70% of Family Offices Say Privacy Matters Most80 CAPTAINS REVEAL their honest opinions and predictions for the future
Bio-Luxury at Sea: from Facial Search to Deep-Fakes Longevity Treatments to add onboard
The Future of Yachting
Private Lives, Public Eyes:
UHNW Privacy in the Age of AI
Leading Advice: Elevating Life Onboard
Remembering Paige Bell: Tribute
ACREW Crew Awards 2025
Captain’s Toolkit
Subs, Treasure, and Legacy
— Captain Michael Christian
Antares: Life Beyond the Circuit
— Captain John van der Straaten
The Client Who Wouldn’t Leave
— Captain Herb Magney
Dogs Onboard and the Rise of Pet Travel
From Helm to Haven: A Pause in Amalfi
A Captain in the Age of Change
Food, Morale, and Crew Culture
The Captain’s Role in 50 Years
— According to ChatGPT
Changing of the Guard
Junior Crew Report - 2025 by Quay Crew
Stories of the Sea
Longevity Onboard: The New Routine
Each year The Journal will explore a single theme shaping UHNW life and the industries around it. We begin with the people at the helm. Built on the generosity of captains who shared candid stories, practical advice, and more than 50 survey responses, this edition captures the reality of life at sea: the weight of responsibility when weather shifts, the humour that keeps crews united, and the technology reshaping navigation and communication.
A new generation of owners is redefining luxury, less glitter, more adventure and wellness. Crews are asking for balance, rotation, and respect, signalling a generational change in how yachts are run. Yet one constant holds: the captain’s duty to guide, protect, and create the space for remarkable journeys.
The Journal: Captains’ Edition – First in a New Annual Series
HELLO
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE...
Connected, sustainable, human: the future of yachting.
Every new build is a promise about tomorrow.
Ask the captains who run these vessels what the future holds and their answers are both pragmatic and poetic. They talk about yachts that are more connected, more sustainable, and more human.
They imagine a world where champagne decks coexist with quiet AI systems and crew who stay for more than a season.
If one word could unite every captain it is Starlink. Captain Chris Walsh, who has spent more than three decades with the same owners,
describes its impact: “We run 167 devices onboard at once. And it works.”
Captain Michael Christian, who remembers the days of manually aiming satellite domes, admits: “If Starlink is down, we’re in crisis mode!” This tongue in cheek comment points to the fact that if connectivity is lost, it becomes number one priority pretty quick onboard for all!
For Captain John van der Straaten, who sails Antares into remote corners, the Starlink system has changed navigation itself.
captains say Starlink is the single biggest change to yachting in the last five years.
He uses satellite imagery to thread routes through reefs in Indonesia. “That would have been impossible before,” he says.
Walsh has noticed a catch. “Phones have made people less social,” he says, even in the Bahamas you see sunsets ignored for screens. The next challenge is balance: connection everywhere without losing the magic of being at sea.
Automation and AI
Captains are realistic about how quickly technology moves. Nobody is predicting robotic deckhands but they see AI and technology quietly reshaping the job.
Some examples include:
Captain Corey Adcock records Loom videos for training. “If they forget, they can rewatch. It saves time and means knowledge doesn’t disappear.” He also believes maintenance, procurement, and compliance will soon be tracked automatically.
Captain Liam Devlin looks at AI for provisioning. “The tools are there to predict what we’ll need before we do.”
Captain Will Kaye welcomes tech that cuts wasted effort. He praises paperless bridges: “Click, click, click, and the charts are up to date. That’s a day saved.”
Sustainability as Status
Sustainability is no longer a footnote, it is the defining challenge of the industry. On the one hand superyachts burn through thousands of litres of diesel and on the other they have the resources to develop new sustainable technologies.
Captain Martin Shairp is blunt. “Burning a thousand litres of diesel a day just for generators
feels wrong. I’d ban diesel in European waters tomorrow.”
Captain Will Kaye compares yachting’s reputation to private jets. “You can make a yacht 20 percent more efficient, but the footprint still looks big.”
Captain Craig Thurlbourn says owners are beginning to compete on green credentials. “Fuel cells and hybrid systems will be badges of honour.”
Captain Kelly Gordon has gone practical, fitting Spot Zero systems to cut bottled water.
Captain Walsh has been running biodiesel for years and has banned single-use plastics.
The need for regulations in terms of sustainability onboard is generally welcomed, but rules and compliance varied wildly from place to place. The real change comes when the owner and the Captain together have an appetite for improving these areas onboard. Those examples are leading the way.
Crew wellbeing
Technology may transform how yachts run but every captain agrees the future will be shaped by people. “The greatest challenge is always the crew,” says Captain Neil.
Martin Shairp worries about who will run the yachts currently under construction. “Shipyards ask, who will operate these in five years? We don’t have the answer.” New builds are increasing in size and not many old yachts are being decommissioned in comparison. This creates more demand for experienced crew and it’s already challenging to recruit and retain quality crew.
Gordon sees a generational shift. “Younger crew push for rotation and time off. Maybe they’ve figured out what we should have been doing all along.” Cervantes, who manages 65 crew, respects the new crew for seeking balance between their work and personal lives “They value their personal lives more. That changes the rhythm, but it may keep them longer.”
Captain Herb Magney calls it “mental fitness.” Skills matter but resilience decides who thrives. He believes the next decade must bring an increase in mentoring and a clearer structure to career progression in the industry to reduce attrition.
The prediction is that crew welfare will become the most competitive benefit, as vital as salary or travel.
