Changing Of The Guard Generational Shifts In Superyachting

Changing of the Guard: Generational Shifts in Superyachting - Journal By Yatco Home > Changing of the Guard: Generational Shifts in Superyachting Changing of the Guard: Generational Shifts in Superyachting Written by Gareth Williams A generational shift is reshaping yachting: younger owners seek faster, more adventurous experiences, while younger crews push for rotation, wellness, and balance at sea. Sep 24, 2025 Captains across the industry are seeing a generational shift, both in the crew who make yachts run and in the owners who fund them. Their words reveal a transformation in culture, expectations, and what it means to live and work at sea. The New Crew: From Grit to Self-Care Veteran captains often compare today’s crew to the ones they started with, and the difference is stark. Captain Michael Dailey, who has worked across submarines and superyachts, didn’t mince words: “They may be educated, but they lack basic experience. We get green crew who don’t even know how to change a bike tire, and yet here they are, expected to handle millions in equipment.” Others take a softer view. For Captain Kelly Gordon, the shift is a necessary correction. “I had a young stew tell me she wouldn’t work on a boat without rotation. At first I thought, really? But then she said, it’s not worth sacrificing my mental health. She’s right. Maybe the younger generation has figured out what we should have been doing all along.” Captain Liam Devlin, who has been at sea for twenty-five years, has seen the contrast play out in real time. “Years ago, people would commit to a year without question. Now I’ve had crew leave after two weeks because they’ve changed their minds. They’re always looking for the next opportunity, the next boat.” He admitted it can be frustrating, but also recognises that his own approach has shifted: “I grew up bottling things up. Now I tell my crew, be vulnerable. Talk about it. That’s how we build mental fitness.” Owners: Younger, Fitter, Restless If crew are changing, owners are too. Several captains noted that the new generation of yacht owners is not content with long lunches on the Côte d’Azur. They are younger, more adventurous, and determined to create experiences their friends haven’t had. Captain John van der Straaten, who runs a sailing yacht that has circumnavigated, described it vividly: “They’re in their thirties, sometimes forties, and they want to dive, they want to explore Indonesia, Palau, places where the charts are still just rough sketches. I’ve been navigating reefs with Google Earth and an iPad! That’s what keeps it exciting.” Captains all have examples of the surprising, sometimes outrageous requests that come from guests. The subtle art of never saying no, whilst bringing the challenge in to safe and realistic parameters, is employed here. Devlin comments “You learn to find a path, because they expect highlights, one after another.” What is key is how Captains have to build excellent relationships with the owner, port authorities, crew, suppliers and a host of others. This is what really helps them to pull off the most extravagant of requests. Captain Craig Thurlbourn put it more simply: “They don’t want the same trip their friend did. They want to do better. Faster. Fitter. It’s a generational shift in appetite.” Where the Two Meet These shifts collide on deck. Younger owners push for faster itineraries, icebergs and heli-skiing, while younger crew are learning to push back for rest, rotation, and wellness. It creates tension, but also possibility. Captain Chris Walsh, who has sailed with the same family for three decades, frames it with perspective: “This is the pinnacle of the maritime world. You’ve got your own bed, the roof doesn’t leak, nobody’s shooting at you. It’s a privilege, not a punishment. Still, you’ve got to protect people from burnout. Give them a break when they need it.” Explore Topics Explore Topics Featured Posts Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Quentin Bourgeois | Yacht Broker at Fraser Yachts Monaco Understanding what makes a yacht work operationally is the foundation for knowing what makes it valuable commercially Andrew Cardwell | Cybersecurity for the Modern Superyacht Operational insight. Earned credibility. Security built for the real world. JQ Louise | Writer, Editor "We find out what's actually worth it — from the people who know best." The editorial principle behind a platform built on access and credibility. Georges Bourgoignie | Senior Sales Broker at Fraser Yachts, Fort Lauderdale With decades of experience listing and selling yachts, Georges has built his reputation around a client first approach. The result has been lasting client loyalty, reflecting a philosophy he has held since 1989 and one recognised by Fraser Yachts. Michael T. Moore | Maritime Lawyer Michael T. Moore advises yacht owners, operators, and institutions on maritime law, complex litigation, and regulatory matters across the global superyacht industry. Featured Posts Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long. From Helm to Haven: The Amalfi Stay Captains Swear By Anantara Convento di Amalfi offers captains a serene retreat above the Tyrrhenian Sea, blending heritage, luxury, and wellness for the perfect reset. From Helm to Haven: The Amalfi Stay Captains Swear By Anantara Convento di Amalfi offers captains a serene retreat above the Tyrrhenian Sea, blending heritage, luxury, and wellness for the perfect reset. Why Captains Should Unwind at Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao is a barefoot-luxury retreat where captains can truly unwind, with all-inclusive service and serene island beauty. Why Captains Should Unwind at Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines Nay Palad Hideaway in Siargao is a barefoot-luxury retreat where captains can truly unwind, with all-inclusive service and serene island beauty. Captain Liam Devlin opens up about who inspired them in the industry As part of our survey of Captains we asked who in the industry has inspired them. We tracked down some of the Captains at MYS to dig a little deeper! Here is Captain Liam Devlin’s account of a moment from a Captain The IYC Captain's Forum discusses the Leading edge of Yacht Builds A candid look at what today’s captains see coming next in yacht design and innovation. Who’s My Biggest Inspiration in the Yachting World? - Alistair Best Alistair Best reflects on the figure who shaped his career in yachting, and why that influence now drives him to imagine his own next chapter. The Revolving Door of Junior Crew Why do most junior crew leave within 18 months? A new Quay Crew survey of 100 captains reveals the true cost of turnover. They arrive fresh-faced and eager, but most junior crew don’t last long.