yacht charter chef salary

You Won't Believe How Much a 'Below Deck' Charter Chef Makes

PUBLISHED Nov. 16 2020, 3:45 p.m. ET

The life of a yachtie seems like a dream job. Working onboard a state-of-the-art vessel, being surrounded by the bluest ocean, and getting to explore exotic locations are just some of the perks of working onboard a luxury mega-yacht. 

But as any seasoned fan of Below Deck can tell you, it’s not all stunning locations and water slides.

Pulling at least 16-hour shifts while attending to every whim of charter guests and being filmed around the clock is just another day in the life of a Below Deck yachtie. But while the team indulges every ridiculous request from their ultra-rich clientele, they are well paid for their hard work — especially the chefs, who have to meet all kinds of demands even when the weather is too rough for the exterior crew. 

So, what is a Below Deck chef salary like, as the sole person cooking onboard?

What is the Chef’s salary on 'Below Deck?'

Captain Lee is back helming My Seanna for another season of Below Deck set in the Caribbean. With the departure of his long-time right-hand woman, Chief Stewardess Kate Chastain, he’s got a whole new crew to whip into shape. 

But one person who already seems to have everything under control is the yacht’s new chef: Rachel Hargrove.

This predominantly self-taught chef has quickly made a mark with her unflappable attitude and calm demeanor even in the face of the most demanding guests. Rachel keeps her galley in order and is experienced in a lot of different cuisines from around the world, which hopefully means she won’t get thrown by a request for vegan food… Ahem, Kiko.

But just how much does a talented chef like Rachel make? Charter companies pay each crew member a base salary, which depends on the size of the boat, the number of charter guests, and the professional role of the yachtie. 

On top of this base pay, cast members in the Bravo show also get additional tips and a small appearance fee from the network. 

According to the average salary rates for super-yacht chefs, they are estimated to make a base salary of anywhere between $85,000 and $100,000 for a standard charter season. The chef's specific rate would be determined by their professional qualifications, the ship’s itinerary, and the number of charter guests on-board — but they get to keep all the money they make since crews earn a tax-free income. 

'Below Deck' star Chef Ben Robinson.

In addition to the generous salary, the Below Deck chef would also benefit from the tips that guests leave at the end of each charter. On Below Deck , the crew customarily receive a tip that’s around 5 to 30 percent of the charter base fee, depending on the level of service and pampering that the guests receive. 

All told, Captain Lee's chef could potentially walk away from the season with over $100,000 for about six weeks of work. 

And since the Below Deck crew doesn’t work an entire yachting season, which is usually between four and five months, it’s entirely possible for the chef to finish out the season on another yacht and make even more money.

Sounds like we’re all about to quit our day jobs for the life of a yachtie!

Tune in to new episodes of Below Deck on Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.

Welcome to the Most Expensive Yacht in 'Below Deck' History

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Captain Lee May Be Hard on the 'Below Deck' Staff but He's a Total Softie With His Wife

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Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

Yacht Captain Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$7500
• 30m-40m: $5500-$9500
• 40m-50m: $8000-$15000
• 50m-70m: $13000-$19000
• 70m+: $16500+

Requirements of a Yacht Captain

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years of experience as Chief Officer/Mate and more than 5 years of experience as a Captain for larger yachts
• Minimum level of Qualification: 200ton licence which allows you to drive vessels below 200tons

The Captain has the highest level of responsibility onboard the yacht and hence they earn the most out of all the yacht crew salaries.

Captains are accountable for the overall safety of the yacht, crew members and guests.

They also handle daily operations of the yacht, guests, and owner liaison. They deal with management companies, port control, budgets, human resources, and many more tasks and logistics that make the job demanding and stressful.

On top of this, Captains are required to hold high levels of certifications depending on the size of the yacht they are driving.

Yacht Captain salaries can sky rocket with higher levels of qualifications.

If you are looking to become a Yacht Captain one day I recommend looking into the courses required so you can get started with licenses and sea time. It takes time to get there, but when you do it will be worth it.

Chief Officer Yacht Salary

• 30m-40m: $4000-$6000
• 40m-50m: $4500-$7500
• 50m-70m: $5500-$9000
• 70m+: $8000+

Requirements of a Chief Officer

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 Years
• Minimum level of qualification: Officer of the Watch

The Chief Officer is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for carrying out the Captain’s standing orders.

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer is referred to as the Mate.

The Chief Officer is responsible for carrying out the safety duties onboard and assisting in the bridge with paperwork and navigational planning.

The Chief Officer is also responsible for leading and managing their deck team, ensuring crew are following their duties as well as managing the water sports and guest activities.

The salary of a Chief Officer depends heavily on the license held.

Bosun Yacht Salary

• Years of experience needed: 2-3 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Yacht Master Offshore
• A yacht Bosun salary can vary between $4000 and $6000.

Responsibilities of a Bosun

The Bosun is essentially the Lead Deckhand onboard. A lead deckhand salary on a larger vessel will be similar to that of a bosun salary on a smaller vessel.

This is an opportunity to step up from being a deckhand and gain some experience in a leadership role. This position is in place for larger yachts so that when the Officer is busy with bridge duties, someone is in charge on deck.

Yacht Deckhand Salary

Years of experience needed: 0

• Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage
• Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500.

Responsibilities of a Deckhand

A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

You need to spend a few years (or less) as a Deckhand in order to learn and gain experience so that you can step up in the ranks and obtain your licenses.

This role will be very hands-on in maintaining the exterior of the yacht. Duties will include cleaning, polishing, varnishing, sanding, caulking, and any other maintenance work required.

Chief Steward / Chief Stewardess Salary

• 30m-40m :$4500-$5500
• 40m-50m :$5000-$7000
• 50m-70m- $5500-$8000
• 70m+: $7500+

Responsibilities of a Chief Stewardess/Steward

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety, Silver Service, WSET, or a Purser course

The Chief Stewardess or Steward is responsible for all the interior operations of the yacht .

They are responsible for managing the interior team, and ensuring the interior of the yacht is maintained to the highest standards. Besides cleaning and laundry schedules , this also includes provisioning for crew and guests, budgeting, accounting, and training of junior crew.