A Sea Change in Luxury
Luxury itself is being redefined. For the next generation of owners it is not chandeliers or mirrored spas. It is internet that never falters, propulsion that treads lightly on the sea, and crew who stay because they want to. Or as Captain Herb Magney says, the real luxury will always be human. “We are trusted to make dreams come true. And when guests step off saying, ‘That was amazing,’ I tell the crew: we did it.”
Predictions for the future
Ask captains to look ten years ahead and the mosaic of answers is striking:
Constant internet at sea, for better and worse Biofuels, hybrids and fuel cells as the new baseline.
Rotations, mental health support and structured pathways to keep crew longer
AI as assistant not replacement, handling paperwork and training so captains can focus on leadership.
Increased demand for quality experienced crew
Increased pressure on marinas and mooring as more yachts and bigger yachts travel to hubs at busy times
The consensus is that the best technology, like the best crew, will be invisible until needed.
The future of yachting is not louder or faster. It is smarter, cleaner and more deeply human.
PRIVATE LIVES, PUBLIC EYES
UHNW Privacy in the Age of AI: as borders tighten and the digital gaze widens, where does that leave yachting — the last frontier of discretion?
When I was fifteen, I hacked my school’s computer system. Not for malice, but for mischief—and yes, to impress a boy. With a little curiosity and a lot of nerve, I got hold of the official letterhead and sent out a notice giving the entire school a day off. Teachers were baffled, my classmates were ecstatic, and I thought I was a hero. Instead, I was expelled.
My IT teacher, who knew I’d never been in trouble before, appealed on my behalf, and I was allowed back. But the lesson stuck: systems are fragile.
That curiosity about how things work has always been how I’ve learned—teaching myself, experimenting, following instincts. And in the last two years, working deeply in yachting and the UHNW world, I’ve realised just how fragile privacy has become. What once required intelligence agencies can now be done by anyone with a laptop, an AI toolkit, and time.
Family office surveys show the scale of it.
In 2019, barely a third of UHNW families listed cybersecurity as a top concern; by 2024 it was over 70%.
Deloitte reports that one in four billion-dollar family offices has already suffered a direct cyberattack. The World Economic Forum projects the global cost of cybercrime will reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. The numbers aren’t abstract—they’re the scaffolding of a new reality, where privacy is the rarest and most expensive luxury of all.
From Curiosity to Real Danger
What shocked me when I first experimented with AI search tools was how easily the fragments connect. Upload a photo to various apps and you can trace someone across years of the internet.
Clearview AI has scraped over 30 billion images from social media and beyond, capable of identifying strangers from a single candid shot. A guest leaning on the rail of a yacht in Monaco can be matched to their LinkedIn profile and even their home address.
The Risk to the Industry
I’ve seen it firsthand: from the CEO of a large brokerage house appearing on an adult site because his corporate photo was scraped, to yacht managers photographed in nightclubs with escorts—images freely available for anyone to see.
DeepFakes the new threat
And then there are the deepfakes. A Hong Kong man was tricked into wiring $622,000 to what he thought was a friend’s urgent plea, the voice was fake. A London firm was conned out of $25 million after criminals used a fabricated CFO in a video call. These are not hypotheticals; they are happening.
I tested it myself: using nothing more than a grainy YouTube thumbnail, I deepfaked a shipyard
CEO. When I shared the clip in a closed group, people genuinely thought I’d started doing his PR — they believed the interview was real. The AI version had him saying things so outrageous a Scouser half-cut in the pub wouldn’t dream of.
Superyachts were designed as sanctuaries. Distance equalled safety. But Starlink has collapsed that illusion. One captain told me he runs 167 devices simultaneously on board. Connectivity has become oxygen for owners and guests, but it also means the hull is digitally porous.
And then there are the stories of failure. Jeff Bezos’ phone was compromised by a single WhatsApp video file. GPS spoofing demonstrations in the Mediterranean proved crews can be misled into believing they’re anchored when they’re drifting miles away. Reports surfaced of one yacht owner spending $4 million on an anti-drone system after paparazzi drones kept circling his sundeck. And a luxury travel agency was hacked, with UHNW flight itineraries leaked to criminals who then turned up at airports pretending to be chauffeurs.
Privacy isn’t something you buy. It’s something you practice.
So where does that leave us? I’ve come to believe that privacy is no longer about disappearing. It’s about choosing when to be visible. For the ultra-wealthy, the true luxury isn’t the yacht itself, or the propulsion system, or the interior marble. It’s the privacy and safety that only a yacht can provide in this day and age.
And the truth is, invisibility can still be practised. This is not about living in paranoia. It takes discipline and the structure of solid digital hygiene, yes, but also culture on board—the unglamorous choices: no Instagram geotags, verification of voices, and a collective pride in discretion from everyone.
Written by Claire Hagen, digital consultant for UHNW clients and luxury brands, specialising in AI, creative marketing, and innovative solutions.
Insta @theartofyachts @this.is.odyssey
CAPTAINS
LEADING ADVICE: ELEVATING LIFE ONBOARD
How to improve life onboard for the crew...
Behind every polished deck and seamless itinerary are crew who work, laugh, and sometimes cry together. They are the ones who transform a yacht from a machine into an exclusive members only world. Captains know this better than anyone.
Empathy at the Helm
For Brendan O’Shannassy, when offered a magic wand, he says we need “more empathy for crew. They’re not machines. We take young, sometimes vulnerable, people far from home without replacing their support networks. With a magic wand, I’d give crew stronger psychological safety and real career paths.”
