Yachting Channel

In Dubai, luxury is not only about where a client goes. It is about who knows how to make the right experience happen, who understands the brief, who can move quickly without losing discretion, and who has built the trusted network behind the scenes.In this episode of Yachting Confidential, Sabrina van Maltha speaks with Sian Myburgh, Head of Business Development at Miss Jones Group Dubai, about the people behind many of the region's most refined luxury decisions.Sian explains how Miss Jones supports EAs, PAs and corporate event bookers by connecting them with trusted venues, suppliers, partners and experiences across Dubai, the UAE and beyond. From private dinners and major corporate events to ultra-high-net-worth requests, luxury hospitality, face-to-face relationships and yacht charter, the conversation explores what it really takes to deliver at the highest level.The episode also looks at why Dubai has become such a powerful market for service-led luxury, why personal recommendations still matter in a world of online searches and AI, how trust is earned or lost, and where yachts and yacht charter fit into the world of private client experiences.From Mediterranean yacht charters to Dubai corporate events, Sian offers a clear view into the relationships, expectations and trusted access shaping modern luxury.Guest:Sian MyburghHead of Business Development, Miss Jones Group DubaiHost:Sabrina van MalthaHead of Charter, International Yacht Registeriyr.netPresented by International Yacht RegisterInternational Yacht Register provides luxury yacht charter, ownership and advisory services for clients seeking trusted guidance, exceptional yachts, discreet support, market knowledge and access to the global yachting lifestyle.iyr.netPrefer to read? Visit Yachting News at Yachting International Radio.Prefer to watch? YIR YouTube.

Salt, sun, oxidation, hard use and constant pressure to keep everything running. Maintaining a superyacht never stops. But what happens when budgets tighten, crew are stretched and cutting corners starts creating bigger problems than it solves?In this episode of Yacht Maintenance Unhinged, Tyler Wilson sits down with Sam Powell, Toy Shop Sales Director at National Marine Suppliers, at Superyacht Village in Fort Lauderdale for a candid conversation about yacht maintenance, crew knowledge, budgets, logistics and what it really takes to keep a vessel operational.After more than a decade with National Marine Suppliers, Sam has worked across almost every corner of yacht support, from deck and engineering supplies to new builds, yacht toys, logistics and emergency problem-solving. That experience has given him a unique view of what happens onboard when maintenance is properly planned, and what happens when it is not.Tyler and Sam discuss the importance of product knowledge and crew training, including the damage caused by using the wrong chemical on PVC, repeatedly polishing a surface instead of properly maintaining it, incorrectly treating teak or handing an inexperienced crew member a product without explaining how to use it.Sam also shares the story of accidentally sending a jet ski to the wrong Caribbean island, the extraordinary logistics required to charter a plane and get it to the yacht before charter, and how openly admitting the mistake and presenting solutions ultimately turned a major problem into a stronger relationship with the owner.Because in yachting, problems are inevitable. What matters is having the knowledge, communication and people around you to solve them.Yacht Maintenance Unhinged | Yachting International RadioHosted by Tyler WilsonFounder and President, Velluto ProductsGuest: Sam PowellToy Shop Sales Director, National Marine SuppliersSam Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-powell-b-sc-hons-mmarcon-29560837National Marine Suppliers: https://nationalmarine.comPresented by Velluto ProductsHigh-performance ceramic marine care, freshly blended for yachts, tenders and personal watercraft. Engineered to protect against salt, UV exposure, oxidation and water spotting. Built for life on the water.https://vellutoproducts.comSearch “Yachting Channel” on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Some lives are measured not only by what was achieved, but by what was passed on.Recorded before his passing, this special episode of Yachting USA preserves the voice, humour and restless imagination of Buddy Haack, a yacht captain, shipyard and owner's representative, author, mentor and lifelong student of the sea.Alongside Yachting USA host Rick Thomas and Captain Doug Hoogs, his longtime friend and mentor, Buddy traces the unconventional path that carried him from surfing in Jacksonville to a remarkable career in yachting.His stories travel from a formative year at sea aboard the schooner Unicorn to earning his captain's licences, building and commanding high-speed yachts in Italy, bringing M/Y Adler to Havana in 1994 and welcoming Fidel Castro aboard. He reflects on his work with Lürssen, the value of integrity and long-term support, the importance of building yachts in America and the knowledge that must be passed to the next generation.Even while speaking openly about paralysis, pain and the quality of life he hoped to regain, Buddy's thoughts repeatedly return to the future: what might still be built, what could still be discovered and what young people entering the industry might one day achieve.At the time of recording, Buddy was living with rapidly progressing glioblastoma, which affected aspects of his thinking and recollection. This context is shared not to define him by his illness, but to help listeners understand the circumstances in which this deeply personal record was made.This tribute does not reduce Buddy to a polished memory. It preserves his candour, irreverent humour, extraordinary experiences and enduring sense of possibility because each was part of the man his family, friends and colleagues knew.“The possibilities are unlimited.”Featuring:Buddy HaackRick Thomas, Host of Yachting USACaptain Doug Hoogs, Buddy's longtime friend, mentor and co-authorYachting International Radio extends its sincere thanks to Buddy's wife, Weronika, and his daughters for sharing family photographs and offering thoughtful guidance during the final stages of the production.Content note: This episode contains candid references to substance use, serious illness, pain, paralysis and end-of-life care.Read the accompanying editorial:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/post/the-possibilities-are-unlimited-buddy-haack-and-a-life-shaped-by-the-seaWatch the full film:https://youtu.be/k2HNFukeiIYYachting USA is a Yachting International Radio production.With thanks to Engineered Yacht Solutions for supporting this special episode.