Steward or Stewardess Yacht Salary

• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety and Silver Service
• Salaries start at $3000 and go up to $6000

Responsibilities of a Steward or Stewardess

A Stewardess/Steward is an entry-level position working within the interior of the yacht.

There are rankings within the interior (2nd, 3rd, 4th Steward/Stewardesses). As you spend more time in the industry, you will be promoted to higher ranks, and with that will come a better salary and more responsibility.

This role covers a range of tasks, including but not limited to housekeeping, laundry, bartending, table scaping, floral arrangements, serving, and hosting guests.

Engineer Yacht Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$5000
• 30m-40m: $4500-$6500
• 40m-50m: $6000-$8000
• 50m-70m: $7500-$11000
• 70m+: $9000+

Requirements of an Engineer

• Years of experience needed: 2-4 years in an engineering role onboard as Deck/Engineer or relevant land-based experience
• Minimum level of qualification: AEC

The Engineer onboard is responsible for all mechanical functioning and maintenance of the vessel. This is a very technical role that can pay well as you gain experience and obtain your licensing.

Yacht Chef Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000 – $5000
• 40m-50m: $5500 – $75000
• 50m-70m: $6500-$9500

Requirements of a Yacht Chef

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years depending on previous experience
• Minimum level of qualification: Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

The Chef is responsible for feeding the crew 2 to 3 healthy and sustainable meals a day. They are of course required to prepare meals for guests when onboard to the highest of standards.

In their day-to-day tasks, they will be responsible for their own provisioning of the galley, maintaining stocks, cleanliness, and hygiene of the galley.

The salary of the Yacht Chef varies depending on qualifications and experience.

Yacht Crew Salaries for Private vs Charter Yachts

There are two types of super yachts that require crew: Private and Charter yachts. The salaries for yacht crew differ slightly between the two.

Private Yacht

A private boat is owned by a single person or family who uses the yacht for their own purposes. They don’t charter it out and you can expect to have the same guests onboard for the duration of your contract.

The benefit of these programs is that you get to know your guests well so you may find it easier to manage their wants and needs.

You may also benefit from traveling to off-the-beaten-track locations as I have!

For yacht crew working on these private boats, you will usually not receive charter tips.

Charter Yacht

A charter boat is one that gets chartered out by guests. This operates as a business and also means you will have different guests for every trip. 

If you work on a charter boat you can expect to receive charter tips at the end of each charter. These are usually 10%-20% of the charter fee!

Considering these tips can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week depending on the size of the yacht, charter boats offer great earning potential and can skyrocket your salary as a yachtie.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

How to Write the Perfect Yacht CV [With Template]

A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

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• Galley Department

About the Chef

The chef aboard a yacht is a professionally trained culinary expert that is in charge of all guest and crew meals, provisioning and complete management of the galley. Effective organization of the galley involves a wide range of skills including but not limited to meal planning, provisioning, food safety and hygiene as well as administration and inventory. This position requires strong communication skills, extensive food/nutrition knowledge and creative plate presentation. Typically, the successful candidate will have at least two years working aboard a yacht of similar size in addition to shore side experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Provisioning of all food items
• Guest and crew meals and nutrition
• Food safety and storage standards
• Adhering to budget
• Galley and food inventory
• Galley safety and sanitary standards
• Management of other galley staff

Required Skills

• Vast knowledge of produce and ability to provision in obscure parts of the world
• Ability to provision to a budget
• Knowledge of nutrition, diets and allergies, food safety and storage
• Menu planning, varied repertoire and wine knowledge
• Excellent creativity and presentation skills
• Excellent communication skills and positive attitude
• Organized, time management and adaptability
• Accounting and computer skills
• Ability to overcome seasickness

Salary Modifiers

• Specialty cuisine experience/certification (i.e. vegan, macrobiotic)
• Experience provisioning in designated cruising area
• Resume “wow” factors (i.e. culinary competition winner, Michelin star head chef position)
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, executive chef.

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How much do yacht chefs make.

A job onboard a superyacht has many appealing features, especially for a budding chef.

If you love to travel and have been working towards a professional career in the food industry, have you ever thought of taking this to the open seas?

Working as a yacht chef could prove to be a very lucrative career, whilst broadening your horizons.

Not only will you be cooking aboard a unique luxury vessel, you may even be earning a tax free salary.

If circumstances are right, your salary could qualify you for the seafarers earnings deduction - yes, that means zero tax on income earned!

With living expenses including food, drink and board all taken care of, this is the ideal career to start putting that money away for future investments.

So there’s many reasons to embark on a catering career on board a yacht sailing the seas.

With that thought in mind, here’s some pertinent information about how you could embark on such an adventurous career, along with other relevant details relating to the job.

How to Become a Yacht Chef

Stcw basic safety training, eng 1 medical certificate, food safety & storage training, sommelier training, silver service qualification, commercial kitchen experience, regional produce, work to budgets, nutrition, diet & allergy knowledge, flexible meal planning, presentation skills, team working, organisational skills, accountancy & computer literacy, typical yacht chef duties, 20-40m vessel, 40-60m vessel, 60m+ vessel, 80m+ vessel, do yacht chefs earn tips.

So how do you bag yourself a dream job as a chef aboard a superyacht?

It’s not such a common vacancy to come across, so there’s bound to be fierce competition for such a unique career opportunity.

It’s best to start off by pointing out that yacht chefs are generally recruited from those already employed as sous chefs or head chefs within the catering industry.

They are commonly plucked from professional kitchens in luxury hotels and high end restaurants.

That said, this does not necessarily mean that if you’ve never worked in such a post then there’s no chance of you becoming a yacht chef.

In most cases, you’ll probably be required to gain experience working as a second chef or a crew chef on a yacht before getting the top job.

In fact, crew chef roles are considered to be an ideal way to break into the industry.

Whilst working in such a post, you’ll have the opportunity to gain experience as well as build relationships with suppliers.

It’s a great way to gain considerable job experience and insight in the industry without having the whole pressure of serving all the guests onboard.