Captain Kelly Gordon tells a story that captures the point. “One of my stews came back from seeing her family and was sad. We ended up crying together over coffee. That’s leadership too.”
78% of Captains believe empathy and patience are the most important traits for leaders at sea.
Retention is Everything
Captain Joe Gallegos builds retention strategies that are very specific to the crew he has “Built incentives the crew actually value: vacation time, a 13 month bonus, whatever fits the team.” Gallegos expands “I’ve also brought
in cover so a great crew member could go home for three months for family reasons and then return. It’s not worth losing good people over solvable issues.” Captain Paul Duncan talks of “maintaining an ecosystem of healthy respect for each other. That comes from the top down”.
Captain Corey Adcock employs a 3:1 ‘scheduled leave system’. He says “We don’t call it “rotation” because people online get picky about the term, but it guarantees structured time off. Crew can book holidays, courses and see their families.”
Having individual training plans helps Captain Craig Thurlbourn’s crew understand how their time on the yacht is going to help them learn the things they want to learn. It may be making sushi, tender driving or breakfast service - if crew express an interest in an area, they are supported in learning. He states “objectives are set in a realistic timeframe. If you set a clear path and goals for every crew member they are all able to work their way up.”
Rafael Cervantes, who manages 65 crew, calls each day “a puzzle to solve,” balancing last-minute changes with the realities of moving dozens of people across borders.
Several Captains cited that new crew are arriving much better prepared, with much more knowledge about the industry. Captain Paul Duncan explains “I think in some ways they come better prepared than they used to. They’ve got their tickets and are savvy enough to be in some online forums”.
Seven out of ten Captains tell new crew the same thing: never give up.
The Mentor’s Role
Mentorship runs deep. Captain Martin Shairp has promoted junior officers into leadership roles. “Giving them responsibility and respect, just as I was given, helps them grow,” he says.
Corey Adcock prefers a structured approach: “Controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows.”
Magney recalls a young deckhand who rose to become a chief officer and award nominee. “I told him at the start, you’ve got all this potential. You might not see it, but I do.”
One in three captains credits a mentor or chief engineer as the most important influence in
their career.
Empathy doesn’t mean lowering standards. Walsh insists that leadership is about clear expectations as much as compassion. Gordon agrees, preferring to balance kindness with accountability. Generational shifts bring new challenges. Cervantes observes, “Today’s crew value their personal lives more. That can be positive, but it changes the rhythm.” Captains are adjusting.
“Work Hard, Learn Fast”
For Captain Corey Adcock, mentoring means measured steps. “Controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows,” he explains. He prefers structure to trial by fire, showing young crew that progress is possible if they put in the hours.
“Endure and Overcome” Motivational mottos travel fast below deck. One captain has this painted above the crew mess. Another shared his favourite reminder: “Fail = First Attempt at Learning.”
Captain Kelly Gordon prefers something gentler. “It costs nothing to be happy,” she tells her crew, especially when days get long.
Not all wisdom is serious. Keeping spirits high is as important as ticking checklists.
Captain Craig Thurlbourn makes sure food is part of morale, while Captain Chris Walsh laughs off small irritations: “The job is too big to sweat the small stuff.”
Sometimes the wisest words are the simplest. Captain Kelly Gordon reminds her stews:
“Say
yes to opportunities”
Captain Ferdi Haymann describes yachting as “a 20-armed octopus” chaotic, but endlessly fascinating.
3 Place Général de Gaulle, 06600 Antibes, France
HER JOURNEY, HER LEGACY
Remembering Paige Bell
When twenty-year-old Paige Bell left Johannesburg, South Africa, to begin her yachting career, she was pursuing not just adventure but a future filled with freedom, growth, and possibility.
A Career Underway
Paige’s introduction to yachting was one of determination. From Johannesburg, she entered an unfamiliar world but adapted quickly. On Sweet Emocean, she established herself as a stewardess with promise someone eager to learn, quick to laugh, and committed to the crew around her. Life at sea demands resilience— long hours, constant travel, and the challenge of living in tight quarters.
Paige embraced it wholeheartedly. She thrived in the demanding environment, showing a maturity and composure beyond her years. Her laughter, colleagues recall, had a way of lifting even the heaviest of days.
The Tragedy at Harbour Island
On July 3, 2025, while serving aboard the 142foot Far From It, docked at Harbour Island in the Bahamas, Paige was reported missing. She was later found on board, and authorities confi rmed that her death was being investigated as a homicide. A 39-year-old crew member was arrested in connection with the incident after an apparent suicide attempt.
He remains in custody, denied bail, with another court appearance scheduled for November 20, 2025. The news sent shockwaves through the international yachting community.
Paige’s passing, coming just days before her 21st birthday, underscored the stark contrast between the industry’s glamorous image and the human vulnerabilities of those who work behind the scenes.
Tributes and Memory
launched to support Paige’s family. It was organized by Captain Frank Prest, who had sailed with her and felt compelled to rally the community in her honor.
“Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. In this difficult time, we want to come together to support the people she loved most, her family.”
— Captain Frank
Prest
The GoFundMe campaign,Honoring Paige Bell: Support Her Family, has now raised over $60,000 USD. Contributions have poured in from across the globe, a testament to how deeply Paige’s story resonated.
Her Legacy
Though her career had only just begun, Paige represented the best of her generation—young professionals who cross oceans in search of opportunity and experience. Her determination, resilience, and kindness marked her as someone destined for success. Her loss is a reminder of life’s fragility and the unique challenges faced by those who choose a life at sea.
