yacht skipper salary uk

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What's average sailing yacht skipper salary?

• Thread starter Gedimin
• Start date 12 Sep 2020
• 12 Sep 2020

Does anyone know reliably how much a skipper and mate might earn these days? To give more details, I'm thinking of sailing yacht of 35-45ft, doing longer skippered charters, adventure trips (2-3-4 weeks). Doing it regularly throughout the year. What's average weekly/monthly earning that is expected for those roles? I'm interested both from a position of potential earning if I ever ditch the office routine and from a position of a potential employer if one of my ideas ever comes to life.  

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Halcyon Yachts have recently done a Blog about this (I think Pete occasionally posts on here too), Have a look at Making a Career in Yachting - Yacht Delivery Crew | Halcyon Yachts | International Yacht Deliveries  

FlyingGoose

Well-known member.

Your thinking of charter rather than skipper, so the price is up to you on how much you want to charge your guests , Firstly you need to get your boat coded and insured, get your qualifications, which are not legally needed but it shows to your insurance and your guests that you are competent to do this, Then their is boat maintenance, coding every 3 years I think I may be wrong? So really it depends on your ability to run a profit and loss account and number crunch to see if the money is coming in and giving you what you want and need to live  

most people who do this on a boat that small would be happy just to cover costs , marina and haul out etc working for an owner on a 60- 70 ft yacht in the med you might get 3k euro a month and the hostess/mate/cook 1-2k euro  

• 13 Sep 2020

Tax free in med ?  

Gedimin said: Does anyone know reliably how much a skipper and mate might earn these days? To give more details, I'm thinking of sailing yacht of 35-45ft, doing longer skippered charters, adventure trips (2-3-4 weeks). Doing it regularly throughout the year. What's average weekly/monthly earning that is expected for those roles? I'm interested both from a position of potential earning if I ever ditch the office routine and from a position of a potential employer if one of my ideas ever comes to life. Click to expand...

grandpaboat

atol said: most people who do this on a boat that small would be happy just to cover costs , marina and haul out etc working for an owner on a 60- 70 ft yacht in the med you might get 3k euro a month and the hostess/mate/cook 1-2k euro Click to expand...

Think again. Absolutely no money to be made. If you want to do it you need to realise that you are doing it as an act of charity.........seriously.  

ashtead said: Tax free in med ? Click to expand...

I know someone who does exactly this. He covers his 20k pa costs and has lots of interesting sailing for free. He took early retirement some years ago and while not rich is not dependent on it to live. Obviously closes down November to March.  

Yes my impression is crew are paid from a Swiss bank account by the company owning the yacht and have an accountant to do the payroll etc for crew and kit .  

john_morris_uk

FlyingGoose said: Your thinking of charter rather than skipper, so the price is up to you on how much you want to charge your guests , Firstly you need to get your boat coded and insured, get your qualifications, which are not legally needed but it shows to your insurance and your guests that you are competent to do this, Then their is boat maintenance, coding every 3 years I think I may be wrong? So really it depends on your ability to run a profit and loss account and number crunch to see if the money is coming in and giving you what you want and need to live Click to expand...

capnsensible

mainsail1 said: Think again. Absolutely no money to be made. If you want to do it you need to realise that you are doing it as an act of charity.........seriously. Click to expand...

duncan99210

I looked at this about 11 years ago as my retirement date from the forces approached. If I ignored the capital cost of buying a suitable boat, I might have been able to break even assuming I could get a 12-16 week season with a 75-80% occupancy rate. I would have needed a 45-50 foot boat, either a classic in excellent condition or a newer boat with at least 4 cabins, preferably 5. All of that was pretty marginal in terms of the ability to make money. Then I looked at marketing the offer. I would have had to find someone to build and maintain a website and deal with the bookings as reliable mobile internet access was in it‘s infancy and wouldn’t have permitted me to manage that end of the business remotely, Bit the final nail in the coffin was the regulatory hurdles to be jumped. No problems getting a boat coded and insured but basing myself anywhere warm was fraught with problems dealing with the local regulatory authorities. I rapidly came to the conclusion that it simply wasn’t worth the effort. In the event, my pension turned out to be adequate for buying a boat and living on board it for a number of years after I retired. However, there is money, lots of it, to be made in the superyacht business but that’s not what the op was asking about.  