Besides such job experience, it’s also crucial that you have a positive outlook, and are a confident and flexible person.

Culinary experience and a flair to create tasty dishes is indispensable, but you also need to have such personal qualities to do well in such an environment.

And of course, you will need to have all the relevant training and qualifications to back you up.

We’ll be exploring this important point in the next chapter.

Qualifications Required

There’s a number of qualifications you should try to acquire prior to applying for any chef related posts onboard a yacht:

The STCW Basic Safety Training course is a must for anyone working on board a sea vessel.

This certification demonstrates you have the necessary skills to identify any safety hazards while working at sea, and how to respond accordingly in an emergency situation.

In fact, this course includes training in areas such as personal survival, first aid, security awareness, fire prevention and fire fighting.

The ENG1 Medical certificate is also a must-have.

It ensures that you’ve had a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner, and are certified to be fit to work on board a sea vessel.

This is important both for your own safety as well as for those around you.

You’ll be working with food, and so naturally you should have training and knowledge surrounding the proper storage and handling of foods.

The Food Hygiene Level 2 course, for instance, is considered to be a must for such a role.

Sommelier training is seen as an asset if you’re considering applying for a yacht chef role.

This is a rather extensive course which helps you to develop a good understanding of food and wine, including wine sensory analysis and wine production, among others.

Sommelier training places a lot of importance on establishing a good balance between theory, serving and tasting, among other important areas.

It’s recommended that you have a silver service qualification .

This will demonstrate you have the relevant experience of working in a fine dining restaurant or catering establishment where a high level of personalised attention to the diner is considered imperative.

Necessary Experience

Formal training is of great importance, but there’s some things which you will learn from experience.

Some of these include:

Working in a commercial kitchen will offer you great insight into cooking on a large scale.

This will enable you to keep up with high demands and acquire the ability to work under pressure, but still manage to produce great results.

Commercial kitchen experience will allow you to gain the skills needed to remain focused while working in a fast-paced environment, while also being involved in menu planning, for example.

It’s important to have some knowledge about regional produce which is available in the particular cruising ground.

This will need to be acquired for meal preparation whilst you’re moving from port to port.

You’ll be faced with a budget that you will need to stick to.

Hence, whatever you decide to purchase in order to prepare the meals should be well thought out, as working with budgets is not always that easy.

You need to have the confidence that despite the possible financial restrictions, you will still be able to prepare a varied menu to suit diverse guest demands.

When it comes to food preparation, it’s important to be knowledgeable regarding food allergies, as well as different diets.

A chef should also be well aware of nutritional information.

Considering the various guests that will be on board, not to mention crew members who will be dining on board, you will need to be able to plan meals in an efficient and knowledgeable manner.

Flexible menu planning is thus of great importance, especially since there may be times when supplies on board may not be that varied or plentiful.

Food preparation serves very little unless proper presentation is given just as much importance.

As a chef you will need to have great presentation skills as the food should look appetising and tasty at first glance.

Having good team-working skills is also considered to be of great importance for a chef.

You will have kitchen helpers and other staff to work with and to delegate to.

As a yacht chef you will practically be the culinary manager on board.

Hence, you need to have good organisational skills to suitably plan, manage and delegate various tasks to different people working with you.

Other relevant skills which will always come in handy when you have a certain role include accountancy and computer literacy skills.

Whilst menu and meal preparation is generally considered to be the main duties of a yacht chef, it’s worth pointing out that there’s also other matters which such a person will be required to take care of.

Organising the kitchen or galley is another prime role of a yacht chef, and this includes provisioning, food safety and storage, hygiene, inventory and other administrative duties which will come into play for the efficient running of the kitchen.

Yacht chefs will also be focusing on presentation aspects of the meals.

While the nutritional and taste elements are of utmost importance, all chefs know that food presentation is crucial.

As a yacht chef, you’ll be required to create exquisite dishes to please the guests, and whenever possible, surpass their expectations.

This is even more important if you’re working on board a yacht where high net-worth or important individuals are dining, as needless to say, they will be expecting the very best.

Hence, working as a yacht chef is quite challenging.

Moreover, you will often need to be prepared to work rather long hours.

Yacht Chef Salary Ranges

Note: above monthly salary ranges shown as a guide only at the time of publication, and may not reflect actual yacht crew salary received.

Yacht chef salary ranges vary depending on the size of the vessel where they are employed, and whether prepared meals are going to be for all the guests as well as crew members.

In the case of yachts which are smaller than 50 metres, generally there will be just one yacht chef, and so they will need to take care of all meal preparations.

On the other hand, if the yacht is larger, there will be executive chefs and crew chefs working alongside the yacht chefs, with the former cooking for guests and the latter taking care of crew meal preparation.

On very large yachts exceeding 100 metres, there will generally be three or four yacht chefs on board.

It’s also worth noting that in the case of rotation workers, the salary can be a bit higher than that of a yacht chef who is employed on a permanent basis.

However, generally rotational employment is not that common as the majority of yacht chefs are in permanent charter or secure private yacht jobs.

The monthly yacht chef salary on board such a relatively small vessel is generally between $4,750 and $7,000.

Generally the salary on board such a yacht is around $7,500 per month.

For yacht chefs working on board a vessel of this size the salary is around $8,750 monthly.

In the case of such relatively bigger yachts, the salary range for a yacht chef is in the range of $8,750 and $10,500 monthly.

Yes, just like other crew members, yacht chefs also earn tips.

A typical charter tip is around 10% of the charter fee, although this could vary from one yacht to another, and depending on the guests.

But remember, all income on board a yacht is subject to taxation.

However, if you spend a certain number of days at sea, any income earned as a yacht chef could potentially be tax free under HMRC’s seafarers earning deduction rules.

The only surefire way to know this is to take a residency test , which will determine how and where you need to declare your income.

Culinary training and experience are important skills for any budding yacht chef.

But as discussed, there’s also other skills and qualities which will help you secure such a post.

It’s highly recommended that you register with some crew agencies to try to get a placement.

And always try to work on networking, showing a positive and flexible outlook, and demonstrate that you are a creative and proactive person.

These are all important for such a role. Good luck!

