Yachting offers a unique blend of adventure, luxury, and opportunity, making it appealing for both gap year travellers and those considering a long-term career on the water. What starts as a temporary escape can evolve into a full-time profession for those captivated by the lifestyle and opportunities it offers. Here’s a closer look at both perspectives and tips to help you decide whether yachting is right for you.
The gap year appeal
Yachting as a gap year experience promises exotic destinations, glamorous lifestyles, and unforgettable adventures. Young adults fresh out of high school or university can work aboard luxury yachts as deckhands, stewardesses, or chefs, gaining valuable skills while exploring diverse cultures. The transient nature of yachting allows for flexibility, making it ideal for short-term employment and funding future endeavors. Financial rewards, including tips and competitive salaries, add to its allure.
Transitioning to a career
For some, what begins as a gap year adventure becomes a lifelong pursuit. Yachting offers upward mobility, with opportunities to advance from entry-level positions to senior roles like first mate or captain. Continuous training and certification programs enhance career development, while the global nature of the industry provides employment opportunities worldwide. Travel, adventure, and cultural immersion are integral parts of the job, attracting individuals seeking a dynamic career on the water.
Despite its appeal, yachting presents challenges. Long hours, irregular schedules, and extended periods away from home test one’s resilience. Living and working in close quarters with colleagues and guests requires strong interpersonal skills. The transient nature of the industry can hinder stability and disrupt personal relationships, and job security is not guaranteed, leading to periods of unemployment between contracts.
Tips for deciding between a gap year and a career
- Assess your goals: Determine if you seek short-term adventure or long-term career growth. If you crave a break before further education or another career, yachting as a gap year is ideal. If you desire a dynamic career with advancement opportunities, consider it long-term.
- Evaluate your commitment: Yachting as a career requires dedication to continuous training, certification, and the lifestyle. If you’re ready for a demanding yet rewarding path, it might be your calling.
- Consider the lifestyle: Reflect on whether you enjoy travel, can handle long periods away from home, and thrive in close quarters. Yachting life is exciting but also requires adaptability and resilience.
- Financial goals: For gap year travellers, yachting can provide substantial savings for future endeavours. For career seekers, it offers a stable income with growth potential.
- Try it out: Start with a short-term contract to experience yachting first-hand. This trial period can help you decide if you want to pursue it further.
- Seek advice: Talk to current or former yacht crew members about their experiences. Their insights can provide a realistic view of both the challenges and rewards.
Yachting offers a pathway for individuals to explore the world, develop skills, and forge connections, whether as a gap year adventure or a lifelong pursuit. Ultimately, the decision to pursue yachting as a gap year option or a full-time career depends on individual goals, aspirations, and willingness to embrace the rewards and challenges of life at sea. Whether viewed as a temporary escape or a lifelong passion, yachting provides unique opportunities, fuelled by a love for the ocean and a spirit of adventure.
Virtual Pursers co-founders, Bec McKeever and Dominique Smit provide yacht administrative assistance to all vessels, no matter the size of the yacht or the extent of the need.