capnsensible said: Dunno how Ive managed for the last twenty years then. ?? Click to expand...

mainsail1 said: If you consider what he specifically says that he wants to do you may see that he is not wishing to do what you did. Click to expand...

john_morris_uk said: The qualifications of the skipper and crew are legally required for coded boats. Click to expand...

capnsensible said: Ok. Specifically, three people I know do skippered charters on their own boats. One in the Caribbean, one in South Spain and one in the Canaries. The last one I do some part time skippering for. Like many other such leisure businesses, life is on hold with Doombug. To suggest that it's not possible is entirely wrong in a normal world. Click to expand...

The instructors I know all fall into the children grown up, mortgage paid off, looking for a bit of tick over money and something to get them out the house category. Can’t think of any in the ‘paying out’ phase of their life. If you include buying and maintaining a 12 m boat in your plan, the figures required will be quite frightening even before a few unexpected costs pop up, I think the reality isn't lazy days of care free sailing with guests covering the boat costs and your wages, more like they break stuff and you spend your time cleaning up sick, making them 3 squares a day and being constantly on call.  

FlyingGoose said: Thanks for the clarification at what level is needed for the UK to be qualified. I assume rya is the governing body, bit can a foreign license be used in uk waters Click to expand...

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Superyacht Crew Salary Guide – 2023

• Superyacht Crew Salary Guide – 202...

Working as a crew member on a Superyacht has some incredible perks…

… from being on the ocean and seeing new countries to brushing shoulders with the rich and famous and, of course, earning an amazing salary.

As we begin 2024, we thought it a good opportunity to look back at 2023 to see how the industry faired and whether there have been any changes to salary, tips, and working conditions.

The good news is that things have got better! Since the pandemic, the Superyacht industry has seen significant growth the industry has grown significantly over the last couple of years .

As the number of Superyachts being built increases, so does the demand for crew; there has never been a better time to enter the industry.

Typically, the entry-level salary for a Deckhand and Steward/ess ranges between €2,000 and €3,500, rising to €4,000+ for more senior roles. A Captain can make €10,000+ per month, depending on the size of the Superyacht!

Moreover, as you’ll be living onboard the yacht, there are no living expenses to worry about. Your meals are prepared by the Chef onboard, too, and you rarely need to buy groceries or toiletries.

We can’t talk about Superyacht Salary without mentioning tips. The majority of Superyacht owners charter their yachts as the ultimate holiday experience! A Superyacht does not come cheap, with some chartering for One Million per week! Guests normally leave a tip and around 10% of the charter fee, which is shared equally among the crew. It is not unheard of for a Deckhand or Steward/ess to receive a €5,000 tip after a week’s trip!

Another huge benefit contributing to the amazing Superyacht salary is the potential for tax-free earnings (typically paid in Euros)!

Read on for our complete guide to the Superyacht crew salary for 2023…

How much do you make working on a Superyacht?

In short, your salary will depend on the role you work in on the Superyacht, in conjunction with its size; however, the average salary is €2,500 per month (most boats pay in Euros rather than pounds).

Several other factors will determine Superyacht crew salary, too, including previous experience, qualifications, and extra skills (such as Dinghy Instructor, Carpenter, and Divemaster, to name a few).

Whether the yacht is chartered or privately owned will all contribute to your monthly pay packet; your basic salary will be the same whether you work on a charter yacht or a private boat, though on a charter, you will generally receive tips; this usually around 10% of your monthly salary, or it can range between €1,500 to €5,000+ .

We’ve shared current Superyacht salary approximations for 2023 in the table below:

How much do you make working on a yacht?

Here’s a breakdown of superyacht crew salaries in more detail by role:, superyacht captain salary – €4,000 to €16,000+.

A Superyacht Captain is responsible for all activity onboard, crew safety and well-being, and the experience offered to guests.

The Captain is the owner’s main point of contact on the yachts; whether things are going right or wrong, it can be a highly pressured and stressful job.

The salary reflects the responsibility in this high-pressure environment, and the range in salary normally depends on experience and the boat’s length.

Generally, larger boats will carry more guests and staff; therefore, the Captain will have higher responsibilities, a bigger budget, and more challenges to cope with.

