Leading Advice Elevating Life Onboard

Leading Advice: Elevating Life Onboard - Journal By Yatco Home > Leading Advice: Elevating Life Onboard Leading Advice: Elevating Life Onboard Written by Jim McGarth Behind every polished deck and seamless itinerary are crew who work, laugh, and sometimes cry together. Nov 24, 2025 How to improve life onboard for the crew… Behind every polished deck and seamless itinerary are crew who work, laugh, and sometimes cry together. They are the ones who transform a yacht from a machine into an exclusive members-only world. Captains know this better than anyone. Empathy at the Helm When asked what he’d change with a magic wand, Brendan O’Shannassy says he’d add more empathy for crew . “They’re not machines. We take young, sometimes vulnerable people far from home without replacing their support networks. With a magic wand, I’d give crew stronger psychological safety and real career paths.” Captain Kelly Gordon shares a moment that says it all: “One of my stews came back from seeing her family and was sad. We ended up crying together over coffee. That’s leadership too.” 78% of Captains believe empathy and patience are the most important traits for leaders at sea. Retention is Everything Captain Joe Gallegos builds retention around what crew actually value—real incentives like extra leave, bonuses, or flexible cover. “I’ve brought in cover so a great crew member can go home for three months for family reasons and return. It’s not worth losing good people over solvable issues.” Captain Paul Duncan focuses on respect: “You maintain an ecosystem of healthy respect for each other. That comes from the top down.” On GO , Captain Corey Adcock uses a 3:1 scheduled leave system . “We don’t call it rotation because people online get picky, but it gives structured time off. Crew can book holidays, courses, and see their families.” Retention is Everything Captain Joe Gallegos builds retention around what crew actually value—real incentives like extra leave, bonuses, or flexible cover. “I’ve brought in cover so a great crew member can go home for three months for family reasons and return. It’s not worth losing good people over solvable issues.” Captain Paul Duncan focuses on respect: “You maintain an ecosystem of healthy respect for each other. That comes from the top down.” On GO , Captain Corey Adcock uses a 3:1 scheduled leave system . “We don’t call it rotation because people online get picky, but it gives structured time off. Crew can book holidays, courses, and see their families.” Training That Works Having individual development plans helps crew understand how they can grow. Captain Craig Thurlbourn builds realistic timetables: “If crew express interest in an area, they’re supported. Set a clear path and goals—and everyone can work their way up.” Rafael Cervantes , who manages 65 crew, says every day is “a puzzle to solve,” balancing last-minute changes with moving dozens of people across borders. Several captains agree: new crew now join with more knowledge, more certificates, and better preparation. As Captain Paul Duncan puts it: “They’re savvy enough to be in online forums. They come in better prepared than they used to.” Seven out of ten Captains tell new crew the same thing: never give up. The Mentor’s Role Mentorship runs deep. Captain Martin Shairp constantly promotes junior crew into leadership roles: “Giving them responsibility and respect helps them grow.” Corey Adcock believes in “controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows.” Captain Herb Magney recalls telling a young deckhand: “You’ve got all this potential. You may not see it, but I do.” One in three captains credits a mentor or chief engineer as the most important influence in their career. Empathy, however, doesn’t mean lowering standards. Captain Chris Walsh sees leadership as being clear and fair. Kelly Gordon agrees—balancing kindness with accountability is vital. Generational shifts bring new challenges. As Rafael Cervantes notes, “Today’s crew value their personal lives more. That can be positive, but it changes the rhythm.” Captains are adapting. “Work Hard, Learn Fast” For Captain Corey Adcock , mentoring means structured progression: “Controlled steps, feedback, responsibility that grows.” Below deck, motivational mottos multiply. One captain has “Endure and Overcome” painted above the mess. Another shares this favourite reminder: “Fail = First Attempt at Learning.” Captain Kelly Gordon keeps it simple: “It costs nothing to be happy,” she tells her crew, especially when days get long. Not all wisdom is serious—the little things matter. Keeping spirits high is just as important as ticking checklists. Captain Craig Thurlbourn swears by good food as part of morale. Captain Chris Walsh reminds his team: “The job is too big to sweat the small stuff.” Saying Yes to Opportunities Sometimes the simplest advice is the most powerful. Captain Kelly Gordon reminds her stews: “Say yes to opportunities, even when they feel uncomfortable.” And Captain Ferdi Hayman captures the spirit of yachting perfectly: it’s “a 20-armed octopus—chaotic, but endlessly fascinating.” 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.