'A crew that plays together does not necessarily stay together!' Quote from an experienced superyacht charter owner/operator.
Establish clear rules for 'all found' arrangements and audit all purchases on a monthly basis for 'shrinkage'
Encourage training, career development and opportunities for advancement
Avoid boyfriend/girlfriend recruitment - they rarely last the season!
"My Captain was a first class engineer and the first officer was as well. Our stewardess was a trained Chef who had sailed around the world yet was a willing deckhand when needed. Truly a great crew...... "
Selecting your crew.....
Crew selection and management is the single key factor in superyacht enjoyment. We will select your Captain with the same care and diligence that you would a General Manager in your business. Very often the Captain's Partner will take on the role of Stewardess and Chef, sometimes even a part-time deckhand!
Our choice of Engineer is equally important. Equipment will fail and repairs will need to be made. If you don't want to be dependent on shore-based contractors it is importantant that your Engineer and Captain have a working knowledge of systems aboard the vessel. If necessary we will arrange formal training as required.
If a very high standard of catering is required on board then engage a trained Chef with ship-based experience. If charter guests want cordon bleu cooking then we would arrange a Chef on an 'as required' basis for the duration of the charter.
Finally, maintain a level of remoteness between you as owners and the crew. Over familiarity leads to declining standards and abuse of position when you are not aboard.