First Officer salary – €3,200 to €8,000+

The First Officer, also known as Chief Officer or Chief Mate, is always second in command to the Captain.

They will assist the Captain in a wide range of duties and tends to be responsible for the safety of the Superyacht and everyone on board. Furthermore, the role of the First Officer also includes bridge watches and navigation.

Due to needing a firm understanding of working on deck, the First Officer normally starts their career as a Deckhand and progresses from there.

If you are an experienced First Officer and have moved onto larger yachts, then your next step will be to become a Captain.

Superyacht Bosun salary – €3,200 to €5,000+

Otherwise known as the Senior Deckhand, the Bosun is the ‘line manager’ of all Deckhands on the boat. The responsibilities of the Bosun are to manage and maintain the exterior of the yacht to the highest order.

This role also includes spending time with the guests, making sure they are having fun and are safe on all the toys the Superyacht has, such as jet skis and dinghy sailing boats.

Chief Stewardess salary – €2,800 to €7,000+

The Chief Stewardess is responsible for the interior of the Superyacht. Attention to detail, elegance,

and cleanliness is paramount for this role.

Moreover, you will be required to perform duties discreetly and anticipate the requests and demands of guests, as well as manage your team of Stewardesses. A managerial background in hospitality will therefore help for this role.

Generally, the Chief Stewardess will have gained previous experience in an entry-level Stewardess role and fully understands the functions of a working Superyacht.

Superyacht Stewardess salary – €2,000 to €3,500+

This is an entry-level position working on board a Superyacht.

Open to Male and Female

Being a Superyacht Stewardess is a wide-reaching role covering three main areas: Service, Housekeeping, and laundry. Your actual day-to-day activities can vary depending on the type of yacht (private or charter), owner, and Itinerary. You will be the host, cleaner, florist, and housekeeper, and collectively responsible for looking after the guests 24/7.

If you are looking at not going to uni , and want a career with real progression and a very good salary, becoming a Superyacht Stewardess could be for you! If you would like to start a career as a Stewardess, then consider joining our Superyacht Steward/ess course.

Superyacht Deckhand salary – €2,000 to €3,500+

This is another entry-level role to work on a Superyacht.

Open to male and female

A very hands-on role, the Deckhand is responsible for the exterior of the yacht, and tasks will typically involve cleaning, painting, sanding, varnishing, and all general maintenance of the boat.

As with all Superyacht roles, working as a Deckhand requires some skills and qualifications before you start looking for work. The good news is that you don’t have to go to Uni to get whats required. You will be able to get qualified in a few weeks.

How to become a Superyacht Steward/ess or Deckhand.

If you want a career in the Superyacht Industry, we are here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat. Alternatively, book a meeting with one of our career advisors.

Looking for more information on working in the Superyacht industry?

Download our free guide and learn all there is to know about working on a superyacht as a deckhand or steward/ess., related articles.

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Home » News » How To Become A Qualified Yacht Skipper

How To Become A Qualified Yacht Skipper

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Author Lee Savage

Whatever your reasons for getting into sailing, it is not as difficult as you might imagine and there are a lot of different ways to get started. With so many destinations to choose and so many sailing experiences, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start.

If exploring fantastic bays, discovering remote islands, swimming and relaxing in the sun with a good book sounds like the kind of yacht cruising you are looking for then Cabin Charter will be the way to go. 

If you would like to dip in and see but you are not sure if it’s for you our beach club has a dedicated Yacht where we offer several opportunities including two days Beginner Yachting (16h) while you stay in our Beach Club Hotel .

But you are here to find out how to become a Yacht Skipper, learn a new skill and take the first step towards becoming qualified, opening a whole new world of possibility for holidays and adventure travel. Even if you only ever do one course, you will have experienced the trip of a lifetime.

The RYA is a world-recognised organisation authorised by the UK maritime coastguard agency to issue international certificates of competence. Seafarer instructors are all experienced RYA instructors and can deliver a challenging syllabus to take you from no experience to a qualified licensed skipper through a series of RYA courses outlined below. 

Our Training Centers – help you become a skipper

RYA Training In The Mediterranean

For our training yachts in Greece and Croatia, you have the opportunity to learn alongside a fantastic holiday experience. Naturally, it is a more intense experience than a Yacht Charter holiday. You will spend most of your days absorbing the syllabus, but there will also be opportunities to swim and explore the beautiful islands. 

