Superyacht crew are struggling with stress and mental health issues, according to Yachting Pages Media Group, which commissioned a survey of superyacht crew and industry experts in May, 2018.
Out of the crew surveyed, 72% had suffered from mental health problems, or knew somebody else in the industry that had. Out of this proportion, only 54% had talked about their issues, with 70% confirming that no support was put in place to help them cope when struggling with stress and general mental health on board.
Kylie O’Brien, former chief stewardess and founder of the Stewardess Bible explained, “I think there is a general attitude within the superyacht industry that you must simply get on with the job. If you can’t handle the pressures of being a professional seafarer, then perhaps you need a break (which typically means you’re out of a job).”
Michelle Williams, website and digital marketing manager at Yachting Pages Media Group explained, “Having met and spoken with many superyacht crew over the years, it’s clear their jobs can be very stressful and sympathy is not typically a forthcoming emotion with the fast pace nature of this business.
“The survey highlights some significant areas of improvement. While many crew admit that the job carries with it a certain amount of stress, many felt it wasn’t addressed by the industry, and the general consensus is to get on with it.”
Angela Orecchio, chief stewardess and founder of the Savvy Stewardess Blog, agrees that stress and mental health issues are still, “Generally viewed as standard. Crew are expected to keep up with a busy schedule and social life at the expense of their health.”
An overwhelming 75% of crew said that the industry is not doing enough to tackle mental health problems and look after the overall wellbeing of crew.
Alison Rentoul, crew performance engineer at The Crew Coach explained, “I’m not at all surprised by the number of crew struggling with mental health issues. I believe that there is still an ‘old school’ attitude within the industry.
“Yachting is tough on people physically, emotionally and mentally, and not enough people know they can get help with the issues they are facing, so they sweep them under the carpet; sometimes with tragic consequences.”
Former chief stewardess and account manager at Yachting Pages, Talullah Rodger, explained, “It’s difficult to complain to the captain if you feel stressed, lonely or overworked during charter, when it’s exactly what is expected when you enter this career. From the long, hard working hours and intensive living arrangements, to the great wages and fun lifestyle (off charter).”
Former stewardess, TV personality and lifestyle blogger Emily Warburton-Adams, said, “Relationships can differ from vessel to vessel, but overall there’s a definite stigma around mental illness. The work is highly demanding, you get minimal time for yourself and have to be a people’s person, as you’re around your crew members 24/7.” She did however say that when on board she had personally found yachts to be, “Naturally supportive environments.”
In terms of how to move forward and how crew can help to improve and maintain their mental health on board, Angela Orecchio said it’s about deciding to adopt a healthy lifestyle on board. The industry as a whole can improve by encouraging healthy living on board through events, what they write about and what they show on social media.”
In Yachting Pages’ survey, several crew mentioned regular rotation and more down time as ways to help ease the stresses suffered when working long hours and seasons on board.
Alison Rentoul said, “Even just improving internet access for crew to better keep in touch with friends and family would go a long way towards improving mental health!”
Kylie O’Brien also commented, “The crew is the yacht’s most valuable resource, and it can only be viewed as a good thing to openly discuss mental health issues. At the end of the day, superyacht crew are people just like everyone else.”
Original post by Yachting Pages Media Group.
Marco Casali and Umberto Tagliavini have created a new version of the best selling Gozzo 35 for year-round navigation, in all weather conditions and for several days at a time when desired, as well as in northern Europe waters, the great lakes of North America and Turkey. Elegant and impactful, the deckhouse bathes the entire cockpit in a profound sense of protection: the volume of the structure is made to look lighter by the extensive perimeter glazing, which floods the lounge with light and offers guests a spectacular 360-degree view of the horizon. The interiors and exteriors united through a four-section plate glass door. Its functions are twofold: to create a single space connecting the indoor and outdoor settings or, when closed, to protect guests from excessive heat or bad weather. Here is the helm station and a functional galley behind it with a sink and hob, there is also an L-shaped dinette.The new Cabin version is also characterized by the care lavished on onboard comfort: the very generous stern platform, an extensive sun pad forward with panoramic seating, the pull-out L-shaped table seating six in the cockpit and the wide side decks. The high bulwarks have also made it possible to raise the deck and therefore increase the volume of the interiors, without compromising the boat’s lines. As a result, the height of the gunwale is 20 cm lower and a rail has been added to maintain the boat’s lateral flow, but also and most importantly for reasons of safety, given this new model’s exceptional cruising capabilities. Below the deck guests can find the layout with two cabins and a bathroom. While the forward area remains basically the same, the new layout brings benefits for the bathroom and shower, which now offer more surface area. The guest cabin amidships also gains in terms of width, with room for a bed that is 140 cm wide at head level.In terms of propulsion, the boat offers the practicality and reliability of a traditional in-line shaft arrangement with two Volvo Penta D4 270 engines, but there is also the option of twin Volvo Penta D4-270 DPI stern drives.The first Gozzo 35 Cabin will be presented to the public in the early months of 2024.The history of the shipyard starts in 1849, when Giovanni Aprea started to handbuild rowing and sailing boats used for fishing in Sorrento, basing his craft on the shape and form of the traditional “gozzo sorrentino”. Now the shipyard range includes the Apreamare and Maestro yachts.Credits: Apreamare
