Interview with Esmee Yntema

Esmee, with almost 50K followers on Instagram, you are quite the internet sensation! Was this part of your plan when transitioning from a liveaboard yachting career to a land-based lifestyle?

Not at all. When I started posting videos, it was simply a creative outlet while I was still working on board. I wanted to show the real, unfiltered side of yacht crew life — the beautiful moments and the challenging ones. One video went viral, then another, and suddenly my community grew into the tens of thousands. People connected deeply with the honesty and the behind-the-scenes perspective.

That social media growth changed everything. It gave me visibility, opened doors, and highlighted how much guidance was missing in the industry. This is ultimately what inspired me to create Esmee Academy, now available for both Spanish and English-speaking aspiring crew around the world. In a way, social media didn’t just allow me to transition to land — it gave me a new purpose.

You speak fluent English, Dutch, Spanish, and some German. What made you decide to create content in Spanish?

When my videos started gaining traction, I noticed a huge gap: Spanish-speaking crew had very little high-quality information about entering the industry. Yachting is very English-dominated, and that can be intimidating. I wanted to bridge that gap and give more people access to clear, realistic education.

As my audience grew internationally, I expanded into English-speaking content as well. Today, Esmee Academy supports both Spanish and English-speaking students with equal depth and personalisation.

What were your worst moments while working on yachts? Have you encountered any issues in the yachting work environment that require more awareness?

Yes. The toughest moments weren’t just the long hours — that’s expected — but the lack of boundaries, the burnout culture, and the situations where the crew felt they had no voice. I’ve seen people mentally and physically exhausted, afraid to speak up because they didn’t want to be replaced or blacklisted.

There are still parts of the industry where unfair treatment, miscommunication, or unrealistic expectations go unaddressed. These issues need awareness, not to criticise the industry, but to make it more sustainable and supportive for future crew.

You made headlines in Spanish newspapers talking about working conditions. Did the press portray it the way you intended?

They captured the general message, but as always, headlines were more dramatic than my actual words. My intention was never to attack the industry — it was simply to highlight the reality so people could enter with the right expectations and a sense of safety. The core meaning remained: advocating for crew well-being and transparency.

Have you experienced backlash from your criticism?

Surprisingly, no — not at all. I actually expected criticism when I started talking openly about the reality of working on yachts, but instead I received overwhelming appreciation. Most messages were from people thanking me for my honesty and transparency. They loved that I wasn’t painting the industry as something perfect or glamorous. I was simply showing the reality.

In a world where aspiring crew have so many doubts and fears, speaking the truth was exactly what people needed. They felt drawn to the fact that I didn’t sugarcoat anything. And that reaction made me realise how important it is to have real conversations about the industry.

This support also motivated me to create Esmee Academy, where that same transparency continues — guiding, informing, and emotionally supporting future crew with the honesty they deserve.

You’re offering online training for aspiring crew. Do you warn them about the gruelling hours? What does the program entail?

Absolutely. I’m very transparent.

Esmee Academy is not just a course — it’s a personal mentorship journey. I work 1:1 with every student so I can understand their personality, background, strengths, and goals. This allows me to help place them on yachts that truly fit who they are, rather than pushing them into any environment.

The program includes:

• A complete Starter Guide covering everything you need before joining the industry
• CV polishing and interview preparation
• Clear explanations of industry standards, roles, and expectations
• Honest insights into hours, pressure, and maintaining boundaries
• How to spot red flags and know when to step away
• Ongoing WhatsApp support from enrolment to well after your first job
• A mentor who understands the industry and helps you feel confident and supported

My goal is to make sure students are not only professionally prepared, but also emotionally supported throughout the entire journey.

What were your favourite things about working on yachts?

The travel, the ocean, the sunsets — and the friendships. Crew quickly becomes like family because you go through everything together. You learn to work under pressure, solve problems fast, and maintain incredibly high standards. Those are skills and memories that stay with you forever.

Are these the reasons why many people find it hard to make the transition? Are you one of them?

Many people struggle, but for me personally, the difficulty came from something different. What ultimately made me leave was no longer having a sense of purpose. The long hours and constant travelling meant no routine at all: no sports, unstable friendships outside the boat, and very little time with family — especially during moments when I needed them the most.

After years of that lifestyle, I felt like I had lost my identity. I knew I needed a change. But leaving is difficult because the money is great, and that financial security keeps many people on board longer than they intend. Still, if you lose yourself in the process, it’s simply not worth it.

I’m proud I made the transition. That journey eventually evolved into Esmee Academy, which gave me the purpose I was missing — helping others navigate the industry with clarity, safety, and genuine support.

Do you have advice for crew who are looking to leave yachting for a land-based life?

Yes:

• Plan your transition early, even if you’re not ready yet.
• Save intentionally — having a financial cushion gives you freedom.
• Recognise your transferable skills; yacht crew have far more than they realise.
• Stay connected to ex-crew networks — opportunities often come through people who understand the lifestyle.
• Be patient with yourself. Leaving yachting is an emotional shift. It’s normal to feel lost before you find your next chapter.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m incredibly grateful for the community around my content and now around Esmee Academy. My mission is to make the industry more accessible, honest, and supportive — in both English and Spanish.

If my journey can inspire even one person to take a step forward — whether into yachting or out of it — then everything I’ve been through makes sense.💙

https://www.instagram.com/esmeeyntema/