The quality of your cruising experience depends as much on the performance of your boat as on the quality and expertise of your crew. Choosing a professional crew is crucial and demanding. Crew recruitment must be meticulous, taking into account both regulatory criteria and human qualities. That’s why we’re offering you the expertise of our team of industry specialists to help you at this stage. Here are the main points to bear in mind.
A yacht crew tailored to your needs
The composition of your crew depends on essential factors such as the size of your yacht, international regulations, the sea areas in which you wish to sail, and so on. It also depends on more subjective factors such as the needs of your passengers or guests, the type of voyages you plan, or your lifestyle. In reality, a yacht’s crew is made up of two distinct professions that need to work together harmoniously. The captain of your yacht plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining what is known as crew spirit.
The role of your yacht’s captain
The captain is, par excellence, a person you can trust. It is essential that you have an excellent relationship with him, as you will be entrusting him with the direction and management of your boat, as well as with the safety of your passengers. It is essential to check his qualifications, experience, references and recommendations, and to ensure that you can communicate easily (using a common language).
The captain is responsible for the navigation and management of the yacht at sea, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. However, compliance with regulations is the owner’s responsibility, including compliance with employment contracts, customs and financial formalities, and maritime regulations. An experienced captain will help you with these important tasks and responsibilities. It is therefore essential that you choose your skipper wisely and draw up a precise employment contract. In addition to his or her technical skills, a yacht captain must have strong charisma and natural leadership to direct his or her crew and make informed decisions.
It is common for the yacht captain to be involved in the crew recruitment process. In any case, it is essential that all crew members are compatible and share the values and objectives you have defined.
The different professions in yachting
As mentioned above, the crew of a yacht is made up of two categories of professions. On the one hand, there is the team in charge of navigation and safety, and on the other, those who ensure your comfort on board.
The navigation team
The size of your yacht and the regulations impose a minimum number of crew members. There are those who work on deck to steer the vessel, ensure nautical safety and carry out manoeuvres in complete safety, such as launching equipment like jet skis, helicopters or tender boats. There are also those who manage propulsion, maintenance and all the technical systems on board, such as yacht engineers, mechanics, machinists and oilers. Particular attention must be paid to each person’s qualifications and references.
The team dedicated to your comfort on a cruise
The composition of this team varies according to the size of your yacht and your preferences. Stewards or hostesses are often recruited according to the location of your voyages and the specific needs of your guests. However, a purser or steward may be permanently attached to the boat. This team, which can be adapted to suit your requirements, may include a carefully selected top chef with solid references, stewards or hostesses and other professionals such as personal trainers, nannies to look after the children, etc.
Discreet and professional, they are used to working in a restricted environment. They are responsible for on-board organisation, events, table and bar service, cleanliness, stock management and guest relations.
In addition to sound qualifications and experience, your entire crew must be united by a passion for sailing and a desire to offer you the best possible experience. Recruiting crew is no light task, and the administrative procedures can be complex and time-consuming. That’s why it’s crucial to entrust this task to professionals who specialise in this sector. We can offer you tailor-made support in putting together your crew, so that you can fully enjoy the happiness and freedom that the sea has to offer.
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