She took her first steps in the industry aboard the motor yacht Sweet Emocean, where she quickly earned a reputation for warmth, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. Those who sailed with her recall not only her work ethic but also her kindness and generosity.
Paige had the rare ability to turn colleagues into family. In an industry defined by transience, where contracts shift and crews rotate, she left a mark that endured.
Her 21st birthday was meant to be celebrated with red velvet cake, her favorite. Instead, her family and friends honored the day across time zones, sharing cake in her memory and posting tributes filled with photos and stories.
The grief was immense, but so too was the solidarity. Within days, a fundraiser was
For her family, she will always be a beloved daughter and sister. For her colleagues, a friend and crewmate whose absence will never be forgotten. For the wider yachting community, her story is both a tragedy and a call to honor the lives of those who dedicate themselves to this demanding profession. Paige Bell’s journey ended far too soon. Yet in her short time, she built a legacy of connection, love, and inspiration.
And through the strength of the community she helped build, her light continues to shine.
Rewarding the outstanding achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals
The ACREW Crew Awards 2025 is the premier event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence within the superyacht industry. On October 24th, 25th, and 26th, Captains, Crew, and Industry Professionals will join us in applauding and rewarding the outstanding achievements and contributions of exceptional individuals who make the superyacht industry thrive.
This year, 14 award categories will highlight the dedication, talent, and professionalism of crew members across various roles. A distinguished panel of judges, comprising experienced Captains and Industry Professionals. These judges are highly respected individuals who have made significant contributions to the yachting industry.
BEST CAPTAIN MASTER UNLIMITED
The Captain Master Unlimited Crew Award recognizes a Captain who has been proven to ensure the safety onboard and moves with the times to tackle new challenges. This captain demonstrates excellent management skills of a large crew. The yacht under command is excellently maintained and managed to the optimum standards. The Captain communicates effectively on all levels with contractors, crew, owners and guests. In regards to operations; safety, compliance and technology onboard are of paramount importance and never overlooked.
Crew Awards 2025 Award Category
Roberto Beretta
Greg Foster-James William Henderson
Nikos Sarris
Ante Juresko
Shaun Burford
Robert Novak
Award category sponsored by: Cecil Wright
BEST CAPTAIN MASTER 3000GT
Crew Awards 2025 Award Category
The Captain Master 3000GT Crew Award recognizes a Captain who has been proven to ensure the safety onboard and demonstrates excellent management skills. This Captain ensures the yacht is maintained and managed to the maximum standards achievable. Multiple seasons and busy itineraries are integral to this career. Taking control of refit projects, managing budgets, and making decisions for small to mid-sized crews is essential.
Selim Akturk
Lance Hartley
Dean Pilatti
Clive Harrison
Shaula Bolanos
Charles DuGasStandish
BEST CAPTAIN MASTER 500GT
Crew Awards 2025 Award Category
The Captain Master 500GT Crew Award recognizes the achievements of a hands-on Captain who is experienced in working closely with Crew. Managing the budget, ensuring the safety onboard as well as communicating competently are part of their day-to-day role. This Captain holds responsibilities across all operational areas and is the direct line of communication for all boat related matters.
Paul Bladon
Pietro Borgo
Richard Lington
Award category sponsored by:
View the rest of the Acrew awards categorys and nomonies online: acrew.com/awards
category sponsored by:
Nautica Assistance
Brendan Emmons
Karl Cutajar
Daryn Dalton
Kelly Gordon
Guy Guildford
Sean Rysenbry
Award
Port Nimara - Anguilla
FROM OUR SURVEY
5 ESSENTIAL LESSONS FOR NEW LEADERS AT SEA
• “The grass is never greener on the other side.” — Captain David Pott
• “Plan a career route and maintain a study program.” — Captain Adrian Croft
• “Attention to detail is the most important thing.” — Captain Richard Harding
• “With determination, the industry can take you far.” — Captain Mark Hopking
• “Fail = First attempt at learning.” — Captain David Pott
CAPTAIN’S TOOLKIT
• Joe Gallegos — “ear plugs”
• Captain David Pott — “Power charging bank for phone , magnetic”
• Adrian Croft — “Drone”
• Richard Harding — “Cable tracer”
• Mark Hopking — “Wireless charger for phone”
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
• With guests: South Pacific, Bonifacio, Croatia, Greek Ionian.
• Without guests: Costa Rica, St. Kitts, Tahiti, Mallorca.
SUBS, TREASURE AND LEGACY
Michael Christian has spent more than forty-five years at sea, starting in commercial vessels before finding his way into the world of superyachts.
Today, he runs Gigi, the flagship of Carl Allen’s Allen Exploration fleet, a program that combines luxury yachting with science, shipwreck surveys, and marine conservation in the Bahamas.
“For me, to be able to do something that I love and being appreciated for it has been incredible,” he says. “I started off in commercial vessels. I never realised I’d end up in superyachts. But seeing the smiles on the guests and the crew—that’s what I really enjoy.”
Christian recalls helping one young hopeful into the industry: “One guy named Nick was trying to get in, having a hard time. I gave him a shot, and now he’s in Tahiti on a boat in his second season. He couldn’t be happier.”
At least four superyacht captains currently working today began as deckhands under Christian. “They check in with me all the time. That’s the payoff—seeing them succeed,” he says.
MICHAEL CHRISTIAN “To be able to do something that I love and being appreciated for it has been incredible”
Mental health is another area where he has chosen to lead by example. “This is probably my hobby—I study psychology and human behaviour. I don’t mind being vulnerable and telling people about my past. I’m ex-military, with PTSD. I used to be embarrassed, but not anymore. When people know that, it disarms them, and they’re more likely to come up to you before something gets to crisis mode.”