What does it really take to lead a superyacht when the pressure is high, the decisions are yours, and everyone onboard is looking to the bridge?In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd, speaks with Superyacht Captain Olly Lewis about the realities of command, charter leadership, crew morale, safety, rotation, recruitment, and life at sea.Olly's route into yachting was far from ordinary. After training as a ship's joiner at Pendennis in Falmouth, he helped build the yacht that would later become his first deckhand role, giving him a rare understanding of the vessel from the keel up before his career at sea had even properly begun.From there, he worked his way through the ranks with focus and discipline, using his leave to train, progress, and keep climbing. He also reflects on the importance of mentorship, particularly the role Captain Bill White played in giving him an opportunity and helping shape the captain he would become.The conversation explores what makes a strong charter captain, from preparation and guest communication before anyone steps onboard, to building trust with clients, supporting heads of department, and making sure the team behind the operation is properly recognised.Olly also speaks openly about the harder side of the job, including being away from home, raising a family while working on rotation, and the loneliness that can come with command. For all the privilege and excitement of the role, he makes clear that being captain still comes with pressure, sacrifice, and responsibility.One of the most gripping parts of the episode is Olly's account of a Gulf of Aden security incident, where an approaching skiff, armed security, a secured vessel, and a fast-moving situation left him standing alone on the bridge, making decisions under real pressure.Alicia and Olly also discuss crew morale during intense charter seasons, why captains need to stay grounded, what he looks for when recruiting crew, how additional skills can help people stand out, and why safety must remain the final line when guest requests push against operational limits.This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, preparation, calm under pressure, and the human reality behind the title of captain.Guest:Captain Olly LewisSuperyacht CaptainHost:Alicia StoreChief Operating Officer, dsnm LtdPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsOn The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International RadioSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Seafarer abandonment does not always mean a crew has been physically deserted on a dead ship. Sometimes the vessel is still operating, the crew is still working and cargo is still moving, but wages have stopped, contracts have expired, repatriation is being delayed and basic provisions are beginning to disappear.Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell are joined by Mohamed Arrachedi, ITF FOC Network Coordinator for the Arab World and Iran at the International Transport Workers' Federation, for a powerful examination of what abandonment really looks like and why it continues despite protections already contained within the Maritime Labour Convention.Mohamed works directly with seafarers facing unpaid wages, failed repatriation, unsafe living conditions and abandonment. He explains when a situation legally becomes abandonment, why crews should not wait until conditions become desperate before asking for help, and how failures in enforcement can allow abuse to continue.The conversation also looks beyond the vessel itself. When a seafarer goes months without wages, the consequences can reach an entire family ashore, particularly when that seafarer is the household's main source of income.At its heart, this is a conversation about enforcement, accountability and the human cost of allowing abandonment to become normalised.Resources referenced in this episode:Seafarer Abandonment Series: Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return https://youtu.be/fbg_frnyDy0ITF Seafarers' Bulletin 2026 https://www.itfseafarers.org/sites/default/files/node/resources/files/ITF-SB26_Layout_RGB-web-1.pdfITF Seafarers https://www.itfseafarers.orgPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News at Yachting International Radio.Prefer to watch? Find Sea Views on the Yachting International Radio YouTube channel.──────────────────────────── SUPPORTED BYCHIRP Maritime & The Seafarers' Charity ────────────────────────────https://www.chirp.co.uk https://www.theseafarerscharity.org