If you're curious about a career in yachting, then drop us a line.

Simply get in touch with us today or leave some feedback to our article in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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Yacht chef salary in the united states.

How much does a Yacht Chef make in the United States? The salary range for a Yacht Chef job is from $36,080 to $53,073 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Yacht Chef job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

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Highest Paying Cities for Yacht Chef in the United States

States with higher salaries for yacht chef, how much do similar professions get paid in the united states, how much should you be earning, what does a yacht chef do.

If you have worked as a chef before then it is much easier to get a chef job onboard a yacht, they are always looking for chefs with experience.

When you go on to work on bigger yachts of 100 + meters, most chefs work 2 months on and have 2 months off.

So, just how real is this account of luxury on the open ocean? "Poor management, poor behavior, bad seamanship," says David Skolnick, an accomplished yacht chef.

"The world is my home, and super yachts are just part of my commute." Cunningham dabbled in a lot of industries before settling into the yacht life—travel agent, tech journalist, website developer—but never thought about pursuing a culinary degree before becoming a yacht chef.

Whether you are looking for a yacht crew vacancy as a deckhand, engineer, onboard masseuse, yacht stewardess, experienced yacht chef, chief stewardess, purser, first officer or yacht captain, manage your yacht career by registering with Club Bluewater.

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How Much Do Chefs On Yachts Make? (The Surprising Truth)

Have you ever wondered what life would be like as a chef on a luxurious yacht, whipping up gourmet meals for the wealthy and famous? Its a job that many dream of, but how much do yacht chefs actually make? In this article, well take a look at the surprising truth about yacht chef salaries.

Well cover overviews of yacht chefs, factors that influence their salaries, average salaries, benefits of the job, how to become a yacht chef, tips for success, as well as the pros and cons of the job.

Read on to discover the potential of becoming a yacht chef!.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The salary of chefs on yachts can vary significantly depending on the size of the yacht, the chef’s experience, and the location of the yacht.

Generally, chefs on yachts make between $2,000 and $10,000 per month, with higher wages for larger yachts and more experienced chefs.

Some chefs may also receive additional benefits such as shared accommodations, meals, and travel expenses.

Overview of Yacht Chefs

Yacht chefs are highly skilled professionals who are responsible for preparing and serving high-quality meals for yacht owners, guests, and crew members.

They must be creative and innovative, as well as experienced in both traditional and modern cuisine.

Yacht chefs must be able to work in a variety of environments, from small and intimate vessels to large and luxurious vessels, and must be able to adjust their menus to accommodate different tastes, dietary requirements, and budgets.

Yacht chefs are expected to be able to plan, purchase, prepare, and serve meals for guests, crew, and owners.

They must also be able to manage their budgets, maintain the yacht’s galley to health and safety standards, and provide a high level of customer service.

Yacht chefs are expected to be able to work long hours, as they may be required to work on short notice and may be required to work on holidays and weekends.

Factors Influencing Yacht Chef Salaries

Yacht chefs on private vessels can make anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000 a month, depending on a variety of factors.

These include the size of the yacht, how often it sails, and the chef’s level of experience.

The size of the yacht is one of the most important factors influencing a yacht chef’s salary.

Larger yachts require more experienced chefs and can pay higher salaries, while smaller yachts may pay lower salaries.

Additionally, the location of the yacht can have an impact on the salary.

Yachts sailing in areas with higher costs of living may pay higher salaries compared to those sailing in areas with lower costs of living.

The amount of time spent onboard can also affect a yacht chef’s salary.

Those who spend more time onboard may receive higher salaries compared to those who spend less time onboard.

Additionally, the length of the voyage can also influence the salary, with longer voyages typically paying higher salaries.

Finally, the level of experience of the yacht chef is another important factor.

Chefs with more experience and a greater level of skill may command higher salaries compared to those with less experience.

Additionally, the chef’s reputation in the industry can also have an impact on the salary, with more highly-regarded chefs typically receiving higher salaries.

In addition to their salaries, yacht chefs often receive generous benefits, such as free meals and accommodation.

They may also receive bonuses for completing longer trips, making their salaries even more attractive.

In conclusion, yacht chefs can make a significant amount of money, with salaries ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 a month.

Factors such as the size of the yacht, how often it sails, and the chef’s level of experience can all influence the salary.

Additionally, many yacht chefs receive generous benefits, such as free meals and accommodation, as well as generous bonuses for completing longer trips.

Average Salaries for Yacht Chefs

The salary of a yacht chef can vary greatly depending on the size of the yacht, how often it sails, and their level of experience.

Generally, yacht chefs can expect to make between $3,000 and $20,000 a month, with the average salary ranging from $4,000 to $8,000 a month.

Those working on larger yachts or those with more experience can expect to make higher salaries, while those working on smaller yachts or with less experience can expect to make lower salaries.

It’s important to note that the amount of time spent onboard can also influence the salary of a yacht chef.

Those who are onboard full-time can expect to make higher salaries than those who are onboard part-time.

Similarly, those who are onboard for longer trips can expect to receive generous bonuses for their work.

In addition to the salary, yacht chefs also receive generous benefits, including free meals and accommodation.

This can be a great perk for those looking to save money while working on a yacht.

Furthermore, many yacht chefs are eligible for performance bonuses, depending on the success of the voyage.

Benefits of Being a Yacht Chef

Being a yacht chef comes with some serious perks.

Aside from the obvious benefit of earning a good salary, yacht chefs also get to enjoy a unique lifestyle.

Not only do they get to travel to exotic places, but they also get to experience the luxuries of living on a yacht.

Additionally, yacht chefs often receive generous benefits, such as free meals and accommodations, as well as generous bonuses for completing longer trips.

Yacht chefs also get to work in a highly collaborative environment.

Yachts typically have a small crew, so chefs work closely with each other to create meals that are both delicious and visually appealing.

This collaborative atmosphere allows chefs to develop close relationships with the other crew members, creating an enjoyable and rewarding work experience.

Finally, yacht chefs get to experience incredible sights and sounds.

Yacht chefs often see dolphins, whales, and other marine life while sailing, as well as some of the worlds most beautiful sunsets.

