Life aboard a superyacht offers a unique set of challenges and rewards, but there comes a time when many crew members consider transitioning to a shore-based role. With the transferable skills developed at sea, such as 7 star service, organisation, and technical know-how, former yacht crew are perfectly equipped for a range of careers on land. Here at Yotspot we can help you facilitate this transition as we not only connect crew with yacht jobs but also provide opportunities in shore-based ro... More
Unfortunately, like any industry, yachting has its share of people trying to exploit job seekers. Scammers may try to steal your personal information, request money, or worse. As you embark on your yachting career, it’s essential to stay informed, alert, and, most importantly, safe. Here are Yotspots Top Tips to help you avoid yachting job scams: 1.Meet in Public Places If you’ve agreed to meet a yacht captain , owner, or recruiter, ensure the meeting takes place in a pu... More
In late summer 2022, custom yacht builder Oceanco hosted a roundtable to discuss a revolutionary vessel concept – Aeolus – that would set new standards in superyacht design. Bringing together some of the sharpest creative and technical minds from the yacht industry and beyond, the meeting aligned with the goals of Oceanco ‘NXT’, an initiative that seeks to respond to evolving attitudes by harnessing perspectives and skillsets from different sectors. In attendance were Giles Taylor, a re... More
The tech platform and job board Yotspot, which is headquartered in Southampton and has a global reach, provides everything from deckhands to captains. It has seen huge growth in the last year, cementing its place as the market leader in providing crew on the world’s biggest private yachts. Founded in 2010, Steve Crawford and his business partner, Daryl Bradley, have spent the last 13 years helping people find work below deck. Last year Danielle McLaren was appointed managing directo... More
With boats of all sizes taking to the seas, are we seeing more accidents in yachting or is this just an artefact of increased yacht numbers? Let’s take a look at the questions around yachting safety. What factors contribute to high accident rates in yachting? The answer may not be as simple as ‘more boats on the water equals more accidents’. There could be other factors at play that are contributing to higher accident rates. For example, inexperienced boaters may have less knowledge abo... More
Sustainability in the superyacht industry extends beyond hardware and materials. Industry professionals and seafarers alike are taking an active interest in living and maintaining sustainable lifestyles aboard super yachts. Sustainable living is the new buzzword in the world of yachting, and for good reason. With the increasing concern over climate change and the need to reduce our carbon footprint, industry professionals and seafarers alike are growing ever aware of their impact on planet ea... More
It’s no secret that staying safe while navigating the seas can be a perilous endeavor. But what is the yachting industry doing to battle cyber security for yachts? As with any online activities, there are measures that yacht owners and crew must take to ensure their data is secure and their vessels remain protected. Let’s take a look at some of these steps and explore how they help protect yacht owners and crew members alike. It is essential that yacht owners and crew take measures to protect... More
UKSA, the Isle of Wight based charity and world-leading maritime training academy, recently announced a 150 percent year-on-year increase in the number of women taking up its Superyacht Cadetship course. For this year’s Women in Maritime Day (18 May 2022), one of its yachting instructors, Emily Caruso, shares why the tides are turning for women choosing a career on the water. “I remember when I began my career signing legal documents that referred without exception to the Skipper ... More
Superyacht owners, guests and crew have come to expect internet access on board consistent with services enjoyed on land, making VSAT connectivity a necessity for most vessels. With a plethora of options available, however, the VSAT marketplace can be difficult to navigate. Brian Monk, General Manager of Hill Robinson Communications, explains how Hill Robinson helps its clients find a VSAT plan tailored to each yacht’s individual requirements. Seamless connectivity is vital to any super... More
Hill Robinson and Moravia Yachting are delighted to announce their latest luxury service partnership, identifying LunaJets as their preferred supplier for client aviation requirements. The partnership will enable the Hill Robinson Group to further enhance its array of client services, providing best-in-class solutions and synchronised travel plans when facilitating journeys and experiences between the shore, sea, and sky. The Hill Robinson Group recognised a highly personalised approac... More