Early in her career, Ghada “Lili” Soliman was told that “no Arab has ever held a senior position in yachting.” Seven years later, she became Chief Stewardess on a 74-metre yacht. Her story raises a question the industry cannot afford to dismiss: how much talent is overlooked when an accent, nationality or passport is mistaken for a measure of ability?Karine Rayson speaks with Lili, Founder of The Inner Harbour and a Chief Stewardess with more than 15 years in luxury yachting, about the assumptions that shape who gets heard, encouraged and promoted onboard. They discuss what it takes to speak up when the people you challenge can influence your career, and why staying silent can leave capable crew feeling small.This is a candid conversation about discrimination and belonging, and about the responsibility captains and heads of department have to make it safe for crew to contribute, develop and lead.In this episode, they discuss:• The remark Lili was given early in her career and the path she took to Chief Stew• How nationality, language and accent can affect opportunity onboard• The quiet ways bias can make capable crew feel small• Why speaking up does not have to mean the end of a career• What psychological safety looks like in practice• How captains and heads of department can recognise and develop talent beyond the loudest voicesGuest:Ghada “Lili” SolimanFounder, The Inner HarbourChief Stewardess, 15+ years in luxury yachtingHost:Karine RaysonThe Crew Coachhttps://www.thecrewcoach.com

At four years old, Ann Pletschke had already decided that she would one day command a ship. By 16, she was at sea, beginning a career that would take her across deep-sea cargo ships, North Sea offshore operations, passenger ferries, polar waters, autonomous shipping, vessel inspections and command.In this candid conversation with Women in Maritime host Julia Gosling, Ann examines what it actually takes to build a career at sea, lead with credibility and challenge the parts of maritime culture that continue to place women at risk.From career specialisation and lifelong learning to failure, resilience and psychological safety, Ann shares the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership, including what one difficult departure from Grimsby taught her about humility, further training and the danger of pretending that command means having every answer.At the centre of the conversation is a difficult but essential question: does placing more women onboard automatically make women safer?Representation matters, but numbers alone cannot replace accountability, confidential support, meaningful male allyship and leaders who create an environment in which people can speak up without fear. Ann and Julia discuss sexism, harassment and sexual violence at sea, the isolation experienced by many seafarers, and why support information must reach people while they are still onboard.This is not simply the story of one woman becoming a captain. It is a thoughtful examination of what safety, equality and professional respect should look like across the maritime industry, and why lasting change depends on culture rather than appearances.Ann Pletschke, MEng, MSc, CMMar, CMarTech, is a Master SDPO, OVID and eCMID AVI inspector, master mariner and marine consultant.This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, sexual harassment, discrimination and trauma.SUPPORT AND RESOURCESSafer Waves, confidential support and information for seafarers affected by sexual violence or gender discrimination:https://www.saferwaves.org/ISWAN's Safe at Sea campaign:https://www.iswan.org.uk/our-work/safe-at-sea-campaign/SeafarerHelp, free confidential support for seafarers and their families:https://www.iswan.org.uk/seafarerhelp/YachtCrewHelp, free confidential support for yacht crew and their families:https://www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/Sailors' Society Trauma Therapy Grants:https://sailors-society.org/trauma-therapy-grants/Prefer to read? Read the full editorial on Yachting News:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news ABOUT WOMEN IN MARITIMEHosted by Julia Gosling, Women in Maritime brings together honest conversations with the women shaping shipping, seafaring and the wider maritime world, exploring leadership, professional barriers, safety, equality and the realities behind building a lasting career at sea.Women in Maritime is an original Yachting International Radio series and part of Yachting Channel, available across all major podcast platforms.Women In Maritime | Yachting International RadioDiscover more original shows, expert voices and maritime stories:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/showsVisit Yachting International Radio:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/

Choosing not to drink in yachting can sometimes attract more questions than drinking itself.From guest drop-offs and charter celebrations to crew nights out, bottles from brokers and the inevitable bar waiting in almost every port, alcohol can feel less like an occasional extra and more like part of the culture itself.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey, Founder of the Yacht Workers Council, sits down with Laura Kilbey, Founder of Sober Crew Social Club, for a candid, funny and deeply personal conversation about alcohol, sobriety and life at sea.Laura speaks openly about years spent trying to cut back, moderate and create rules around her drinking before eventually accepting that alcohol was taking more from her life than it was giving back.Remaining in yachting while choosing sobriety presented another challenge. Sober Crew Social Club began as a way for Laura to hold herself accountable and connect with other sober yacht crew, but she quickly discovered there were far more people searching for that community than she had realised.James also shares his experience of almost four years without alcohol and why drinking had stopped being something that added to his life.This is not a conversation arguing that everybody should stop drinking. Laura and James explore why some people can have a perfectly healthy relationship with alcohol while others cannot, why sobriety does not need to become someone's entire identity and why nobody needs to wait for a dramatic rock bottom before deciding drinking is no longer working for them.They also discuss anxiety, addiction, gambling, replacement coping mechanisms, the particular pressures of working at sea and whether a younger generation of crew is beginning to reshape yachting's relationship with alcohol.Because sobriety does not have to mean boring, and deciding alcohol is not right for you does not require anybody else's permission.Laura Kilbey | Sober Crew Social Clubhttps://www.sobercrewsocialclub.co.uk/Captain James Battey | Yacht Workers Councilhttps://yachtworkerscouncil.com/The Crew Car | Yachting International Radio