Overall, being a yacht chef can be a highly rewarding experience.

Not only do chefs get to enjoy a good salary, but they also get to experience a unique lifestyle and work in a highly collaborative environment.

Additionally, yacht chefs get to experience incredible sights and sounds while sailing around the world.

How to Become a Yacht Chef

Becoming a yacht chef can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice for those with a passion for cooking and the sea.

Yacht chefs are in high demand due to the unique and demanding environment that comes with working on a yacht.

To become a yacht chef, one must first have a passion for cooking.

The job requires an in-depth knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and storage.

Additionally, yacht chefs must be able to create delicious meals with limited resources, often in tight quarters and with limited time.

In addition to culinary expertise, yacht chefs must also have strong leadership and organizational skills.

Yacht chefs must be able to efficiently manage their time and resources in order to provide the best possible meals for their guests.

Furthermore, they must be able to effectively manage staff and ensure that all health and safety regulations are followed.

Yacht chefs must also have excellent customer service skills in order to successfully interact with guests.

Yacht chefs must be able to quickly respond to requests and provide excellent customer service.

Additionally, yacht chefs must be able to work with the yachts other staff members in order to ensure that all safety and operational procedures are followed.

Finally, yacht chefs must also possess strong sailing skills.

Yacht chefs must be able to navigate the yacht safely and efficiently in order to ensure the safety of the guests and crew.

Additionally, yacht chefs must be able to anticipate potential problems and take the necessary steps to avoid them.

If you have the passion and skills necessary to become a yacht chef, you can begin the process of applying for the job.

Many yachts advertise for openings on their websites or on job boards.

Additionally, many yacht companies have recruiters that are experienced in finding qualified yacht chefs.

Finally, networking is an important part of finding a job as a yacht chef.

Connecting with other yacht chefs and attending networking events can help you make valuable connections.

Tips for Succeeding as a Yacht Chef

For those looking to become a yacht chef, there are a few tips to help ensure success.

First and foremost, having experience as a chef in the culinary world is essential.

As a yacht chef, you will be expected to provide delicious and sophisticated meals to guests and crew.

Having a solid foundation in high-end cuisine and knowledge of the latest food trends is critical.

Additionally, having a good understanding of the fundamentals of food safety and kitchen sanitation is essential for the health and safety of everyone onboard.

It is also important to possess great organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

As a yacht chef, you will be responsible for planning and preparing meals for large groups, often in tight spaces and with limited resources.

Being able to think quickly on your feet and multitask is essential.

Additionally, having a good understanding of nutrition and dietary restrictions is important for ensuring guests enjoy their meals and stay healthy during their time onboard.

Finally, it is important to have excellent communication and people skills.

As a yacht chef, you will be working with a variety of different people, such as the crew, guests, and other staff.

Being able to interact and work with them in a professional and friendly manner is essential.

Additionally, having good problem-solving skills is important for managing any issues that may arise while preparing meals.

Pros and Cons of Being a Yacht Chef

Being a yacht chef can be an exciting and rewarding career, but it can also have its challenges.

For starters, the job requires long hours and can involve working in a variety of conditions, from a hot galley to a cold deck.

Working on a yacht also means dealing with a wide range of personalities, from the owners and guests to the crew.

Additionally, yacht chefs must be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure, as well as be able to adapt to changing menus and tastes.

On the other hand, there are some notable perks to being a yacht chef.

For one, the job provides a great opportunity to travel, as many yachts sail the globe.

Additionally, the financial rewards can be quite generous, with the potential to earn up to $20,000 a month, depending on the size of the yacht and the chefs experience.

Many yacht chefs also receive generous benefits, including free meals and accommodation, as well as bonuses for completing longer trips.

Ultimately, the pros and cons of being a yacht chef depend on the individual.

For some, the unique challenges and travel opportunities make it a rewarding career, while for others, the long hours and challenging working conditions make it a less than ideal job.

Final Thoughts

Being a yacht chef can be a lucrative and rewarding career.

With salaries ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 a month, depending on the size of the yacht and the chef’s experience, it can be an excellent way to make a living.

What’s more, many yacht chefs receive generous benefits, including free meals and accommodation, as well as bonuses for completing longer trips.

If you’re interested in becoming a yacht chef, make sure to do your research, gain experience in the culinary field, and be prepared to work hard.

With the right skills and dedication, you could find yourself sailing the seas and experiencing the world in a way few ever get to.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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YACHT CHEF JOBS

What is a galley without its chef? A vital and rewarding role onboard any yacht, a yacht chef keeps all its crew, guests and owners well-fed and happy. Similar to any head chef in a restaurant, a yacht chef has to be even more creative with their talents, as they must perform their tasks on board of a moving vessel – with occasionally limited, or hard to come-by supplies. Part entertainer, full-time cook, a yacht chef will have to be aware of all dietary needs, allergies and food requirements of those on board while being able to work hard under pressure. Most yacht chefs will have likely started their career in a restaurant or hotel before making the switch to the yachting industry.

If you have excellent cooking, cleaning and management skills, together with a charismatic and solid personality, then why not apply for a position as a yacht chef? It’s recommended to start a yachting career as a crew chef, or sous chef for a few seasons before applying for a head Chef role. Browse through our full yacht chef job listings today.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A yacht chef’s responsibilities include preparing and cooking three meals a day. Yacht chefs must also manage their food budget and deal with the galley accounts, overseeing the safe food storage and stock control. As most guests aboard any yacht are accustomed to dining at the finest restaurants around the world, a skilled yacht chef must be flexible, very skilled and be able to prepare a broad repertoire of foods from around the world. Maintaining high levels of food and personal hygiene are also key aspects of a yacht chef’s role.

YACHT CHEF SALARIES

acht chef salaries tend to vary, depending on the level of experience as well as the size and type of yacht they are working on. Head chefs’ salaries can range from €3,500 to €10,000 a month, depending on the size of the vessel. Sous chefs average pay scale varies from €3,000 to €6,000 per month. Yachts between 81m and 100m offer the highest average monthly pay for both roles.