He adds: “I’ve known a crew member who took her own life not too long ago. It’s a very real thing. The pressure never stops, and what they left at home doesn’t disappear just because they’re at sea.” For Christian, that means openness, empathy, and sometimes taking weekend watch himself so younger officers can enjoy a night off.
Submersible Operations
Christian oversees submersible dives with aviation-style precision. “We treat sub dives with the same seriousness as aviation. Every checklist, every safety drill matters. Guests see the adventure, but behind the scenes it’s all about protocols,” he explains.
“Carl will say, let’s go down there today. My job is to make sure conditions are right, the crew is ready, and the backup plan is in place. The word ‘no’ is not allowed, but the word ‘safe’ comes first.”
Technology and Change at Sea
Christian notes how rapidly technology has reshaped his role. “Someone could be talking to me, ‘What’s the weather like next week?’ and I’m literally pulling it up right there. Medical situations, publications, travel agencies. It’s all instant now.”
He was also ahead of the curve on environmental compliance: “Ten years ago we were fitting new generators with diesel exhaust fluid. At the time, no one had even heard of it. Now you buy it at the gas station.”
Waste reduction has been another priority. “On boats for sale, I connected with local groups who
would take food and clothing we’d normally throw out. Dropping provisions at a church felt good—it’s simple but makes a difference.”
Balancing Expectations
The pressure of guest requests is constant. “The word ‘no’ is not allowed, but sometimes you have to stand your ground,” he admits. “One guest wanted his son to go jet skiing in a harbour with a zillion boats flying around. I had to say, because he’ll die, first of all. But you say no politely, and you’re ready for the consequences. It’s better than being a news story.”
A Platform for Legacy
Where many yachts are symbols of indulgence, Carl Allens’s fleet under Captain Michael Christian has become part luxury retreat, part research station, part classroom. With submersible dives, shipwreck expeditions, and conservation projects in the Bahamas, it reflects a model of yachting that blends hospitality with purpose.
Christian sums it up simply: “At the end of the day, if the owner is happy, the scientists get their work done, and the crew go home safe and proud of what they’ve achieved—that’s success.”
Submersible Finds:
Among their most striking finds: loose gold, silver, and gemstones from the 17th-century Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas; a nearly six-foot gold chain weighing close to two pounds; intricate emerald-andgold pendants and brooches; and even 24 mysterious Russian cannons discovered off the Little Bahama Bank.
ANTARES
LIFE BEYOND THE CIRCUIT
There are yachts that stay tied to the Côte d’Azur and Caribbean circuit, and then there are yachts that roam further.
For Captain John van der Straaten, the joy of his role has been steering Antares, the 40-metre Royal Huisman sailing yacht that has carried him and her owners across oceans to some of the most remote corners of the world.
“The last five years have been especially good,” he says. “Not doing the usual Caribbean run but exploring Southeast Asia, Australia, the Indian Ocean. That’s what I really enjoy.”
Launched in 2005, Antares was designed by Bill Dixon with an Art Deco–inspired interior by
Rhoades Young. Van der Straaten knows her quirks well. In parts of Indonesia or Palau where official charts resembled “rough sketches,” he resorted to iPads, Google Earth, even Yandex satellite imagery to thread her through reefs. At other times, the sails did the work: “Even with light winds, putting up sail saves 30–40% fuel compared to motoring. Sometimes we sail entirely, and then we’re only running the generator—10 litres an hour versus 70–100. On a sailing yacht, we’ve always been hybrids.”
Owners Who Dive First
Her owners are avid divers and photographers, shaping the rhythm of life onboard. “A lot of diving,” John laughs. “That’s been a big part of the adventure.” With four staterooms for up to ten guests and a crew of six, Antares has always felt more home than hotel. “We’re private, no charters. I like it that way. With Starlink, they can work remotely. For them it’s like a second home, and for us it’s more stable.”
Technology as a Lifeline
Connectivity has been transformational. “Our data demands just kept getting bigger, and traditional satcom was crazy expensive. With Starlink, everything changed,” John explains. Beyond communication, Antares carries the modern kit of superyachting—drones, e-foils, underwater scooters. “The challenge is managing it all: charging, fire safety, special storage. Battery technology has to get safer and more efficient—that will make a massive difference.”
Crew: The Timeless Puzzle
Even with technology, people remain the core.
“Always crew,” John admits. He’s been fortunate to retain a stable team, but he’s seen plenty of dayworkers grow into strong engineers or
“Even with light winds, putting up some sail saves 30–40% fuel compared to motoring.”
CAPTAIN JOHN VAN DER STRAATEN
mates. “It’s about personality first. They need to care about others, be easygoing, have a good work ethic. Skills can be taught. Attitude can’t.” To keep morale high, he organises karting, paintball, and group activities with other crews in port. “It keeps people happy.”
Change is just as visible among owners. “They’re younger, sometimes in their 30s, and much more active. They want to explore, go off the beaten path, dive, get adventurous. And I prefer that too—it keeps things interesting.”
Regulation, meanwhile, is a more sobering reality. Anchoring bans in the South of France, new EU entry systems, pump-out rules in Turkey—all complicate planning. Yet John sees the environmental benefits. “When you compare Europe’s clean waters to Southeast Asia, you see why it matters.” If he had a magic wand? “Standardised recycling. Too often we carefully separate everything, then it all ends up in the same bin ashore.”
