Whether you work on a private or a charter superyacht, a luxury yacht job provides a fulfilling career and plenty of advantages. In general, there are two sorts of superyacht crew positions available: charter yacht employment and private yacht jobs. Various people are better suited to different types of employment, and believe us when we say that charter and private work environments are vastly different.
The word “charter yacht” refers to a yacht hired out to vacationers and business travellers for a portion of the time rather than being utilised by the owner. On the other hand, a ‘private yacht’ is only used by the owner and their guests, so you’re more likely to be serving the same people. The disparity between these two types of boats explains why they are so different to work on.
Both private yacht employment and charter boat jobs provide staff with a unique experience, from how the yacht is operated to the sailing itinerary. Your earning potential may be influenced by the sort of vessel you work on.
Working as a crew on these two vessels also has some notable differences. Before you start looking for a luxury boat job, you need to figure out what kind of yacht suits your abilities and expertise. Continue reading to learn about some of the significant distinctions between working as a crew member on a private yacht and working as a crew member on a charter boat.
Working on a private vs charter superyacht
Salary
While salaries on private yachts and charter yachts are generally comparable, employees working on a charter yacht might make more since they often get a gratuity at the end of each charter. Some private yacht positions, on the other hand, may feature hefty end-of-year or seasonal bonuses, as well as perks such as health insurance. It’s also vital to understand that aboard a charter yacht, tips are never guaranteed.
Stability
Working aboard a private yacht provides a lot of security because the crew is more likely to stay on the same boat for a long time, and there are typically perks like extended vacations and health insurance. You also get to know your owner and their circle, resulting in a more friendly, family-like atmosphere onboard. On the other hand, Charter yacht employment has a greater turnover rate, and you never know who you’ll be working with next. This may make the experience more interesting for certain people.
Taking a break
On a charter yacht, you may have better-earning potential, but you’ll likely have less time off to enjoy it. During the peak yachting seasons, charter vessels are frequently fully booked, leaving crews with little time off. Crew members on a busy charter will be working around the clock. On the other hand, private yacht employment may offer a less busy schedule because the boat will only be operational when the owner decides. This implies the crew will likely spend more time at the dock, where they would typically perform a conventional 9-5 day maintaining the boat.
Workload
Both charter and private yacht occupations may be quite active, although charter has greater cruise activity per season. The time spent with passengers on board on a charter vessel is likely to be more intensive since each charterer wants to get the most out of the yacht during a week’s voyage. On the other hand, a private yacht owner has as much time as they like with their vessel and may thus adopt a more leisurely attitude to their time on the sea. Some people believe that time passes more quickly when they are busy; therefore, they love the fast-paced charter lifestyle, while others find the continual bustle tiresome and prefer the more relaxed environment aboard private yachts.
Travel
Working as a crew member aboard a charter yacht or a private yacht allows you to see the world. Typically, charter yachts have a more limited range of destinations. For each season, they often sail to prominent yachting spots. If the yacht’s owner is adventurous, the crew may have the option to visit some of the world’s most distant and least visited areas.
Guests
One of the major advantages of working aboard a private yacht is that you will get to know the yacht’s owners (and any frequent visitors), allowing you to provide personal touches that assure an extraordinary level of service. Working aboard a private yacht allows crew members to surpass expectations, which may be quite rewarding quickly. Some crew members will spend an extended amount of time working for the same yacht owner, building a professional bond that can lead to a rewarding career. Of course, each private yacht owner is unique, and their demands on their crew may vary. A charter yacht will have a steady stream of passengers, requiring the yacht crew to think quickly and anticipate their demands.
It’s challenging to compare charter and private flights because they vary, depending on the guests or owners. In addition, the crew plays a significant part in this. Having a fantastic crew is one of the most crucial components of working on a yacht, whether owned or charter.
Working on a private yacht comes with a different set of requirements than working on a charter boat. Depending on your abilities, both might be difficult or simple. It doesn’t hurt to try your hand at both sides of the industry early on in their careers, simply to have a feel for it.
Personal tastes will determine whether a private yacht or a charter yacht is best for you. While some people love the non-stop excitement of working on a charter yacht and the potential for more pay, others prefer the greater consistency and less frantic schedule that comes with working on a private yacht. At Super Yachting South Africa, we have a wide range of courses that prepare you for life aboard both private and charter superyachts.