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Screen Rant

The below deck crew's salary & how much they make on the show.

Cast members on Below Deck not only make their salary for doing their job on the boat, but they also make a fee for appearing in the series.

• Crew members on Below Deck not only get paid for their job on the superyacht but also receive a fee for appearing on the reality series.
• The cast members of Below Deck make impressive salaries for working just four months out of the year.
• In addition to their salaries, the crew members also receive tips from the guests on the yacht, which can be substantial.

Not only does the crew on Below Deck get paid for their designated job, but they also receive a fee for appearing in the reality series. The franchise features long-time and new crew members eager to make a name for themselves in the yachting industry. Those who join Below Deck use the platform to help advance their careers by appearing on TV. While the work on a superyacht might seem hard, the cast's compensation makes it all worth it.

The popular Bravo reality series Below Deck hit viewers' TV screens for the first time in 2013. Since then, the show has garnered quite a large following, with the binge-worthy series Below Deck as one of the highest-rated shows on Bravo. After being on for so many years, there are questions regarding how much the cast makes, both for being part of the show and for their regular crew duties. For only working four months out of the year, the cast creates an impressive salary that would have anyone convinced yachting is a good career choice.

20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

The below deck crew makes a salary & an appearance fee.

According to Refinery29 , the cast of Below Deck makes quite a hefty salary for simply doing their superyacht job. For example, on a yacht the size of the My Seanna from Below Deck , a second and third steward makes about $5,000 monthly, while a chief steward brings in around $5,500 to $6,000 monthly. The chef makes about $7,000-$10,000 a month, depending on experience and training. The deckhands usually make around $3,500-$4,500 a month, while a bosun would make a little more at approximately $5,000 monthly.

The Below Deck Crew Also Brings In Tips

The crew even receives tips from the guests on top of their salaries. On Below Deck , they usually bring in around $15,000 per person in tips for about six weeks of work. Plus, the team does not work a whole yacht season, so they likely make more as they move from boat to boat. The Captain usually makes between $150,000 to $210,000 a year working on a 185-foot superyacht , assuming the Captain is working full-time. Additionally, the Captain can make up to $100,000 on top of the salary they are getting if they charter their yacht for the entire year.

On top of the money they make on the yacht, the crew also gets a small fee for appearing on Below Deck . According to Page Six , the crew makes about $5,000-$6,000 per month. Ashley Marti from Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 3 confirmed this and believes the Bravo pay discrepancy with Below Deck is unfair. The Real Housewives makes upwards of $1 million per season, while the Southern Charm cast makes around $25,000 an episode.

Since Bravo has created such a cult following in the past few years, many doors open for the cast members they hire. Now, crew members from any Below Deck series can make appearances for a small fee and profit from their fame on social media. In short, it pays to work on a yacht and to appear on a reality TV show.

Below Deck airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on Bravo.

Sources: Refinery29 , Page Six

Below Deck is a popular reality TV franchise that focuses on a group of crew members as they work on luxurious yachts and cater to their client's needs. After the original series proved to be a success, Bravo developed a handful of spinoff shows including Below Deck Selling Yacht, Below Deck Adventure, Below Deck Down Under, and Below Deck Mediterranean.

Yacht Crew Salaries

Average starting salary guidelines.

The crew salaries reflected below have been derived from placement records and job orders for both power and sail, reflected as an average, received by Crewfinders within the past year and may change without notice.

The Quick & Easy Guide to Superyacht Chef Careers

This article is the latest instalment in our series of guides on superyacht careers. We’ve already covered deck , interior and engineering careers, but today it’s time to get delicious and discuss the career pathways for chefs on board yachts. 

As always, the information in this guide is brought to you by the experts at the careers guidance platform, Academy by Ephemeris . Start or advance your yachting career with Academy by Ephemeris, the only online tool that connects superyacht crews and aspiring crew with yachting industry training providers worldwide. 

What does a superyacht chef do? 

A superyacht chef is in some ways, the central character in a guest or owner’s experience on board. They are the unsung heroes that use the culinary arts to turn yacht voyages into unforgettable memories, and it’s all done from the galley - the marine industry term for the onboard kitchen. 

The chef’s primary responsibility is planning, preparing and cooking food for the guests/owner, the captain and the crew. But there’s a lot more to the chef’s job, too. 

The chef’s daily responsibilities include regularly provisioning all required food items, which also entails frequent food inventory records to ensure that any food items required for a particular trip or charter booking, are ordered and delivered on time. They are also responsible for checking that all received food items meet the yacht’s standards, following which all items must be safely and correctly stored according to all required food safety and storage standards. 

Galley safety and sanitary standards are also the chef’s responsibility, and if other galley staff are on board - as they may be on larger yachts - the chef is responsible for managing those staff, too. 

How do I become a superyacht chef, what qualifications do I need?

Generally, you would begin by obtaining formal food preparation training, such as an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Diploma from the City & Guilds framework. 

Next, you will need a minimum of a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate. This internationally accredited certificate is a mandatory requirement for all food handlers and servers. It teaches the basic knowledge of how to safely store, handle, cook and serve food onboard a superyacht in a hygienic and safe manner. 

For chefs working on commercially registered yachts (charter yachts) and/or chefs cooking for 10 or more crew, a further requirement - the Ship's Cook Certificate – was introduced as part of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) in 2014. 

Rather than being a course to teach superyacht standard food for guests, the Ship's Cook Certificate was created with the purpose of ensuring that cooks working on commercial vessels have the basic skills and knowledge to cook for the crew on board. 

“The Ship's Cook Assessment for the Certificate is designed to ensure a basic minimum standard – it is not designed to catch people out. If you know how to cook and you operate using best practice, there is no reason why you will not pass the assessment,” explained Chef Duncan Biggs, MD of OceanWave Monaco. 

In order to attain a Ship’s Cook Certificate, you will need the following: 

• Proof of at least one month’s sea time, at sea or alongside. 
• Proof of at least one year as a chef or as a cook in a professional working environment. 
• Certificate of successful completion of the Assessment in Marine Cookery. 
• Class-based Food Safety Level 2 (MCA - Maritime and Coastguard Agency) or Level 3 (Cayman Islands). 

