Working on a superyacht is the dream, right? Picture-perfect views, exotic locations, and a life of luxury. But the reality is, not every yacht is run like a well-oiled machine. In fact, some boats are an absolute disaster – and that’s exactly why it’s not always a bad idea to work on one.
1. You’ll know what ‘bad’ really looks like
Until you’ve experienced a crap yacht, it’s hard to appreciate how well things can be managed on a good one. From sloppy schedules to disorganised crew hierarchy, a badly run yacht shows you what a chaotic environment feels like. When you move on to a well-managed boat, the contrast will be stark and you’ll value everything that make things run smoothly.
2. You’ll learn how to problem-solve – fast
When everything is falling apart, you’ve got two options: sink or swim. On crap yachts, the SOPs are often missing, if they ever existed. You’re frequently operating with a limited budget, lack of supplies, and broken kit. You learn how to think on your feet. From figuring out where all the LSE gear has gone to sorting out guest issues, your ability to think on your feet and improvise will rocket.
3. You’ll master the mundane essentials
As mentioned above, crap yachts are often missing SOPs, inventories, preference sheets and all sorts of paperwork that will make your life a lot easier. On a bad yacht, you’ll quite likely have to start again on the paperwork/compliance side of things. Setting these things up can be boring, but it will give you an appreciation of the benefits of having a solid foundation to work from.
4. You’ll witness bad leadership – and learn what not to do
Bad leadership stands out like a sore thumb. Whether it’s micromanagement, lack of communication, or outright neglect, poor management on a crap yacht is a masterclass in how not to lead a team. You’ll learn quickly what demotivates people and how toxic leadership affects crew morale. These lessons will stick with you, helping you identify great leaders – and maybe even become one yourself.
5. You’ll appreciate the importance of career development
On a poorly managed boat, personal growth and career development are often at the bottom of the list – if they’re on the list at all. Without support for training, mentoring, or building new skills, it can feel like you’re stagnating. This experience will make you more determined to seek out yachts that prioritise crew development. After all, who wants to stay in a job with no prospects?
6. You’ll realise the impact of crew culture
One of the key characteristics of a crappy yacht is a crappy crew culture. And actually, the yacht itself and the program could be amazing, but if the crew dynamic is toxic, that can be a game changer. Whether it’s cliques, bullying or a tyrant of a Captain, these boats are often rife with negative behaviour. While no one wants to endure a hostile work environment, experiencing this first-hand teaches you the importance of a positive, inclusive crew culture. When you finally land on a yacht with a healthy atmosphere, you’ll know just how crucial it is to hold on to that vibe.
7. You become more resilient
Working on crap yachts can drain you—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Long hours, lack of support, and poor working conditions can quickly lead to burnout. While this might sound like a negative, it actually makes you far more resilient in the long run. It also gives you an insight into the warning signs of burnout and what you need to avoid it. Whilst I’m not advocating staying on a toxic yacht for the sake of it, everything will seem a lot easier in the future and it gives you a great sense of perspective.
After experiencing the chaos, disorganisation, and frustrations of a bad superyacht, you’ll never take a good one for granted again. You’ll appreciate strong leadership, a solid crew culture, and a professional work environment more than ever before. And while no yacht is perfect, you’ll have a sharper eye for what makes a great one—and the experience to avoid the red flags next time you’re looking for a job.