Learning alongside our flotilla, you will also have the chance to participate in group meals, our punch, and beach parties. Popular with experienced and newly qualified skippers alike or those seeking to improve their abilities with the support of our skilled lead crews. Filled with like-minded sailors, you will meet skippers who have already taken steps into the sailing world and discovered how accessible it is. It’s a tremendously positive and supportive environment to learn alongside.

RYA Training In The UK

Our UK school offers numerous bespoke courses for those wishing to brush up on any particular skills before flying to their next sailing holiday be it boat handling or just refreshers. Of course, we offer all the practical RYA courses including Competent Crew, Day Skipper & Coastal Skipper (for Day Skippers wishing to take there sailing further)

Based in Southampton, it offers fantastic sheltered waters sailing in the lea of the Isle Of Wight. It’s a great location to challenge your tidal knowledge and experience the lively sailing environment made famous for events like the Fastnet Race, the Round the Island Race and Cowes Week.

How to Become A Skipper

The Competent Crew course is perfect for somebody who has never been on a yacht before. It is the broadest course in the RYA syllabus covering virtually everything to do with sailing and living onboard a boat. You will have the opportunity to test your skills and will come away with a great sense of achievement and a good understanding of where to go next! 

As an instructor for many years, I have discovered that even more experienced sailors can benefit from this course, there is always another level of detail to learn. If you haven’t sailed for a while or had any formal training, this course will not only be an excellent refresher, but you will be surprised how many new things you can learn. For more experienced sailors, this is a unique opportunity to polish the essential fundamentals of sailing.

Training in Croatia Training in Greece Training in the UK

Theoretically a skipper

With some sailing experience under your belt, you are ready to study the theory. Reading about navigation, sailing, and charts will seem much less daunting. You are now prepared to take the Day Skipper theory course. The Day Skipper Theory syllabus contains all essential theoretical knowledge required to become a skipper. It can be completed online at your own pace, We offer Navathome with all the needed resources sent to your home, and you can even use your repeat customer discount.

If you don’t feel ready

Not everybody is prepared for the Day Skipper course right away, we all learn at different rates and bridging the gap between the competent crew and Day Skipper courses is best achieved with Bespoke training, this can help you refine those skills that you think you lack. Commonly this is boat handling, we all know there is nothing more exhilarating than bringing a beautiful yacht alongside a concrete harbour wall! We offer bespoke training at all of our bases in Greece, Croatia, and the UK. 

The courses in the Mediterranean are all one week. Our UK school offers much more flexibility for weekends or any other length or start days. Talk to one of our consultants to find out more.

General skills training works very well alongside the day skipper course. You will get to see others go through the course while you polish the fundamentals. Having feedback from an instructor while learning alongside the standard RYA courses can give you the confidence to grow without the pressure of a restricted syllabus. Talk to one of our consultants to find out where and how we can help you get to the next level.

The Sailing Licence

With your Day skipper theory ticket in hand and some recent sailing experience, You will be ready for the Day Skipper practical course. Taking everything you have learned in the first two courses, this turns you into a responsible skipper. You will learn to handle the boat, bringing it into port, directing your crew to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable.

Call 0208 324 3118 Email [email protected]

Now you are qualified as a skipper

With your internationally recognised license in hand, you now have the opportunity to take your friends and family sailing on Yachts around the world. I am not surprised if this might feel incredibly daunting as this license can be achieved in as little as three weeks.

Flotilla can be a great option to help build your confidence. As well as being fantastically social flotilla offers you the opportunity to grow as a skipper with the security of having our lead crew on standby to assist or advise on any aspect of sailing. You can find more about our flotillas here .

A whole world of sailing

As soon as you feel ready, you will be free to charter yachts worldwide. As an internationally recognised skipper, you can benefit from bareboat prices and the freedom to travel at your own pace. Seafarer has a vast range of worldwide destinations. Click here to find out more.

If you are still not sure

Perhaps you are not sure where you fit into all of this. Why not talk to one of our team? We are a small yet experienced company in the world of sailing, and we would be happy to advise you on how best you can get started.

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