A formal competency check via the Ship's Cook Certificate of Competency is mandatory, even if you hold an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) or NVQ Level 4 to UK standards. 

All crew, including chefs, need an STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers) certificate in order to work on a yacht. This is a five day course that covers general safety at sea. You will also need to obtain an ENG1 medical certificate from a certified medical practitioner. 

Is it better to start off working onshore? 

The majority of yacht chefs train and develop their skills onshore first before pursuing a cheffing career at sea. Chefs who have had extensive training and career experience on shore, particularly if they have worked in fine dining or Michelin-starred restaurants, are highly sought-after on yachts. 

Is cheffing at sea any different to cheffing ashore? 

Yes, it’s very different! 

A head yacht chef is responsible for meal planning, menu development, food provisioning and preparation, cooking and galley cleanliness. On smaller yachts, chefs often work alone, further adding to their workload. 

Additionally, superyacht chefs - especially those on board charter vessels - need to have the ability to perfectly cook a wide range of cuisines and accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, including gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, all prepared to a very high standard. Guests accustomed to dining in the world’s best restaurants expect a similar level of culinary perfection on board. 

There are logistical differences, too. 

If a chef onshore needs an ingredient at the last minute, it can often be sourced relatively quickly and easily - sometimes even from a nearby store. At sea, however, a chef must be prepared to be much more resourceful given that it’s more challenging to source provisions, particularly at short notice, so a missing or spoiled ingredient can otherwise quickly become a disaster. Though larger yachts typically have more galley staff, it is generally still not to the extent of kitchens ashore and even then, yacht chefs must simply be more resourceful while being prepared to be busy for longer hours every day. 

What are the different roles within the yacht chef pathway? 

Yachting’s culinary world offers several distinct roles. 

Junior Chef: This role offers newly trained chefs a chance to familiarise themselves with the nuances of yacht kitchen operations while learning vital occupational skills from more experienced professional chefs. By assisting seasoned chefs, junior chefs lay the groundwork for their journey ahead. 

Sous Chef: Positioned as the second-in-command to the head chef, the sous chef becomes the cornerstone of the galley, often stepping in to lead the culinary charge. 

Specialty Chefs: For those with a unique culinary passion, such as pastries or sushi, specialised roles - when available - provide a platform for niche creativity. 

Head Chef: At the apex of the galley staff hierarchy, the head chef orchestrates the galley's operations, ensuring every dietary requirement and preference is exquisitely catered to. 

Conclusion  

Climbing the ranks in the superyacht chef’s culinary world necessitates a commitment to continuous learning. Of course, exploration of diverse global cuisines and networking within the superyacht community can propel your career substantially, but getting started requires having the right training. That’s where Academy by Ephemeris comes in. 

Using the Academy by Ephemeris platform, you can access the training you need to begin, develop or advance your chef yachting career - or any career on yachts - wherever you are in the world. Academy by Ephemeris is designed to connect you with the right courses from carefully vetted training providers worldwide, whenever you need them. 

Finally, a big thank you to Chef Duncan Biggs at OceanWave Monaco for his assistance with this article.

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Should I work on a private yacht or charter yacht as a chef?

There are always so many questions regarding private or charter yachts, especially starting out in the industry, which one do you go for? Which route do you take?

Everyone seems to have an opinion about working on charter vs private yachts. A yacht chef salary on each can vary considerably, which of course will sway your opinion on what sort of super yacht you want to work on. After all, who doesn’t want to be on a decent salary!

Read Also: Should I be a crew chef on yachts to enter the industry?

But there is more to it. Private yachts and charter yachts are run very different. Not only do they offer different cruising programmes, salaries and bonuses but they also often have a totally different vibe on board. And I don’t just mean with the crew. Sometimes guest interaction can be a totally different ball game too.

Let me explain…

Private yachts vs charter yachts

Private Super Yachts

Some of my favourite yachts to work on have been private yachts. Having that personal connection with the owners can really turn your job into an awesome one. Working as a chef certainly has it’s perks. It is not unheard of for yacht owners to like their chef so much, that they are whisked away in the private jet. Many go on to work at other land based estates or villas for the owners. While some accompany the guests on their other luxury vacations and continue working as a private chef.

Working on private yachts as a chef also means learning to know their preferences. As a chef, you get to know your guests intimately. You will know very quickly which foods and cuisines they love and which ones they don’t. Private yachts give you the time to develop menus perfectly catered for your guests. You can still surprise them with new and exciting dishes, but with the insider knowledge that you understand their palate.

“When you can make anything and everything you want because you know the owners will love it makes such a difference to any chef job”

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it can be the opposite. The owners may want to eat the same dishes, with the same ingredients all the time. It’s then up to you to try and sway them to try new things, again if you can. Some yacht chefs love this sort of work. You can pump out the dishes almost on autopilot and use the crew to experiment on instead.

When working on private boats having the same owners can be a blessing. You can become very close to them and their friends and extended families.

Being present with them at every meal adds a personal touch. It shows that you really care about what they think of your food. Depending on the owners, this feeling of appreciation can go both ways.

Provisioning on a private yacht

Provisioning for a private boat is sometimes a lot easier as again, you know what ingredients the guests like. Private yachts have varied budgets for the galley. Some private yachts will be just as extravagant with the guests and crew food budgets. While others will really tighten the reins. There is no hard and fast rule on galley budgets for private yachts. It is worth clarifying this in your interview before you accept the job!

Which brings us to the money.

How much money does a private yacht chef make?

Do you make less money working on a private boat? Do private yachts still tip at all? I’m sure you have heard these sorts of conversations happening with other green crew over beers at the local dock bar. It’s normal to wonder what the average wages are as a chef on yachts. After all, we dedicate our lives to being at sea and away from our loved ones. It’s only fair to assume we get paid well for it.

A yacht chef working on a privately owned yacht does generally get paid a little bit less on the their monthly salary over someone on the same sized boat working charter. However… and this is important … A yacht chef on a private yacht may not be under the same workload as a charter yacht chef. Furthermore, a yacht chef on a private boat may also be privy to more lenient downtime, or more accrued leave on their contract. And that’s without even discussing possible rotation!