Yacht ownership is changing. The next generation of owners is asking different questions, commissioning more adventurous vessels and expecting far more from the jurisdictions, advisors and professional networks standing behind them.A flag may be visible, but the real value lies in everything behind it.In this episode of Yachting Confidential, Sabrina van Maltha sits down with Capt. Lee Clarke, General Manager of Isle of Man Maritime, to explore what makes a maritime jurisdiction worthy of an owner's trust.The Isle of Man has built its international reputation on far more than yacht registration. Its strength lies in responsiveness, professional expertise, ownership structures, seafarer knowledge and a connected maritime community that understands the responsibility behind some of the world's most significant vessels.Lee shares his journey from life at sea to maritime leadership and explains how Isle of Man Maritime is bringing the island's commercial, superyacht, business, digital, skills and seafarer sectors together into one stronger ecosystem.From expedition yachts and sustainability to crew welfare, artificial intelligence and changing owner expectations, this episode reveals the quiet infrastructure behind serious yacht ownership and why choosing the right jurisdiction matters long after the flag has been raised.Guest:Capt. Lee Clarke General Manager, Isle of Man Maritime https://maritime.im/Host:Sabrina van Maltha Head of Charter, International Yacht Register https://iyr.net/Presented by International Yacht Register.Prefer to watch? Find the full episode on the Yachting International Radio YouTube channel.Prefer to read? Visit Yachting News at Yachting International Radio.

When your phone has not been switched off for 18 years, 25 livelihoods depend on your decisions and every crisis follows you home, running a business with your spouse is anything but a conventional job.In the first of a new On The Bridge Meet the Team series, Alicia Store takes the guest seat alongside her husband and business partner, David Store. As COO and CEO of dsnm Ltd, they speak openly about the work behind their job titles, why their very different strengths have made the company stronger, and what it takes to share both an office and a home.Alicia describes the weight of worrying about 25 other people's mortgages, families and futures, as well as the personal sacrifice of returning online the day after giving birth during the COVID lockdown. David explains why continuing to develop Compass is one of the most rewarding parts of his role and admits that his greatest professional regret is not finding a way to build it sooner.Together, they revisit the crises that brought company momentum to an overnight halt, the late-night legal meetings caused by COVID and the conflict in Ukraine, and the responsibility of keeping a business stable when no one has trained you for what comes next.They also look back on two Queen's Awards, visits to Buckingham Palace, the first people to use Compass, their favourite yachts and the destinations they would choose if given the opportunity. Then come the truly important questions: who is funnier, who is the better driver, who can cook and who is right 95% of the time?Topics include:• The responsibilities Alicia and David carry at dsnm Ltd• Building a team of passionate perfectionists• Carrying responsibility for 25 people and their families• Why running a company becomes a 24-hour commitment• Developing Compass and refusing to let technology stand still• Leading through COVID and the conflict in Ukraine• Alicia's experience of returning to work after giving birth• Working successfully with your spouse• Winning two Queen's Awards• Favourite yachts, dream destinations and rapid-fire revelationsGuests:Alicia StoreChief Operating Officer, dsnm LtdHost of On The BridgeDavid StoreChief Executive Officer, dsnm Ltd

Operational experience should not enter a yacht project only after problems arise. For Meeli Lepik, it belongs at the heart of every design, build and refit from the beginning.Meeli reflects on her journey from senior onboard operations to establishing Holistic Yacht Interiors, including the advice that encouraged her to create something of her own, the experience she gained before taking that step, and the genuine shoreside network that helped make it possible.She also examines the difficult transition facing experienced onboard professionals who want to build independent careers ashore, and the longstanding disconnect between those who design and build yachts and those who ultimately operate them.Recorded at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2025, the interview returns to the place where the first seeds of Holistic Yacht Interiors were planted. As Meeli prepares to return to Monaco again in 2026, her mission is clear: nothing should be built or refitted without operational know-how and input.Interview directed by Lucie Gardiner.Discover Meeli Lepik and Holistic Yacht Interiors:https://holisticyachtinteriors.com/For presenting, moderating, media and industry collaborations, contact Lucie Gardiner:https://www.luciegardiner.com/Prefer to watch? Find the full video on Yachting International Radio's YouTube channel.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/