PRIOR TO DEPARTING FOR AN ADVENTUROUS PACIFIC CRUISE, 85M EXPEDITION YACHT BOLD WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW, HELD FROM 24 TO 27 MARCH. HILL ROBINSON SPEAKS TO CAPTAIN TODD LEECH ABOUT HOW THE YACHT PROVIDES THE IDEAL PLATFORM FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE SUCH DESTINATIONS. Aptly described as the Range Rover Sport pickup truck of the yachting world, 85m expedition yacht Bold’s entire operation revolves around the activities that it facilitates. As Captai... More
TAKING YOU FROM THE SEA TO THE SKY, HILL ROBINSON’S ALL-ENCOMPASSING AVIATION DIVISION COULD BE YOUR ANSWER TO AIRCRAFT CHARTER, LOGISTICAL OPERATIONS, PURCHASE AND MAINTENANCE OF AMPHIBIOUS CRAFT, FIXED-WING PLANES AND HELICOPTERS. The complementary relationship between superyachts, private jets and helicopters is clear, and Hill Robinson’s aviation division has expanded to meet the needs of their clients across all aspects. The use of private jets by superyacht owners and charterer... More
Welcome to the annual Superyacht Survey (2022) brought to you by Yotspot - The leading jobs board in the yachting industry.. and Faststream Recruitment Group . A total of 556 Superyacht Crew took part in this survey. It hasn’t been business as usual in the superyacht industry. In 2020 and the first half of 2021 yachts and crew were heavily impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many yacht itineraries were put on hold and some Captains and their crew found themselves facing period... More
UKSA has reported a 108 percent increase in the number of students choosing its Superyacht Hospitality training course in 2021 compared to 2019, with the average age of students reducing by nine years since 2015. The Isle of Wight based charity, which provides life-enhancing water-based adventures, education, and world-leading maritime training, launched the hospitality course which was specially designed by industry experts 15 years ago, to meet the growing demand for well-trained profession... More
UKSA has reported a 150 percent increase in the number of women undertaking its Superyacht Cadetship from 2020 to 2021 in a trend that sees a positive shift towards increased diversity in the superyacht sector. The Isle of Wight based charity, which provides life-enhancing water-based adventures, education, and world-leading maritime training, saw an increase in the number of women from six per cent to 15 percent from 2020-21 and a 26 percent increase in students taking up the course overall.... More
UKSA, the leading maritime education and training charity, is today announcing a new and exclusive collaboration with the team behind award-winning – The Little Gloster Restaurant and Rooms, a famed Isle of Wight bolthole run by Ben and Holly Cooke. As a result of the new partnership, UKSA has launched two new facilities in its training centre, a fully equipped cabin/dining room, alongside the superyacht galley and laundry room, giving students a comprehensive superyacht simulation experience... More
Hill Robinson is happy to announce that we have taken a significant step in offsetting the carbon footprint by our involvement in a new ‘blue’ carbon project Mikoko Pamoja . An estimated production of over 1,250 tonnes of CO2 will be counterbalanced by preserving mangrove conservation and restoration in Kenya. Mikoko Pamoja is the one of the world’s first blue carbon credit projects, comprising the protection of 117 ha (hectares) of mangrove forest and the re-forestation of a beach and sh... More
Leading maritime training and education charity, UKSA, is delighted to announce that 30 of its students, aged 18-25, have graduated from its flagship Superyacht Cadetship course. A virtual graduation ceremony was held over the weekend, attended by the students and their families, friends of UKSA, staff and funding partners. With the support of UKSA, over 40 per cent of the course’s graduates have already secured employment, with the remaining students actively seeking new opportunities ... More
The Pledge is a commitment by She of the Sea and signatory organisations to work together to build a diverse and inclusive Yachting industry. Organisations that sign the pledge represent the industry's early adopters and leaders within this global movement. The Pledge reflects a global aspiration to see diversity and inclusion at all levels realised. A diverse workforce is widely recognised to significantly outperform any other Jenny Matthews, Founder of She of the Sea, comments: “From ... More