June 5, 2023
Omega Architects has lately unveiled its concept, the impressive 83.5-meter superyacht named Seasar. Designed by studio founder Frank Laupman, Seasar represents a "rational" evolution of Omega Architects' integrated hull-and-body design philosophy, seamlessly blending the two components for a visually cohesive superyacht.Crafted from a combination of steel and aluminum, Seasar features a masculine exterior characterized by a graceful arch that breaks up the horizontal lines and creates a captivating transition to the aft exterior spaces. The yacht boasts six decks, each thoughtfully designed to serve different purposes, enhancing privacy and ensuring a logical flow throughout the vessel. The lower deck is dedicated to the crew, while the main deck caters to guests and tender storage. The owner's deck offers exclusive accommodations, and the wheelhouse deck is focused on yacht handling and management. Finally, the observation deck provides unrivaled panoramic views from an elevated vantage point.Accommodating up to 14 guests, Seasar features five double cabins and a luxurious owner's suite. The owner's deck incorporates a unique glass window that maximizes interior freedom. It is equipped with a built-in heat barrier, ensuring a cool and comfortable atmosphere. Among its notable features, Seasar showcases a spacious swimming pool on the upper deck, offering enhanced privacy while in port, and an elevated beach-club style lounge area on the main deck, providing a delightful space for relaxation.With a gross tonnage of 2,000GT, Seasar offers the flexibility to be powered by fuel-cell or biofuel generators, allowing for a quieter and more environmentally friendly cruising experience. The yacht is optimized for exploration, featuring 150 sqm of toy storage to accommodate four Jet-Skis, a 9.6-meter limo tender, a five-meter rescue tender, and a submarine. The helideck is strategically designed without interior spaces below, providing a dedicated area for helicopter operations and seamless reception for arriving guests.Technically, Seasar boasts a moderate 3.2-meter draft and an impressive transpacific range of 5,000 nautical miles. The yacht is capable of reaching a top speed of 18 knots, with a comfortable cruising speed of 16 knots. Laupman emphasizes that the welding of Seasar's steel structure will be executed with meticulous precision, requiring minimal fairing while maintaining the impeccable finish expected of a superyacht.Credits: Omega Architects
June 5, 2023
The iconic sailing yacht Maltese Falcon has been revitalized through an extensive refit. This 88-meter superyacht, commissioned by Tom Perkins and built in 2006 by renowned Perini Navi, with naval architecture by Gerard Dijkstra and interior design by Ken Freivokh, has undergone an impressive transformation at Lusben Shipyard. The meticulous refit, involving over 80 dedicated professionals collaborating seamlessly with the yacht's crew, spanned more than six months.“It was a challenging project for all of us, not least because the sheer size of this sailing yacht required us to design and build a special system to accommodate the vessel in dry dock. We worked in synergy with the various teams involved in the refit work and with the customer, satisfying their wishes and at the same time suggesting improvements with a view to increasing efficiency and energy savings. It was an honor for all of us to be able to carry out this modernisation work on such an iconic boat, one that has made international yachting history,” said Gianni Paladino, Lusben Commercial Director.Lusben successfully transformed the owner's vision into reality by orchestrating a range of aesthetic and functional enhancements. One of the most challenging tasks was the meticulous repainting of the entire hull, restoring the distinctive 'Perini Blue' color to its former glory.Following the hull's transformation, Lusben's expert teams meticulously carried out maintenance work on the yacht's intricate onboard systems, including generators, main engines, and propellers. Notably, the mast handling system received careful attention and a delicate overhaul.Embracing the growing significance of sustainability in the boating industry, Lusben prioritized eco-conscious upgrades during the refit process. The generators were replaced with superior-class units that boast enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, the main engine mufflers were exchanged, resulting in considerable environmental benefits and reduced noise levels for the comfort of guests. The propellers were inspected, with the shafts, blades, and bearings disassembled and serviced to optimize fuel efficiency for years to come, reflecting the collaborative efforts between Lusben, the captain, and the crew.The most vital and delicate system of the Maltese Falcon, its sail rig, underwent extensive work to ensure optimal performance. Developed by UK-based Insensys, the pioneering Dynarig system features three rotating carbon fiber masts capable of deploying an impressive 2,396 sqm of sail. This remarkable rig allows the yacht to reach top speeds of 25 knots with a displacement of 1,240 tonnes. During the refit, the teak deck was replaced, and the interiors were refurbished, with a particular focus on the cabins and bathrooms to enhance comfort and provide a more welcoming night area. The galley was also fully appointed to meet the highest standards. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, resulting in substantial energy savings. Routine maintenance, including hull cleaning and valve overhauls, was also diligently executed as part of the commission.The yacht now returns to its captain and crew as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability in the yachting industry. “It was a challenging job and an effort that involved everyone, because of the high expectations around the project and the complexity of its planning and execution, but the result is more than satisfactory thanks to the support of the yard and Lusben’s team. The Maltese Falcon can now return to the sea in all her splendor, regaling her guests with new and unforgettable experiences,” said Pierfrancesco Cafaro, captain of Maltese Falcon.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben
June 2, 2023
Van der Valk Shipyard has announced the commissioning of two new superyacht projects: Project 111.11 and Project Samba. These vessels, based on the proven hull design of Lady Lene, will embody the vision and preferences of their respective owners, with every detail meticulously tailored to their desires.35m Project SambaThe 34-meter Project 111.11 and the 35-meter Project Samba will feature distinct exterior profiles, expertly crafted by the esteemed designer Guido de Groot. Guido de Groot will also lend his creative touch to the interior of Project Samba, while the interior design of Project 111.11 will be skillfully executed by Carla Guilhem. The clients for Project Samba were introduced to Van der Valk by Will Noftsinger from Denison Yachting.34m Project 111.11Both yachts have been ordered by experienced owners. Project 111.11 will be full displacement with twin Volvo Penta 750 hp continuous duty engines and a top speed of 14.4 knots. In contrast, Project Samba’s fast displacement hull and twin MAN 1450 hp diesels will ensure top speeds around the 17-knot mark.Project 111.11Project 111.11 will have the sky lounge with an asymmetrical semi-full-beam layout in order to stay under 300 GT volume. This allows the vessel to be built under full commercial charter class without requiring a rescue tender/davit and also gives a sidewalk from bridge to aft deck to avoid crew having to go through the lounge. The full beam master suite will have a large walk-in wardrobe aft that includes a chute which leads directly to the laundry station on the lower deck. The lower deck has a very large washer/drier capacity and a walk through from the laundry into the guest corridor, requiring a watertight bulkhead door for damage stability reasons.Project SambaProject Samba will have a large aft deck that includes a relaxation lounge zone featuring an aft-facing sofa and a formal dining table for alfresco lunches and dinners. The lower deck will feature a beach club with a chill-out area, sauna, day head and lots of washer/drier capacity for towels. Extra space will become available in the garage once the William Sportjet 395 tender is launched. Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
June 2, 2023
Eni Sustainable Mobility, a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions, has joined forces with Azimut Benetti Group in an unprecedented partnership aimed at revolutionizing the yachting industry's environmental impact. The collaboration centers around the supply and use of HVOlution, an innovative biofuel made entirely from renewable raw materials.S7HVOlution, derived from 100% Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), is produced at Eni Sustainable Mobility's state-of-the-art biorefineries in Venice and Gela. This advanced biofuel is manufactured using waste raw materials, vegetable residues, and non-food crop oils, adhering to a circular economy model that promotes sustainability. HVOlution offers remarkable emissions reductions of up to 90% compared to traditional fossil blends, depending on the specific raw materials utilized.Azimut Benetti Group will introduce HVOlution as a substitute for conventional fossil fuels in various aspects of yacht production and operation. Beginning in summer 2023, HVOlution will power the technical testing, sea trials, and prototype handling of new Azimut and Benetti models. Moreover, owners will have the opportunity to receive their newly acquired Azimut yachts with HVOlution biofuel already in the tank.HVOlution EniThe collaboration will be inaugurated in early June with the inaugural voyage of Azimut's highly anticipated Magellano 60, which will journey from Savona to Taormina for its international debut at the prestigious "Yachting Gala" event, hosting over 600 esteemed yacht owners from around the world.Stefano Ballista, CEO of Eni Sustainable Mobility, expressed his enthusiasm for this significant milestone in the recreational boating sector's decarbonization journey. He highlighted the partnership with Azimut|Benetti Group as an initial stride towards broader integration of HVOlution in the maritime industry.“For Azimut|Benetti Group, this agreement is a tangible step forward on the course we have charted out to reduce CO2 emissions. It is a result that enables us to extend our area of action in emissions reduction by involving the supply chain, with a focus on energy decarbonisation. At the present time, over half of Azimut’s fleet is made up of Low Emission Yachts, while Benetti has built the world's largest hybrid yacht as well as winning the ‘Green yacht of the year 2022’ award with the 37-meter B.Yond,” said Azimut Benetti Group President Giovanna Vitelli.Magellano 60As the partnership progresses, Azimut Benetti Group and Eni Sustainable Mobility plan to expand the distribution network, providing yacht owners with enhanced access to HVOlution and the opportunity to refuel with this eco-friendly biofuel. Initially, Azimut|Benetti Group marinas across Italy will serve as primary supply points for private individuals, with future plans to extend the network globally.Azimut|Benetti Group was founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, who is still the main shareholder today and Giovanna Vitelli is the President. The Group’s Azimut Yachts and Benetti brands produce over 45 models of yachts and megayachts. With value of production of €1 billion in 2021/2022 and 1.2 billion in 2022/2023, over 2,000 employees, six shipyards and a network of 138 points of sale and service worldwide, Azimut|Benetti Group operates in the European, American, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. Credits: Azimut Benetti Group
June 2, 2023