Financial freedom is often sold as the ability to buy whatever you want. Jon Schoeller sees it differently. Real freedom is having the power to say no.In this episode of Rich AF, Charl Minnaar sits down with real estate investor, private money lender and More Than Money founder Jon Schoeller for an honest discussion about wealth, family and what all that hard work is ultimately meant to provide.Jon and his wife, Rhianna, reached financial freedom in their early thirties, but adopting their daughter changed how they measured success. Jon explains why time became more valuable than status, how lifestyle creep and the hedonic treadmill keep people chasing more, and why raising a child with financial security still requires boundaries, responsibility and consequences.He also shares the story of the BMW that became one of his most valuable financial lessons. It looked like success, but brought payments, stress and almost no enjoyment. Selling it helped Jon recognise that memories, experiences and time with his family mattered far more than owning something simply to impress other people.The conversation then turns to the More Than Money community and private money lending. Charl shares his own experience completing a lending deal with Jon, while Jon explains how asset-backed lending works, why the borrower matters as much as the property, what documentation and protections lenders should expect, and why sustainable wealth is built through patience rather than get-rich-quick promises.They also challenge the idea that entrepreneurship automatically creates freedom. Sometimes a well-paid career you genuinely enjoy, combined with sensible investing, provides far more control than owning a business that never allows you to switch off.For yacht crew and anyone earning well while questioning what they are working towards, this episode is a reminder that money is not the final destination. The real goal is time, choice and the ability to walk away.Connect with Jon Schoeller:More Than Money:https://www.mtmcommunity.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thefrugalinvestor/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/jonschoellerConnect with Charl Minnaar:The Yachting Investor:https://theyachtinginvestor.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theyachtinginvestor/Prefer to watch? Find Rich AF on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/c/YachtingInternationalRadioPrefer to read? Visit Yachting News:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before making financial or investment decisions.

Yacht recruitment is not simply a CV, a vacancy and a race to make the placement. Get the match wrong and a crew member can walk into a toxic vessel, a yacht can hire somebody completely wrong for its culture, and both sides pay for a decision made too quickly.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey sits down with Laura-Kate Brown, Manager at Seven Seas Recruitment and former chief stewardess, for an unfiltered look at the realities of hiring and working in modern yachting.Laura-Kate traces her route from joining her first yacht straight out of sixth form, with no idea what the industry demanded, to working her way through exceptional boats and some absolute nightmares. That experience now shapes the way she recruits. She explains why knowing a candidate matters more than firing the same CV at every vacancy, why personality and crew fit can outweigh a stack of unnecessary certificates, and why Seven Seas has refused to place crew on vessels linked to unpaid wages, harassment or toxic behaviour.The conversation also challenges the flood of low-cost recruitment agencies and job platforms reducing a highly personal process to price and speed. When salaries for junior crew have barely moved in more than a decade, Below Deck has sold an entertainment version of life onboard, and social media has blurred the line between private service and personal branding, expectations on both sides are badly out of step.James and Laura-Kate get into crew morale, mental health, life in shared cabins, bad references, outdated wages, rotation, accountability and the need for verified professional records. They also ask a much larger question: if yachting expects seven-star standards from crew, why are so many yachts, employers and service providers still allowed to operate without meaningful scrutiny?For crew entering the industry, captains building teams and recruiters responsible for where people end up, this is the reality check.

What becomes possible when scientists can live and work beneath the ocean instead of racing against the limits of a conventional dive?Recorded at the opening of DEEP Station Florida in Marathon, this episode of The Blue Economy explores Vanguard, the first open-ocean crewed subsea habitat deployed in United States waters in more than 40 years.Installed 17 metres beneath the surface at Tennessee Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Vanguard can support four crew members on missions lasting five days or more. The habitat gives scientists sustained access to the ocean for reef restoration, marine research, technology development and the study of human performance in extreme environments.Dr. Dawn Kernagis explains how living at depth allows researchers to spend significantly more time working outside the habitat, study deeper reef systems and examine marine samples closer to where they are collected. Drawing on her experience as a NASA NEEMO aquanaut, she also explores the close relationship between underwater habitats, human physiology and preparation for space exploration.Norman Smith brings a career spanning deep-ocean robotics and human spaceflight, including equipment that remains aboard the International Space Station. He reveals the engineering discipline required to design, build, test and deploy a habitat where life-support systems, power, communications and surface operations must work together continuously.The conversation also looks beyond Vanguard to Sentinel, DEEP's larger modular habitat system, and the long-term ambition of making sustained human presence beneath the ocean a practical tool for science, conservation, education and exploration.Guests:Dr. Dawn Kernagis, Director of Scientific Research, DEEPNorman Smith, Chief Technology Officer, DEEPHost:Katherine O'Fallon, Executive Director, Marine Research Hub of South FloridaPrefer to read? Visit Yachting News:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsLearn more about DEEP:https://www.deep.com/Follow DEEP:https://www.instagram.com/deepengineered/Marine Research Hub of South Florida:https://marineresearchhub.org/The Blue Economy is powered by the Marine Research Hub of South Florida.The Blue Economy | Yachting International Radio