Standing still is not an option in the fast growing Hill Robinson enterprise, from yacht and project management through aviation, real estate management, special projects, charter, crew and more. Adding new specialists in the various divisions both increases capacity and the knowledge base but is also a starting point for internal career development. In this instance we are pleased to announce the promotion of Kevin Laverty to Director of Projects. Kevin, who is part of the Isle of ... More
Luxury private estates worldwide can benefit from an exceptional new staff recruitment service from Hill Robinson. HREliteRecruit is the new recruitment division for all land-based staff. Exceeding clients' expectations on quality service with superyacht crew is the daily norm for Hill Robinson. To quote a client ''wouldn't it be good if the Hill Robinson service I expect on my yacht was available when I am ashore''. Step up the team at Hill Robinson with the perfect so... More
Edmiston and the UKSA are pleased to announce an important collaboration between Edmiston, one of the world’s leading yachting companies, and the UKSA, the leading maritime training organisation. The Edmiston Foundation has been established to address diversity within the Superyacht industry; specifically providing young people, especially those in the most underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, the opportunity to forge a career within the maritime industry. Young men and women from m... More
Josh Stickland, 31, has been announced as one of the eleven professional skippers to lead a novice team in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Race. The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams, with each made up of one Skipper, one Mate, and a crew of everyday people from many different wa... More
UKSA has been celebrating the graduation of young people from its Superyacht Cadetship - the flagship course for the charity and training centre – and has announced ambitious plans for greater funding to enable even more young people to access to the industry. A ceremony held on Friday, 8th March at UKSA’s base in Cowes, Isle of Wight, was attended by the students’ close family and friends, UKSA staff and the funding partners that make the professional course a viable option for many... More
The numbers are in for our written and oral exam pass rates in 2018! JPMA has always been known for high pass rates and the results speak for themselves. As we continue to provide training for those in the Superyacht, Workboat and Merchant industries, our first attempt passes have continued to impress. This is all thanks to the fantastic group of experienced marine professionals at JPMA who work very hard to make this possible. Managing Director, Anna Percival-Harris said “Deck and Engi... More
"A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor" Student Star Awards As an RYA and MCA training centre it is our aim to provide advice, training and guidance to all students we meet. Whilst our instructors are here to deliver education and training, they also emotionally support students throughout their studies, whether they’re attending a 1 day or 3 week course. During 2018 we asked our instructors to nominate students who they had taught during the year, who they felt had shown commitment ... More
UKSA is a charity that believes in harnessing the power of the sea to make a positive difference. We offer the very best professional maritime training courses alongside youth development programmes to transform young people’s lives. As a charity, the funds raised from our donors, sponsors and professional training courses help enhance the lives of the 10,000 individuals we welcome every year. Our flagship Superyacht Cadetship offers a unique opportunity and an excellent alternative to univer... More
We want to thank everyone who entered our Summer 2018 photo competition, ‘Now You Sea Me’! After much consideration, Lourentia Schreuder has been chosen as this year’s winner and takes home an Apple Watch Series 3! It was a tough decision, but the team loved Lourentia’s ‘Underwater Adventure’, as her photo creatively captures a diver entering seemingly crystal clear water and embraces crew downtime. (All other entries can be found on our Facebook page ) We received s... More
Are you busy with the seabobs, or have you launched the submarine yet? Are your guests obsessed with scuba, or have you made friends with any marine life this summer? Show us your 2018 underwater adventures! Simply share your snap on our Facebook post by clicking here . Our Admin team will be choosing the winner, and want to see something unique and fun! The winner will be announced on Friday 7th September and will receive an Apple Watch Series 3! Happy snapping! ... More
