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.
The Italian Sea Group has delivered the first Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 in Sydney, Australia. The yacht, the first one finished in Acheso Gray, with its unmistakable super sporty silhouette, reached Port Jackson, one of the most renowned attractions in the city and located in the heart of Sydney Bay.The debut of this innovative motor yacht in the Australian continent, is an important milestone for the Group, in line with its business expansion plan in the Asia Pacific, agreed upon and supported by Automobili Lamborghini. TISG's strategy continues along with the growth of the Australian market, which, according to the Guardian, will reach 8% of the global yacht market within the next three years."We are very proud of the success Tecnomar for Lamborghini 63 is having in the Pacific, an area that offers interesting growth opportunities for all the Group's brands, in line with our international development strategy," comments Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group. "The commercial success of this project and partnership with Automobili Lamborghini goes on, and the next sales will be delivered in the second half of 2024."Further deliveries of the Tecnomar For Lamborghini motor yacht are also planned in the Australian continent in 2023 and 2024.The Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand produces and commercializes yachts in steel and aluminum up to 50 meters. Founded in 1987 and acquired by the Italian Sea Group in 2009, Tecnomar has launched 289 yachts through the years, also thanks to the Tecnomar Evo line, which has earned a great success in the Asian market. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
March 31, 2023
In the beginning of March Lürssen technically launched the 144-meter Project Cosmos in a construction site in Rendsburg. The construction started in 2020, making the 114-meter vessel one of the largest yachts currently in development. The megayacht features exterior and interior design by Australian designer Marc Newson. She spreads across four decks and has a large aft deck, a swimming pool, an observation lounge and helipad. She will be the first Lürssen yacht to feature fuel cell technology on board. Project Cosmos is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Lürssen is a German shipyard with headquarters in Bremen-Vegesack and shipbuilding facilities in Lemwerder, Berne and Bremen-Aumund. Founded in 1875, Lürssen is one of the world's leading builders of custom luxury superyachts and has launched many of the largest yachts in the global fleet.Credits: Video by OneHouseMedia/Lürssen YouTube
March 30, 2023
The Milan-based designer Enzo Manca revealed the concept, which he has drawn specifically for the Middle Eastern country. Named UAE One, the 140-meter megayacht was designed in collaboration with a Sheikh (unnamed for privacy) who wanted to create an official flagship of the nation. The vessel is convicted for international meetings, as well as multiple transfer options.“The idea of UAE One was born in 2020, during a very special meeting between me and a sultan of the United Arab Emirates on vacation in Italy,” said Manca in a statement. “The sultan was very clear and categorical, he wanted something really special and unique.”UAE One takes design cues from traditional defense ships but has a curvaceous silhouette that sets it apart from other vessels on the high seas. It also towers more than 39 meters and sports tinted windows that add to the aggressive attitude while providing extra privacy.Spanning nine decks, the vessel offers just over 2,800 sqm of space and has been outfitted to provide the best possible experience to monarchs, diplomats, and visitors. The interior is equipped with one owner’s suite, eight cabins, and 14 mini suites. There are also 35 cabins for the crew. Beyond accommodation, the yacht has three private meeting rooms for top-secret gatherings and a press area for briefings.UAE One isn’t all work and no play, though. The main deck is fitted with a striking, geometric swimming pool, while the foredeck features a huge circular sofa and a cozy fireplace. Elsewhere, guests can find a wellness center with a spa, an expansive swim platform for ocean dips, and a number of alfresco lounges for sundowners. UAE One can hold a full arsenal of vehicles for air, land, and sea. She has a “mini-internal port” for tenders and submarines, two helipads for choppers and one hangar. Manca didn’t share any details regarding propulsion, though it would require some serious horsepower to push this 140-meter vessel through the water.According to Manca the first official renderings of the interiors are expected to be ready by the end of 2023.Credits: Enzo Manca
March 30, 2023
The Genoa-based boatbuilder has sold the 80HT #007. “We’re always ready to introduce engineering and design modifications, but I can honestly say that this time we’re looking at the most extreme and advanced 80HT yet,” says Matteo Belardinelli, Otam sales and communication manager. “The client is not just an expert owner, he’s also an experienced captain and came to us with a detailed list of technical and aesthetic requests of his own.” The full Kevlar lamination of the hull and deck and the carbon fiber superstructure of the yacht are complemented by additional unidirectional carbon fiber for local reinforcements in high-load areas, resulting in an extremely robust and rigid structure that is also lightweight, delivering higher performance in terms of top speed and fuel consumption.While the twin MTU 2600hp engines coupled with Arneson drives and the hull lines by Umberto Tagliavini Marine Design & Services remain the same, almost everything else has been re-engineered according to the specific technical specifications of the owner-operator. More details will be released as the project progresses.To increase natural light and ventilation, the side windows of the yacht are larger than in previous iterations and can be opened electrically. The one-piece windscreen without pillars is also larger, and the hardtop comes with a redesigned sliding skyroof, offering the thrill of a pure Open while providing the protection of an enclosed helm station.While the interior layout is yet to be finalized, it will be fully tailored to the needs of the suite owner-operator, in line with Otam's bespoke approach.“The client came to us because he wanted to create something unique and exclusive and knew we would do what it takes to not only meet but also exceed his demands,” concludes Belardinelli. The 70HT is close to handover and the new 90GTS is currently under construction at the shipyard.The shipyard’s history started in 1954 in Liguria. Its professionalism is what made it stand out, very quickly becoming the first authorized Riva yacht Service Center for the Med Sea. In the 80’s Otam fit around 25 yachts for an American builder before starting his own production of Otam 45’ and 55’, earning significant attention. Today Otam has produced around 90 yachts, becoming an Italian specialist, and, together with its custom range, offers a limitless choice between 45’ and 130’.Credits: Otam
March 30, 2023
Italian shipbuilder Rossinavi has launched the 66m superyacht Alchemy. The yacht is a result of collaboration between the shipyard and Philippe Briand, Founder of Vitruvius Yachts, who is responsible for the exterior design of the vessel. The naval architecture was developed in-house. Alchemy is spread across three decks and commissioned by a private client who has very much been involved in every aspect of the design project. The owner also commissioned this with a brief to focus on the design of the outdoor areas and wellness aspects of the yacht. “I was very lucky to meet this owner, who guided and empowered the entire team involved in the creation of his superyacht. A real Alchemy, as the name evokes, a combination of elements, which leads to an original and refined result: a streamlined and elegant three deck vessel, 66m long, that fits perfectly with what Vitruvius Yachts represents”, says Philippe Briand. The interior was made by Enrico Gobbi – Team for Design. A striking feature of the interior design is the suspended staircase which takes center stage in the main saloon, connecting the bridge to the upper deck. This unique design element creates a connection with its suspended glass steps that are supported by two partitions of white Carrara marble. The staircase serves as both a functional and artistic element, adding to the overall elegance and sophistication of the yacht's interior.<iframe width=560 height=315 src=https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-PaStJ3k9M title=YouTube video player frameborder=0 allow=accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share allowfullscreen></iframe>The other highlights are large alfresco areas, especially asked by the owner. The yacht has a hot tub and garage for two tenders. The 66-meter vessel will be delivered later this year.Rossinavi is an Italian manufacturer of custom steel and aluminium superyachts 28m in size and larger. The Rossi shipyard was founded in the 1970s and is located in Viareggio.Credits: Rossinavi
March 29, 2023