Good crew are expensive to replace. They are far less expensive to keep.In this episode of Forward Watch, Karine Rayson sits down with Captain Kelly Gordon for a direct conversation about why crew development, wellbeing and practical support should never be dismissed as optional extras. They are business decisions that affect retention, continuity, onboard culture and the owner's experience.With almost 20 years in yachting, around 15 years as a captain and an earlier career as a chemistry professor, Kelly has always believed in the value of education. She explains why investing in courses, counselling, leadership development, crew housing and even something as practical as providing a second crew car can make the difference between a team that stays and one that continually turns over.Kelly shares the example of a long-serving crew member who needed thousands of dollars in additional qualifications to move into commercial operations. Instead of losing a valuable member of the team, she proposed a tuition-assistance agreement. The company funded the training, the crew member committed to a defined period of service, and repayment would only be required if they chose to leave early.It was structured, measurable and far less expensive than replacing years of knowledge and experience.Karine and Kelly also tackle the more difficult questions. Should professional development happen during a crew member's leave? How can captains prove the return on training to owners and management? What happens when yachts claim they want loyalty but refuse to invest in the people they expect to remain loyal?Kelly's answer is practical: show them why. Use the numbers. Explain what turnover really costs and demonstrate how investment protects operational knowledge, stability and the relationships built between crew, owners and guests.Because owners increasingly want familiar faces aboard. They want people who understand the yacht, the programme and their preferences. That kind of continuity does not happen by accident.It is built by leaders who recognise that crew investment is not charity. It is smart yacht management.Guest:Captain Kelly GordonSuperyacht Captain, Speaker and Crew Wellbeing AdvocateWebsite: https://www.captainkellyjgordon.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/captainkellyjgordon/Host:Karine RaysonDirector, The Crew CoachWebsite: https://thecrewcoach.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecrewcoach/Prefer to read? Visit Yachting News at Yachting International Radio:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/

What happens when exposure is no longer enough, and the fight for accountability begins?In Part Three of Buried At Sea: The Fight For Accountability, UNCENSORED host Marién Sarriera concludes this three-part series with maritime lawyer, advocate, former seafarer, and Justice4Mariners founder Ryan Melogy.After Part One examined abuse at sea, silence, retaliation, and the systems that protect power, and Part Two followed the discovery of a reporting law that had been ignored for decades, Part Three moves into what happened next.This is where advocacy turns into action.Ryan discusses the story of Hope Hicks, the public pressure that followed, the role of Maritime Legal Aid, the involvement of Congress, and the changes that became part of the Safer Seas Act. He also explains why this matters beyond commercial shipping, including what yacht crew should understand about jurisdiction, flag structures, vessel arrest, insurance exclusions, sexual assault as a maritime injury, and the importance of documenting and reporting abuse.This final chapter is about survivor courage, legal action, institutional pressure, and the uncomfortable truth that systems rarely change because they simply decide to do better. They change when people speak up, document what happened, connect the dots, and refuse to let the truth disappear.If you have not listened to the first two episodes, start there. Each part builds on the last.Part One:https://youtu.be/oc4rgBlVYfUPart Two:https://youtu.be/93ySQssW0M0Guest: Ryan MelogyJustice4Mariners: https://www.justice4mariners.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SUPPORTED BYMoore Dixon━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Moore Dixon provides global insurance support designed for yacht crew, including medical cover for emergencies, routine care, and practical protection when the unexpected happens.

Cannes Yachting Festival is where the yachting season begins, where shipyards reveal their latest work, where buyers step aboard, and where the future direction of luxury boating becomes visible on the water.In this episode of Yachting Confidential, Sabrina van Maltha speaks with Constance Brément, Show Director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, ahead of the 2026 edition taking place 8 to 13 September in Cannes.Constance brings a rare perspective to the role, having experienced the festival for many years from the exhibitor side before stepping into leadership of the event itself. That background gives her a clear understanding of what brands need from a major international show, but also what visitors expect when they arrive in Cannes looking for inspiration, connection and the confidence that can only come from stepping aboard.The conversation explores what makes Cannes so distinct, from its international reach and in-water setting to its mix of motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, tenders, equipment, services, design, refit, innovation and lifestyle. Constance also speaks about changing buyer expectations, the rise of slow cruising, smarter and more efficient yachts, sustainability, AI, and why physical boat shows remain irreplaceable in a world where clients often arrive more informed than ever.At its heart, Cannes Yachting Festival remains about emotion, discovery and the experience of seeing the industry's finest work brought together on the water.Because people do not simply buy a boat to own a boat. They buy into the life it makes possible.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ PRESENTED BY International Yacht Register ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━International Yacht Register provides luxury yacht charter, ownership and advisory services for clients seeking trusted guidance, exceptional yachts and access to the global yachting lifestyle.iyr.netGuest:Constance BrémentShow Director, Cannes Yachting Festival cannesyachtingfestival.comHost:Sabrina van MalthaHead of Charter, International Yacht Register iyr.netPrefer to read? Visit Yachting News at Yachting International Radio.