“Commitment to Training, Commitment to Crew” Student Star Awards As an RYA and MCA training centre it is our aim to provide advice, training and guidance to all students we meet. Whilst our instructors are here to deliver education and training, they also emotionally support students throughout their studies, whether they’re attending a 1 day or 3 week course. In 2017, we asked our instructors to nominate students who they had taught during the year, who they felt had shown commi... More
The Maritime Skills Academy is happy to announce it will be running the Approved Engine Course, starting April 2018. More
Hoylake Sailing School/John Percival Marine Associates was recently presented with an award from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), recognising the support that the school has given to the charity for over two decades, in the form of funds raised by selling RNLI merchandise and in-house collecting. During a small presentation held at Hoylake Lifeboat Station, attended by HSS/JPMA staff members and RNLI crew, Managing Director, Anna Percival-Harris paid tribute to her late... More
To round off our 20th anniversary year, during which we have run competitions, completed challenges, BBQ’d and other exciting events, we wanted to showcase one of our success stories, a student of whom we are extremely proud. Matt Pownall-Jones came to us 20 years ago, when he was just 16 years old and not really sure what to do with himself. He is now Captain of a new build 62m Dutch motor yacht, due to launch in early 2018. We posed some questions to him, which we thought may help anyo... More
Luxury Hospitality Management Reports Significant Growth and Broader Scope of Services and Training Luxury Hospitality Management , known as LH, has reported significant growth across all areas of the company over recent months. As 2017 draws to a close, LH stands strong for the year ahead with a reinforced training team, an extended range of courses and a broader scope of services, all of which have been implemented throughout this year. These developments form part of LH’s strategic g... More
On the 29th - 30th November 2017, RDT will be partnering with MedAire to deliver 2 workshops hihglighting the importance of telemedicine and trusted medical support during medical emergencies at sea. The workshops will take place at Composite Works shipyard in La Ciotat as part of ACREW's latest crew event. Timeline for Survival - 09:30 - 11:30am, 29th November Our trusted partner MedAire, will be providing insight into the reality of delivering assistance services to the yachting in... More
Luxury Hospitality Management, known as LH, are to form a partnership with TSF for the 2018 edition. The announcement follows an initial collaboration which took place at The Superyacht Forum during this week’s METSTRADE in Amsterdam. This newly established partnership marks a move between the 2 businesses to further address and recognise the importance of 7* luxury hospitality in Yachting. For LH, this cooperation with TSF not only reflects their dedication in bringing luxury hospitality to... More
We were very proud to once again announce the winner of this year’s John Percival Leadership Award at the 2017 Monaco Yacht Show. Paul Jones was the worthy winner following his nomination by ex-colleague, Christian Greenwood, who began working with Paul from 2011. Here’s what Christian had to say: “Paul is an ex-fisherman, so had an old school method about doing things, but they were always done with safety being the priority. He would figure things out on the spot better than an... More
Thank you to everyone that made it to the Viking Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) stand during The Monaco Yacht Show. It is always a pleasure to meet new and current clients, candidates and crew we speak too regularly and ones that want to meet for the first time. The overall atmosphere of the show was very positive, with a great deal of optimism about the future. It proved to be another fantastic and very busy show. An exciting element of this year’s show was the airing of our new promo... More
Thank you to everyone that made it to the Viking Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) stand during The Monaco Yacht Show. It is always a pleasure to meet new and current clients, candidates and crew we speak too regularly and ones that want to meet for the first time. More
The Great Britain Sailing team flew to Sheboygan on the 9th September 2017 to the Blind Sailing World Championships. Over the 5 racing days, the 4 teams came together to win an overall Gold and defended their world title. Here at the MSA and Viking, we have been keeping up to date with the day by day bulletins and couldn’t be prouder of all 4 teams. They truly deserve this after all the hard work and effort they put into training. Chairman Founder, Dieter Jaenicke said, “It has been a... More