Private yacht chef owners and their quirks

If you are on a smaller private yacht, say, under 70m, often the guests will communicate better with the chef. You might be informed of parties and additional guests well in advance so you can plan. Or you may have your owners trip dates planned months ahead too. Of course, you may end up on a private yacht where the owners do not communicate much. Or who show up with a few hours notice and expect a sit-down lunch for 25 of their closest friends. You win some, you lose some.

Every private yacht owner is different, and their preferences and diets are also varied. With private yachts, you will know during the interview process how the boat will be run. From there you can decide if the programme and preferences are your sort of vibe or not. If it’s not, there will no doubt be another private yacht owner who is better suited.

Niche chefs will most likely be more interested in working for a private yacht owner. If you are a specialised chef in certain cuisines, such as Jewish, Vegan, Russian or Middle Eastern, you may prefer an owner who also enjoys those cuisines frequently.

Private yachts are known to be the ‘safer’ option. But this is not always the case. A lot of chefs love the element of surprise and to show their creativity more. So this leads me nicely onto charter yachts. 

Charter Superyachts

I have worked on some awesome charter yachts, but like any yacht they have their positives and negatives. A good charter yacht is a totally different world in yachting. Working on a charter yacht as a chef can be one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. Why?

Because, every, single trip is different!

This is the fun, most spontaneous part about working on a charter yacht. 

“You get that buzz, that anticipation that element of surprise every single time a new guest steps on board”

I actually find it quite thrilling when a guest steps on board and you only have the vague guest preference sheet to go off. Sometimes it can be the worst thing in the world, not knowing. Other times, it can be great because you are able to guide the guests into the charter experience that works best for you, and for their enjoyment.

The big questions are : Are they going to throw spontaneous parties?. Will they want beach BBQ’s daily?. Do they like small courses and lots of them or do they prefer a family style buffet dinner?

The list is endless, and it feels like a really difficult jigsaw puzzle to figure out at times. But when it all comes together, you will be riding that buzz of working the charter season to the end!

Charter guest preferences

The most important thing to have pre ready for any charter is a detailed preferences list, what the guests like and don’t like, because this is what you will base all of your dishes on. If you don’t have this, then the worlds your oyster- but not in a good way because you can plan all these wonderful meals and then have them come to you saying they don’t like caviar (as an example, and that is a real punch in the stomach)!! As you can guess this can be extremely stressful for any chef, so getting a DETAILED preference list is with utmost importance. 

Sometimes and actually quite often they have surprise guests turning up, or even guest switching mid trip (you may be lucky enough to get a pre warning about this, and you can get their preferences but not always) so this can throw a curve ball in and you have to think on your feet. 

Every meal is a chance to show what you can do, to show your creativity and really have fun and show all your skills with every dish you make. Some chefs love to do Michelin star like dishes, whilst others love to do more buffet style (especially if it’s a family or a chilled lunch) and also you can do live cooking shows – personally these always go down well with ANY guests I’ve ever had.

Charter yacht chef table service

I’ve also found that charter guests love to see the chef at every meal, they love to see the person behind the beautiful dishes they are receiving. 

Going out and seeing them to talk over your next meal ideas, or seeing what their plans are for activities so you can plan the type of lunch they would like I think is a bonus for them and also for you, you can plan more, which again is key. 

Be prepared for a random, spontaneous request at anytime. Often this is a birthday they forgot to tell you about (or 3 birthdays at one time- yes I’ve had this), or a 2am feast after they’ve got in from the nearest town (Be prepared to get out of bed anytime!) this can be tiring and overwhelming, and you may not get your 6 hours sleep every night, let alone have a break in the day. But being prepared for this and knowing that there will be times like this, eases the stress when it does happen, because it will! After all its charter and the charter does end eventually. 

So, how much does a charter yacht chef make? How big are those charter tips, really?

You may have heard that crew on charter yachts get tipped really well. You may have even heard the stories about certain yacht crews getting upwards of twenty thousand Euros for a charter. And while some of these stories are true. (Yes, I can vouch for knowing of a 20k+ tip) many are also inflated by other green crew wanting to sound “cool”.

A usual charter tip is around 10% of the charter cost, minus additional expenses from the APA.

TIPS ARE NOT GUARANTEED ON A CHARTER BOAT!

I cannot stress this enough. So many crew come on board a charter yacht thinking they have hit the big time and they they will walk away with full pockets from the tip. Be mindful that a tip is exactly that. Do not relay on it to bump up your wage.

Do not accept a low paying job on the basis that “We did 2375754 charters last season and the crew made millions”. #rolleyes

You should get between 700-2000Euros as a tip on yachts below 60m as a “bad” tip, and upwards of 2k for a week where you have happy guests who are also good tippers.

Yachts over 80m can easily get 5000Euro tips per week, but again, it is never guaranteed….

How to write an amazing CV to land you the best job possible in the industry. Buy your CV through our partners Superyachtcvs and ask about their chef websites.

So, should you work on a private or charter yacht?

Comparing charter and private is quite hard, because they really are so different depending on the guests or owners you have. Also the crew plays a massive role in this too.

I stand by saying that having a great crew around you is one of the MOST important aspects about working on any yacht, private or charter. Team work is key!

Working on a private yacht has a very different list of demands to working on a charter boat. Both can be tough, or easy, depending on your skills. Honestly, I think all yacht chefs should try and work both sides in their yachting career, just to get a taste for it.

What do you prefer? Private or charter?

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Situated in a bustling arts community on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been a part of the sailing community for over 100 years.

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A bareboat charter or demise charter is an arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a ship or boat, whereby no crew or provisions are included as part of the agreement; instead, the people who rent the vessel from the owner are responsible for taking care of such things. We are happy to arrange bareboat charters for qualified sailors who choose to go it alone. However, our specialty is to help you connect with knowledgeable captains and competent crew members to enhance your sailing experience by organizing your provisioning, planning your sailing itineraries, helping you manage meals and the galley and keeping you safe during your sailing adventure. Learn More .

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