How well does the superyacht industry really know the people it brings onboard?In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd, speaks with Conrad Empson, Founder and Managing Director of CrewPass, about crew vetting, background checks, onboard safety, entrepreneurship, and the growing role of AI in yachting.Conrad started in yachting as crew, working his way from deckhand to bosun before moving ashore. His experience onboard helped shape the idea behind CrewPass, a platform built to make crew background checks easier, more secure, and more useful for crew, recruiters, captains, management companies, and employers.This conversation looks at a question the industry can no longer afford to ignore: how can crew be welcomed onboard some of the world's most valuable private assets, working close to owners, families, guests, and other crew, without proper checks in place?Conrad explains how CrewPass was built from a safety perspective, why a crew-held credential made more sense than relying only on employers to request checks, and how the platform creates a more practical ecosystem for background screening across a global crew market.Alicia and Conrad also discuss the realities of building a company, from validating the idea with recruiters to the expensive lessons learned from trying to make background checks affordable for crew through a payment plan.The conversation then turns to AI in yachting, including how CrewPass is using technology to understand digital footprints, how AI is beginning to change recruitment and software development, and why tools such as Cursor are dramatically reducing the time and cost required to build new digital products.At the centre of the discussion is a simple but important point:Professional yachting cannot keep relying on attitude, references, and luck when it comes to knowing who is stepping onboard.Topics include:• Conrad Empson's route from yacht crew to founder• Why CrewPass was created• Crew vetting and background checks in yachting• The safety risks around hiring crew without proper checks• Why crew-held credentials can support recruiters and employers• How CrewPass makes background checks easier to share securely• Why global crew checks are more complex than standard background screening• Building and funding a yachting technology company• The challenge of making background checks affordable for crew• AI in the superyacht industry• Digital footprint checks and crew profiles• How AI tools are changing software development• What AI could mean for crew with ideas, side projects, and future businessesLearn more about CrewPass:www.crewpass.co.ukLearn more about dsnm Ltd:www.dsnmltd.comPrefer to read?Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsHost: Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm LtdGuest: Conrad Empson, Founder and Managing Director of CrewPassOn The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International RadioSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

If Antigua is on your next yacht itinerary, Hermitage Bay may be the stop you have been overlooking.Set on a calm, protected bay on Antigua's west coast, this intimate five-star resort allows yacht owners, charter guests and crew to anchor offshore, tender directly onto the beach and move seamlessly from life onboard to a private escape ashore. As Kim Sweers puts it, you can arrive in the bay and be eating lobster on the sand just 30 minutes later.Kim Sweers, also known as The Boat Boss, sits down with Rachel Browne, General Manager of Hermitage Bay, to explore how this Two MICHELIN Key resort can become part of a Caribbean yacht itinerary.They discuss arrivals by yacht, fly-in guests joining their vessel directly from the resort, pre- and post-charter stays, birthdays and private celebrations, crew downtime, wellness experiences, personalised dining and fishing excursions where the day's catch can be prepared by the resort's culinary team.Rachel also explains the hospitality culture behind Hermitage Bay's recognition on Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List, Gold List and Readers' Choice Awards. At Hermitage Bay, luxury is not about excess. It is about privacy, authenticity, exceptional service and the feeling created by a team that genuinely cares.Kim closes with two major announcements. CITY HOME is the new home of Yachting Unplugged in Fort Lauderdale, and she shares news connected to Bravo's Below Deck and the 65th Antigua Charter Yacht Show, taking place from December 4 to 9, 2026.HOSTKim Sweers | The Boat Bosshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/boatboss/GUESTRachel Browne | General Manager, Hermitage Bayhttps://ag.linkedin.com/in/rachel-browne-42947559DISCOVER HERMITAGE BAYhttps://hermitagebay.comconcierge@hermitagebay.comPRESENTED BY CITY HOMEYachting Unplugged is presented by CITY HOME, the new Fort Lauderdale home of the show. Through CITY HOME on the Water, it brings furniture, bedding, décor, appliances and design support to yacht owners, captains and crew.https://cityhome.comPREFER TO READ?Head to Yachting News on the YIR website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

