Looking after your mental health onboard is key if you want to thrive in yachting.
For 2024, the theme of World Mental Health Day is workplace mental health, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing at work. Yachting is far from the ‘daily grind’ of the 9 to 5 office life, so we wanted to share some advice specifically for crew on how to manage mental health on board.
As a team of former yacht crew, we understand the challenges of working on board. Living and working with the same group of people, with long working hours and exacting standards … It can be tricky to find a healthy balance.
So, what can you do? Three of our team here at Yacht Crew Recruitment & Training (YCRT), all former yacht crew, tell us their personal experience of managing mental health on board.
Julia
Former Purser with 12 years’ experience on board
Now: Head of Training and Purser Trainer at The Crew Academy
“To paint a picture of the yachting industry as I know it, the industry attracts individuals from all walks of life, eager to travel to new and exciting places, meet like minded people and earn great money doing it. I think very few newbies fully anticipate the reality of moving onto a boat and integrating with a crew.
“I worked on yachts for a decade and my mental health suffered at times. I developed severe anxiety to the point that I couldn’t sleep for nights on end due to a constant replay of events dominating my mind at night, or running through my task list over and over to be sure nothing would be missed. I never wanted to make a mistake. It’s something I still struggle with.
“I witnessed many other crew members suffer from eating disorders (trying to fit into a smaller skort). Others turned to pills, alcohol or drugs to cope with the pressures of the job and long working hours. Others suffer in silence and in a non-visible way, on the outside they seem really put-together, but inside they are bottling it up and this results in unexpected outbursts, burnout, disappearing from the industry or, worse, some even choose to leave this world behind.
“Mental health is a sliding scale for each of us, some days it’s really good, other days it’s poor. Talking about it and knowing that we all experience ups and downs and no one individual is alone is important.”
Julia’s top tip: Talk to others about how you’re feeling, it can help yourself and others to feel less alone.
Joe
Former Chief Mate 3000 with 8 years’ experience on board
Now: Sales Director at YCRT
“There were a few times throughout my yachting career that I struggled with managing my mental health. Once was when we were in Tahiti for 9 months. I was dying to get my OOW, so I locked myself away and studied non-stop. I didn’t want to go out, as I thought that a couple of pints on a Friday would distract me from my goal. In the end I isolated myself from all the crew and lost my usual social self.
“I was dying to go home, so I went back for two weeks. But as I started my return journey to the boat, I bottled it. At the time I didn’t know what was happening, my body just went into shock. I had to take the summer off and was fortunate enough to return to the boat, pass my exam and luckily everything got back to normal.
“Another time was when I was a deckhand and got put on nights for 40 days. I didn’t see any light and got so depressed. If this happens to you, try and structure your break/sleep so you can get an hour in the sun.
“One thing I regret is not having completed my Mental Health training earlier. Looking back, there were others around me who were struggling but I didn’t know enough back then to spot the signs.”
Joe’s top tip: Get accredited Mental Health training to support yourself and others on board.
Biarta
Former Chief Stewardess with 8 years’ experience on board
Now: Superyacht and Residential Recruitment Specialist at The Crew Hunter and Exclusive Household Cavalry
“When I was working as a Chief Stew on board yachts, I used to always encourage the girls to jump in the sea when time allowed for it. Soak up some vitamin D and have a laugh. The best seasons were the ones where we laughed our way through the never ending guests trips, where my interior team became my sisters. When we were all in it together.
“It’s the little things that got us through, eating guest ice cream at 2am when we could barely feel our feet after being on them non-stop all day. Talking, being as transparent as possible with each other and trying to manage the workload fairly and look
out for each other. Taking longer breaks if the days schedule allowed for it and using our creativity to get excited about each table setting, theme night or new cocktail we came up with.
“Everyone handles pressure in different ways, having a strong team to lean on is vital, but sometimes you just need time to yourself and some video calls back home to bring your feet back down to earth.”
Biarta’s top tip: Form strong connections with fellow crew and stay connected with loved ones back home. And if all else fails, jump in the sea.
Advice if you’re struggling
Make time for things you love
Whether it’s reading, drawing, or even just watching a series, mid-season days on board can really take their toll. So make time to relax and enjoy yourself.
Stay active and healthy
Get up early and go for a run or walk if docked, or do a morning workout if space allows. Try to eat a balanced diet, find foods that make you feel good, and limit your alcohol intake.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Some days, working on a yacht can feel isolating so it’s important to stay in contact with people you love back home. A quick message or a video call on your breaks can help you feel more connected.
Consider mental health training
Taking a course in Mental Health Awareness can give you invaluable insight into how to deal with mental health struggles, whether it’s yourself or your fellow crew members who are struggling.
At YCRT, our GUEST-accredited Mental health programs built for yacht crew and senior leaders are free for The Crew Academy alumni and any crew placed by The Crew Hunter.
Learn more about Mental Health training.
If you are struggling with a mental health problem, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to health professionals and organisations that offer help and support.
