high demand! With the majority of Australians having grown up on and around the water, Australian crew are highly sought after for their ocean-loving backgrounds and knowledge.  

The superyacht industry is currently booming with so many yachts currently being built, and with a 3-5 year wait for a custom superyacht, there is a large superyacht crew shortage.  The industry will need an additional 22,000 crew to work on these before 2030.  This is in addition to the usual turnover on yachts currently cruising all over the world.  

If you are undecided about your future, a gap year working on a superyacht is a great way to be paid to travel the world.  Working as a crew member provides plenty of potential to work your way up the ranks and to build a career in the yachting industry, all whilst travelling the world and saving money.

What is a Superyacht

A superyacht is a luxury yacht that is over 24 meters (80 feet) in length.  Superyachts are designed to carry up to 12 overnight guests and, depending on their size, can have anywhere from 4 to 90 crew members!

There are two main types of superyachts: private and charter yachts.

Private Yachts are only used by their owner and their family/friends.  They tend to offer higher salaries and can have extended periods without guests onboard. Owners’ trips tend to last longer than an average charter, however.

Charter Yachts generally have a busy schedule, with charter brokers selling charters typically for a seven night charter.  Back-to-back charters are not uncommon during peak season, and crew receive generous tips at the conclusion of each charter. 

Superyachts are well known for their expensive toys, including scuba equipment, blow-up slides, jet skis, Fliteboards, jet packs, Seabobs, seaplanes, helicopters and even submarines!

Superyacht Seasons and Locations

 INTERNATIONAL SUPERYACHT SEASONS

Summer in the Mediterranean: May-September

The Med season traditionally starts with the Cannes film festival and Monaco Grand Prix in May and finishes with the sounding of horns at the completion of the Monaco Yacht Show on the last Saturday in September. Popular Mediterranean spots include Antibes, Monaco, Mallorca, the Amalfi coast and more!  The region offers a diverse range of destinations and experiences, from the glamour of the French Riviera and the chic island of Ibiza to the ancient history and culture of the Greek Islands and Turkey.

Winters in the Caribbean: November-April

Popular Caribbean spots include St Maarten, Antigua, Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.  The Caribbean offers a tropical climate, crystal-clear waters, and a wide range of islands and cays to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. The Caribbean season typically ends with a yard period in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before yachts cross back over to the Mediterranean.

 AUSTRALIAN SUPERYACHT SEASONS

Summer in the South: October-March

Superyachts are particularly busy with corporate day charters in summer on Sydney Harbour. Key highlights on the calendar include Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day. Charters normally include Pittwater, Port Stephens, or further afield in Melbourne for the Australian Open or Melbourne GP.

Winter in the North: June-October

Generally based out of Airlie Beach or Cairns, superyachts explore the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the diverse 74 Whitsunday Islands. 

The Kimberley Coast in WA is also a popular cruising ground from May-September. 

Australia offers plenty of other highlights for yachts, including year-round cruising between the Gold Coast and Fraser Island, Tasmania and more!