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.
Damen Yachting has commenced sea trials for its latest 53-meter Yacht Support vessel at its Antalya facility, following the yacht's launch last month. The trials mark the final phase before the vessel's scheduled completion in summer 2025.This represents the third unit of the YS53 model, following the 2024 deliveries of Bad Company Support 175 and Five Oceans. The YS53 series targets owners requiring multifunctional support vessels, featuring an axe bow design for improved seakeeping and high bow construction for deck protection.Project Manager Pim Oostra stated: "We are delighted this YS53 has started sea trials, an important step toward summer completion." The Antalya shipyard continues work on final outfitting during the testing period.Damen Yachting has delivered over 20 support vessels across its Yacht Support range. The YS53's design emphasizes operational reliability, with an aft deck configured for various tender and equipment deployments. No client details or delivery destination were disclosed for this third hull.The vessel's technical specifications remain consistent with previous YS53 models, though Damen hasn't confirmed whether this unit includes custom modifications. The sea trials will evaluate performance parameters ahead of the scheduled summer handover.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
May 21, 2025
Vripack has completed the interior concept for Burger Boat Company's new 55-meter superyacht, drawing on their 25-year collaboration with the Wisconsin shipbuilder. The design emphasizes natural materials, functional storage solutions, and adaptable lighting schemes for the custom-built vessel.The interior scheme features American walnut flooring and ceilings throughout, complemented by Calacatta Gold and Dark Emperador marble in guest bathrooms. Vripack prioritized maintaining sightlines through large picture windows while incorporating discreet storage units, particularly in the main salon. "Floor-to-ceiling windows are important, but shouldn't sacrifice functionality," said Vripack co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis.Lighting design forms a key element, with layered illumination including sconces, mini spots, and underlighting to transition from daytime to evening ambiance. The owner's stateroom employs a lighter color palette with customizable artwork displays, while guest areas feature Poltrona Frau furniture including Archibald armchairs.Storage solutions were expanded across all decks, addressing a common owner priority. The design maintains what Bouwhuis describes as "an easy-going foundation" with textured fabrics by Dedar and high-gloss finishes adding visual richness. Loose furniture selections include a Poliform Westside coffee table in the main saloon.The project continues Vripack's longstanding partnership with Burger, having previously collaborated on yachts including the mahogany-clad Ingot and the Slide Hull-equipped Burger 50 Cruiser. No delivery date was specified for the 180' model, which represents Burger's contemporary approach to custom yacht building.Vripack's design targets what Bouwhuis identifies as the typical Burger owner's priorities: "A vessel that's practical, comfortable, and tailored to their specific desires." The studio balanced aesthetic considerations with maintenance requirements and durability for extended cruising use.The Burger 180' interior marks another American-European collaboration for the Dutch designers, who have increasingly focused on storage optimization and transitional lighting schemes in recent superyacht projects. The yacht's technical specifications and propulsion details remain undisclosed at this stage of construction.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
May 21, 2025
Electric yacht builder Sialia Yachts has named Marco Plicchi as its new Chief Operating Officer. The appointment strengthens the company's leadership team as it prepares to launch its fully electric Sialia 45 model in June 2025.Sialia 45Plicchi brings 25 years of marine industry experience to the Polish shipyard, having previously held senior operations roles at several luxury yacht manufacturers. As COO, he will oversee production processes, new product development, and quality control across Sialia's range of 13-30 meter electric yachts.Marco PlicchiThe naval architect's immediate focus will be operational efficiency improvements as Sialia completes its 45-foot flagship model. The Sialia 45 claims class-leading range and a 43-knot top speed ahead of its scheduled debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2025.Sialia 57 Deep SilencePlicchi's technical background includes implementing production systems, managing sea trials, and developing after-sales service programs. His appointment follows Sialia's expansion under parent company Silent Straits Group, though no organizational changes were announced beyond the COO position.Sialia 45The shipyard continues developing its zero-emission yacht portfolio, targeting the growing market for electric propulsion in the 40-100 foot segment. No production volume targets or new model announcements were disclosed alongside the executive appointment. Plicchi will assume operational responsibility immediately as Sialia prepares for its Cannes showcase.Credits: Sialia Yachts
May 21, 2025
The Custom Line 50 superyacht has received the Miglio Blu Design Award 2025 in the "Living Innovation" category. The 50-meter aluminum yacht was recognized for its revolutionary interior layout during the Blue Design Summit in La Spezia.Judges highlighted the yacht's dedicated owner's deck featuring a 75-square-meter suite with private terrace, natural lighting solutions, and separated crew/guest circulation for privacy. The award acknowledges Custom Line's approach to combining aesthetic innovation with functional design in the semi-custom segment.The Ferretti Group brand continues to emphasize owner-centric layouts across its model range. The Custom Line 50 remains available for order through the company's global dealer network, though pricing and delivery timelines were not disclosed. This marks the third consecutive year a Ferretti Group product has received recognition at the Italian design awards.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 20, 2025
Italian shipyard CRN has handed over the 67-meter superyacht Amor à Vida to its owner following successful sea trials. The steel and aluminum vessel, previously known as Project Maranello, departed CRN's Ancona facility in early May for its maiden Mediterranean voyage.The six-deck yacht features exterior styling by Nuvolari Lenard and interior design by Valentina Zannier, developed in collaboration with the owner. Moran Yacht & Ship represented the owner throughout the construction process, overseeing technical evaluations and project coordination. Accommodation includes an owner's suite on the upper deck, a convertible VIP suite on the main deck, and five guest cabins on the lower deck, with a total capacity for 12 guests.Amor à Vida incorporates a hybrid propulsion system with two MTU 12V4000 M63 engines, achieving IMO Tier III emissions certification. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots with a cruising speed of 15 knots. An advanced heat recovery system improves energy efficiency by repurposing waste heat for the yacht's pools and plumbing network.CRN's project team worked closely with the owner's representatives and subcontractors to execute the custom design, which emphasizes fuel efficiency through its hybrid power management. The delivery follows the 2024 launch of CRN's 72-meter Cloud 9 and precedes several scheduled 2025 completions at the Ancona shipyard. No construction timeline or cost details were disclosed.The yacht's delivery marks another full-custom project completion for CRN, continuing the Ferretti Group subsidiary's focus on bespoke superyacht construction. Amor à Vida will spend its inaugural season cruising Mediterranean destinations before potentially appearing at fall boat shows.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
May 20, 2025