A Philosophy of the Sea Technology, sustainability, younger owners, changing crew expectations, all of it folds into van der Straaten’s daily reality aboard Antares. Yet he sounds most alive when talking about the
water itself. “It’s just another world down there,” he says, recalling dives with the owners.
“Giving your kids that experience early is fantastic. By the time they’re 20 and certified, they’ll be off exploring.”
For now, Antares is offered for sale with Fraser Yachts, not simply as a 40-metre ketch with a 3,500-nautical-mile range and a Lloyd’s 20year survey recently completed, but as a vessel with a philosophy: one where sailing, diving, and genuine adventure remain at the heart of the story.
THE CLIENT WHO WOULDN’T LEAVE
“He booked the yacht for a week,” Magney recalls.
You need a last-minute dispensation for additional guests
For Captain Herb Magney, the joy of chartering lies in creating experiences that stay with people long after they’ve left the gangway. But one client simply refused to leave at all.
Your chase boat has been “lost”
“He booked the yacht for a week,” Magney recalls. “Then immediately booked another week. And then a third consecutive week. He simply didn’t want to get off.”
Your shipyard liabilities are being questioned
The man, a generation younger than Magney, was traveling with his family doctor, his banker, and a close associate. It was a tightknit entourage that mirrored a floating family office. Over long dinners they talked about life, business, and the sea.
Magney didn’t hesitate: “If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d buy a yacht, but I wouldn’t tell anyone. I’d still be doing exactly what I’m doing now captaining. Maybe with a little more time with my wife and child, but otherwise? Exactly this.”
Your VAT status is confused Your stability is uncertain
The guest laughed and teased, “Am I talking to the captain or the owner?” But he had put his finger on what makes Magney different: a passion so deep that even infinite wealth wouldn’t pull him away from the bridge.
It is the rare combination of trust, loyalty, and joy that keeps clients not only coming back, but in some cases, refusing to step off the yacht at all.
One evening, the guest turned to Magney and asked: “Do you really like this? You’re good at your job, I’ve been on a lot of boats, and you really seem to enjoy it.”
For those who know us, the Yachtzoo Management Team has earned a reputation as the reliable, experienced and Russell Stockil and the Yachtzoo management
THE NEW FURRY VIP: PAWS ON DECK
How to improve life onboard for the crew...
For many yacht owners, family now means four legs as well as two. Increasingly, the superyacht lifestyle includes dogs—bounding across teak decks, joining tender rides to shore, or curling up in the sun while their owners entertain. What was once unusual is quickly becoming an expectation.
The pet travel sector is expanding at pace. Analysts valued the global pet travel services market at $2.4 billion in 2024, with projections to reach nearly $4 billion by 2030. Demand is being driven by owners who no longer see pets as optional companions but as family members who travel everywhere with them.
The superyacht industry is already feeling the ripple effect. Brokers report a rise in requests for pet-friendly charters, while designers are adapting interiors with durable fabrics, synthetic-grass “dog toilets,” and shaded deck areas. Even boarding solutions are evolving, with ramps and ladders for dogs appearing in refit lists.
Perhaps the clearest signal of this shift comes from the skies. BARK Air, launched in 2024, flew more than 1,000 dogs on 142 flights in its first year and generated close to $6 million in revenue. Its promise of a “dog-first” private jet complete with concierge services, crate-free cabins, and stress-reducing touches has sold out routes and built a loyal following of repeat passengers.
For yachts, the message is clear. If owners are going to these lengths to ensure their dogs travel comfortably, they will expect the same
standards at sea. A flotation vest and a bowl of water are no longer enough; conciergelevel care, thoughtful design, and seamless integration of pets into the yacht experience are now part of the luxury package.
Essential tips:
Safety: fitted lifejackets with rescue handles, non-slip decks, and secure boarding ramps.
Routine: maintaining feeding schedules and using synthetic turf pads or trays for emergencies.
Crew support: assigning responsibilities for feeding, exercise, and hygiene, alongside basic pet first-aid training.
When done well, a dog onboard becomes part of the charm. Morning tender rides double as walks; playful swims off the stern boost morale; quiet companionship brings warmth to long passages.
Sun & Heat Protection Dogs can overheat; protection prevents burns and stress.
Grooming & Clean-Up Kit
Keeps fur, sand, and salt under control on luxury surfaces.
Pet FirstAid Kit
Boarding Ramp or Ladder
Easy access from water/ tender; prevents injuries to dogs & teak scratches.
Synthetic Turf Toilet
Relief spot when shore runs aren’t possible. Easy rinse with seawater.
Immediate response in emergencies; peace of mind for crew and owners.
The broader trend is unmistakable: pets are no longer left behind. High-net-worth families expect to travel with them and in comfort equal to their own. For yachts, that means adapting.
Those that can promise a smooth, pet-friendly experience complete with gear, protocols, and
Hydration Gear Clean water everywhere— deck, tender, shore.
trained crew will not just meet a niche demand, but align with a cultural shift in what “luxury holiday” really means.
For many owners, the ultimate expression of home on the water may now come with a wagging tail.
A CAPTAIN IN THE AGE OF CHANGE
The Mediterranean has changed drastically in the last decade
On the bridge of a 90 metre Lurssen Captain Martin Shairp has learned that balance is everything. Balance between owner expectations and maritime law, between tradition and technology, between the pleasures of luxury and the realities of environmental cost.“I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun and challeging,” he says, seated in the crew mess where he holds daily meetings. “The money is good, those ‘golden handcuffs’ definitely keep me in the industry but it’s the challenge that makes me stay.”
