What it’s like working for billionaires

It’s no secret that while you are hired within the yachting industry, you will for sure be working for high net worth individuals and be rubbing shoulders with the elite. For many people this can be mind blowing but for many crew members it’s just the norm for the yacht they work on. You cannot comprehend the wealth that you will encounter while hired onboard any yacht. A yacht itself can cost so much, but the yacht is just a vessel – the real wealth is the assets within it. From the marble floors, to the art and decor – your mind would be blown. You will have a rollercoaster of emotions.

When it comes to yacht crew – this is what we signed up for and your first week on a yacht will leave you shook and in disbelief that you are really standing onboard such elegance. But after a while it becomes a custom and after a while the disbelief wears off. You need to be quick to jump into professionalism and keep your poker face strong.

When it comes to working for high net worth individuals, some people are made for it while others are certainly not. These individuals know what they want, how they want it and expect the highest of standards. As they should! When you’re paying for such high standards – never settle for less than. That is why when I’m working onboard, I stay as professional around guests as possible and always strive to give the best experience I can.

Many people would probably assume rich people are demanding and can be abrupt with their requests. However, my experience within the industry is totally different. Every owner and guest I have come across has been nothing but kind and sweet. Yes they can have that intimidating demeanour but that is probably just a perception on my part.

Most yachts will be used in the summer in The Mediterranean. Most owners use it as a time to get away with family and friends, to take the time to relax and sail to some amazing places and see breathtaking scenery.

My favourite part

For me personally, I must say I really do love my job. Being part of a dynamic interior team is such a great vibe. Always striving to give the 7 star experience, that can be extremely hard work – but at the end of the day, when you do pull it off – you can walk away with your head held high knowing you’ve done a great job.

My first yacht, I didn’t have much interaction or close contact with the owner. But from my amazing experience dealing with the guests – I can one hundred percent say that these ultra high net worth individuals are certainly just human. They want to have a great experience and have a great holiday.

My first yacht was private which meant that it was solely used by the owner, he is a very private and kind man. The yacht itself has such a stunning exterior and interior. For me I am more of a modern interior kinda guy – but the old wood vibe on that yacht kinda ticked my box. I must say I would rather clean wooden walls than wrapped walls. From experience, it’s far more easier to clean and maintain.

I didn’t have much opportunity at service but from what I did, it seemed to give me a rush. I think I found an intriguing part of the job. Everyone always says confidence is key when it comes to service and it really is. If you have no clue what you’re doing, fake it and be confident – it will look like you know what you’re doing! talking from experience, I can say for sure that this always works! The rush I felt when I did service is something I want to explore and do more of. I want to continue to grow and do all jobs that happens in interior. I think when it comes to size, it does matter within this industry. A larger yacht will have separate teams and multiple crew members, whereas a smaller yacht will have a smaller team meaning everyone has to rotate and know how to do everything. I want to do that and be that – a know it all.

At times it can be extremely intimidating, the passing by of not knowing what to say if you’re stopped in your tracks. But like I’ve stated they really are just like everyone else, down to earth and kind. Im sure there will be owners out there that aren’t all sunshine and roses but my experience so far after 15 months has be amazing.

I wont lie

I will say when I first rocked up to the yacht, I was super excited and so happy to work on such a great vessel. When it came to finding out the owner was a billionaire – I was like AHH. It’s not like everyone can say they have even been in the same room as a billionaire, and here I am – working for one and living on the same vessel as them. When I sit and think about that now, it does make me think like – wow. To be able to give a great experience to these UHNW individuals – makes me super happy. Seeing the wealth they have displayed and worn, makes me super happy too. For me this isn’t an opportunity to live like them – it’s a job. Im hired to work and have my role – I will always adhere to that and would never let my mind runaway from me and start acting like I am the billionaire.

Summer 2023 looks like it will be a great one and I cannot wait to see what it brings. I cannot wait to bring you all along with me and show you all the amazing places I end up in. I encourage you to subscribe/follow the blog to be the first to know when a new post goes live!

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