That mix of levity and bluntness is characteristic of Shairp, who moved from the Merchant Navy into superyachting with little idea it would become a lifelong career. Today, he manages a crew of 29, rotating 20 at a time, on one of the world’s most admired sailing yachts.
A Sea of Rules
If the challenge keeps him here, the rules weigh heavily. “Regulations keep increasing every year, and sometimes they’re difficult to manage,” he says. “Unexpectedly Turkey had many different regulations that made cruising there problematic. In other places, new rules keep appearing: anchoring restrictions in Corsica, pilotage requirements in Croatia and Montenegro, and so on. They all make sense locally, but often discourage yachts from visiting altogether.” By contrast, Scotland’s west coast has been a relief. “We spent almost
nothing on agency fees there compared to the huge sums in Greece,” he adds.
For Shairp, the greater challenge is not legal but moral. “The carbon footprint of superyachts is untenable, especially given the resources owners have. Burning a thousand litres of diesel in a day just for generators feels wrong especially when you’re surrounded by wildfires and extreme weather. The Mediterranean has changed drastically in the last decade.”
He has recommended for owners to consider biodiesel. “Still, something must change,” he says. “Owners should consider their impact.”
The Human Equation
Crew dynamics remain his greatest daily test. “The most challenging elements of my job? Three things: owner expectations, weather, and crew. Crew management is constant but manageable.”
The new generation, he admits, is different. “Today’s younger crew are often very driven, focused on career milestones like Officer of the Watch. That’s a change from when I started it was more like the Wild West back then, lots of fun but less structured. That said, entitlement is more common. We have little tolerance for negativity or lack of appreciation. Those people don’t last.”
His solution is transparency. “We hold daily crew meetings whenever possible. Even if there’s nothing new to share, gathering everyone in the crew mess is valuable. It prevents conflicts, builds morale, and gives people a chance to ask questions. Apart from payroll, we share almost everything with the crew. It gives them ownership and a sense of inclusion.”
Shairp credits his own mentors, captains he worked under for shaping his approach.
“They set the standard for professionalism, and I learned a huge amount from them. This summer, we promoted two former second officers to chief officers. It’s been rewarding to mentor them through the pressure of those first months. Giving them responsibility and respect just as I was given helps them grow.”
A Radical Solution
Pressed on what he would change if he could, Shairp does not hesitate. “I’d ban diesel for yachts in European waters. It sounds radical, but regulation is the only way change will happen. Alternative fuels like HVO have their flaws, but they’re better than burning fossil fuels. The industry needs a big push, and the EU is in the best position to enforce it.”
For a man who insists he is in the business for challenge, his vision of the future is unflinching. As his career shows balance at sea is never static, it must be fought for, day after day.
It is morale, retention, respect, and occasionally, the spark of conflict. Behind the polished silver trays in guest dining rooms, the crew mess tells its own story. What’s served there can determine whether a team gets along or fractures.
Retention Through Nutrition
Captain Herb Magney puts food alongside health insurance and preventive care as a retention strategy. “Taking anxiety off the crew is key. Provide good food, good health insurance, and preventive care.”
charters is unbelievable. Captain Michael Christian commented, “The amount of waste that goes on is incredible,” he says.
“We provision for charters and then end up dumping surplus. Perfectly good food.”
On one yacht, he persuaded his owners to allow leftovers and clothing to be donated to local churches and charities. “It felt good to drop it off where it was actually used,” he recalls. “The crew felt better too, knowing it didn’t just go in the bin.”
For Christian, waste isn’t just about economics or sustainability, it is about how you feel to be part of this industry. Taking responsible action helps everyone feel a bit better.
Feeding the Many
“We have phenomenal chefs and a generous budget for food compared to many years ago, yet we still get complaints from the crew about the food”.
Scale changes everything. Captain Rafael Cervantes manages a yacht with 65 crew. Even with generous budgets and talented chefs, he admits complaints are inevitable. “We have phenomenal chefs and a generous budget for food compared to many years ago, yet we still get complaints about crew food”.
His story reflects a generational shift expressed by many Captains. Today’s crew expect more than the bulk stews or pasta of the past. “They’re used to choice. They want freshness, balance, variety. That’s not unreasonable.”
together, or the refit eats you alive.” one Captain expressed! When crew genuinely look forward to the meals in the day, both in terms of quality food and the opportunity to interact positively, refit seasons are smoother all round.
For Thurlbourn, food is part of his leadership toolkit. “When you see crew sitting eating quality food together laughing, you know you’ve got it right.”
Key to crew morale
Captain Craig Thurlbourn is clear: “Food is central to crew morale.” He has seen the crew thrive and falter depending on what arrives from the galley. For Thurlbourn, budgets are not just numbers, they are signals.
“Give chefs quality ingredients and they’ll want to create great food. That feeds straight back into morale.”
In his view, when crew know their basics are secure, they focus more fully on the job. “It’s not just about feeding people, it’s about showing them they matter.
That they’re not second-class citizens compared to guests.” Captains may not use corporate HR jargon, but they instinctively know what research confirms: Good food keeps people longer. Bad meals drive them away.
If good food builds morale, waste can undo it. Sometimes the sheer volume of excess after
Four in ten captains say the expectations of younger crew around food are significantly higher than in the past.
Food as Bonding
Food is not only fuel, it is social. In our survey, captains listed ‘sundowner BBQs’ and ‘crew cook-offs’ as some of their favourite morale boosters during crossings. Captains cited mealtimes as being incredibly important during a long period in the yard, especially in Winter. “You have to eat and laugh
70% of captains say they schedule social nights, BBQs or cook-offs to boost crew morale
On one yacht, a Captain who will remain anonymous recalled, “If you’re having curry for the fifth time that week and everything smells of curry, it’s not a good look”. Crew morale sank as fast as the smell spread. The fix was simple but strategic: shake up menus, fund better produce, and treat variety as a form of respect.
Another time, he opened a sack of rice in the galley to find it stamped: “For maritime and prison consumption only.” That moment stuck with him. “Nobody wants to see that onboard.”
One in three captains says food is the single most important factor in keeping crew motivated during long trips.
Respect in the Mess
Underlying it all is respect. Captains are acutely aware of the contrast between the guest dining room and the crew mess. Guests eat Michelinlevel cuisine. Crew too often get whatever is cheapest or left over.
Captain Herb Magney rejects this divide. They argue that good food is not indulgence, it is recognition. Feeding crew poorly while guests feast is a false economy that breeds resentment. Magney says it plainly: “You can’t expect excellence from people who feel like second-class citizens. Respect them with good food, and they’ll give you everything back.”
The Future of the Galley
What does the next decade hold? If captains are right, food will be seen less as a cost line and more as a strategy.
Cervantes predicts large yachts will need dedicated crew chefs as standard, not optional extras. Captain Martin Shairp believes technology will streamline provisioning, reducing waste and allowing more variety without oversupply.
Kelly Gordon sees wellness trends filtering down from guests: “Younger crew want healthier, fresher food. Smoothies, salads, lighter meals.
That will become the norm.”
The subtext is clear. The industry is slowly realising that the galley is as critical to performance as the bridge. Or as Captain Craig Thurlbourn reminds us, the secret is simple: “If you want your crew to perform like a five-star hotel, don’t feed them like they’re in prison.”
50% of captains expect wellness-driven menus to become standard for crew within the next decade.
CHATGPT FORECAST:
THE CAPTAIN’S ROLE
50 YEARS FROM NOW
ANSWER:
In 50 years, the role of the superyacht captain will likely be radically different, shaped by advancements in technology, environmental changes, and evolving luxury experiences. Here’s a vision of what a future superyacht captain might look like:
1. AI-Powered Operations
The captain’s role will blend human expertise with AI and automation. While yachts may be semi-autonomous or even fully self-operating, captains will still oversee systems, monitor AIdriven navigation, and intervene when needed. They’ll be more like “captains of the ship’s mind,” managing tech systems and ensuring the yacht operates at peak efficiency.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Leadership
Given the future’s growing environmental concerns, captains will be sustainability champions, ensuring their vessels run on renewable energy, likely through hydrogen, solar, or even algae-based fuels. They’ll optimize energy usage and manage onboard systems that continuously reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint, with strict adherence to green regulations.
3.
Remote Command and Global Connectivity
With advances in communication, captains could oversee multiple yachts remotely, managing operations, guest services, and even crew management from anywhere in the world. Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) might be used to provide the captain with realtime, detailed visual representations of the yacht’s environment, whether on board or from a remote command center.
4.
Guest Experience Curators
The captain will likely take on the role of experience curator, ensuring a seamless, personalized experience for guests. They’ll collaborate with AI-driven systems to provide customized itineraries, luxury excursions, and even health and wellness options. Captains may interact with guests less as a “traditional authority figure” and more as an expert host, creating memorable experiences both on and off the water.
5. Exploration and Science
As more superyachts become mobile research hubs, captains will lead scientific expeditions, using advanced submersibles, drones, and other high-tech equipment to conduct marine research or environmental conservation projects. Their leadership will extend beyond navigation,
guiding the yacht through remote and dangerous waters while facilitating exploration.
6. Virtual Mentors and Crew Management
Captains will manage diverse international crews, with a focus on mental health, well-being, and remote leadership. Virtual communication tools will allow them to monitor crew morale and performance, while still fostering a strong onboard community through AI-driven platforms that assist in training, communication, and teamwork.
7. Cultural Diplomats
With the yacht as a floating sanctuary, captains may increasingly act as diplomats, managing cross-cultural dynamics between the crew and guests, especially when traveling to remote or sensitive regions. Their role will involve managing relationships and ensuring that the yacht’s presence respects local cultures, environments, and regulations.
8.
Multidisciplinary Skillset
Future captains will possess a broad range of skills, from advanced technical knowledge in robotics and AI to expertise in luxury hospitality, environmental conservation, and even diplomacy. They may need to be multilingual, data-literate, and well-versed in navigating both the digital and physical seas.
9.
Personal Brand Ambassadors
Given the exclusivity of future yachts, captains might represent the brand in high-profile ways, acting as ambassadors at global events, from Monaco to the Arctic. They will need to maintain a polished, professional image while building relationships with ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) owners and guests, creating a luxurious, yet approachable, leadership style.
10.
Holistic Well-being Experts
In a world where luxury and well-being intersect, captains may be certified in wellness, providing guests with personalized health plans, dietary management, and wellness activities. They may oversee entire onboard health ecosystems, from fitness to mental well-being, ensuring that guests feel rejuvenated throughout their journey.
GENERATIONAL SHIFTS FROM CREW TO OWNERS:
DO WE SEE CHANGING?
Captains across the industry are seeing a generational shift, both in the crew who make yachts run and in the owners who fund them.
Their words reveal a transformation in culture, expectations, and what it means to live and work at sea.