There are places the world knows, and then there are places only a few will ever experience.In this episode of Yachting Confidential, Sabrina van Maltha sits down with Nick Walker, Director at Imperium Group, for a high-level conversation on where yachting sits within the wider world of wealth, family offices, luxury assets and long-term legacy.For ultra-high-net-worth families, yacht ownership is rarely just a purchase. It can involve privacy, structuring, succession planning, financing, tax considerations, operational costs, trusted advisors, family decision-making and a clear understanding of how the yacht will actually be used.Nick brings together financial services experience, private client expertise and genuine time on the water. He and Sabrina discuss why yachts are best understood as passion assets, why the right advisory team matters long before a purchase is made, and why chartering first may be the smarter path for some prospective owners.Presented by International Yacht Register Luxury yacht charter, ownership and advisory services for clients seeking trusted guidance, exceptional yachts and access to the global yachting lifestyle. https://iyr.net/Guest: Nick Walker Director, Imperium Group https://www.imperiumfs.com/Host: Sabrina van Maltha Head of Charter, International Yacht Register https://iyr.net/Prefer to read? Visit Yachting News at Yachting International Radio.

Recording sea time should be one of the simplest parts of a maritime career. Instead, crew are still relying on paper records, spreadsheets and memories to prove where they have worked and whether they have the sea time required for their next qualification.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey, Founder of the Yacht Workers Council, sits down with Jack Haworth, Co-Founder of Digital Sea Service, to look at how technology could finally bring sea-service records into the modern maritime industry.Jack explains how Digital Sea Service grew from his own experience at Warsash, where people discovered that mistakes in calculating their sea time could prevent them from progressing with their qualifications.James and Jack discuss using AIS data to automatically record vessel activity, digital signatures and stamps, generating testimonials from existing records, and creating a career history that stays with crew as they move between vessels.They also tackle the more uncomfortable side of digitisation. Better records mean greater transparency, and greater transparency can expose sea-time claims that simply do not add up. If professional qualifications require genuine experience at sea, should the industry be doing more to ensure that experience can actually be verified?The conversation also looks at the wider problem of career progression in yachting, where crew are often expected to navigate certification, sea service, testimonials and training without the professional infrastructure that exists in other maritime sectors.Digital tools will not solve every problem facing yacht crew, but making it easier to accurately record and prove a maritime career is a very good place to start.

What if better yacht maintenance could give valuable time back to the crew?On board motor yacht Unbridled in Alaska, Tyler Wilson, Founder and President of Velluto Products, joins Captain Liam Devlin and Eleisha Mealing after polishing and ceramic coating one of the vessel's hardest-working areas: the transom and swim platform.Captain Liam explains how the crew can spend two to three hours every day washing and detailing that space, and why effective surface protection is about far more than shine. It can reduce repetitive labour, protect the finish and create more time for crew training, guest interaction and the work that genuinely requires skilled hands.They discuss correct surface preparation, professional application, hands-on training and the risks of handing unfamiliar products to crew and expecting them to figure it out.Presented by Velluto Products, high-performance ceramic marine care for yachts, tenders and personal watercraft.https://www.vellutoproducts.com/

How many times have you told yourself you are just tired?In this episode of The Wellbeing Project, host Karine Rayson of The Crew Coach speaks with Alice Lloyd of Lloyd Yacht Management in Sydney about chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and the burn and crash cycle that so many high performers miss until their body forces them to stop.Alice was a midwife before entering the yachting industry, and for 20 years she lived with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia while being told there was nothing that could be done. Her story is deeply personal, but the message is highly relevant to yacht crew, captains, HODs, managers, business owners, and anyone running on adrenaline while calling it capability.This conversation explores why stress is physiological before it is mental, what happens when the nervous system never gets to stand down, and why exhaustion, skipped meals, poor sleep, brain fog, irritability, and emotional shutdown should not be dismissed as normal.Karine and Alice also discuss the early signs that someone onboard may not be coping, the importance of rest and regulation, and why high performance cannot be built on constant adrenaline without eventually paying a price.Guest:Alice Lloyd, Lloyd Yacht ManagementHost:Karine Rayson, The Crew Coachhttps://www.thecrewcoach.com

Sailing is often seen as something reserved for experienced charterers, full yacht bookings or people who already know their way around the industry.In this episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Einar Halldin, Founder of More Sailing, about making sailing more accessible through hosted, all-inclusive trips designed for solo travellers, couples and small groups.Einar explains how More Sailing has shifted the focus from simply renting boats to creating complete sailing experiences, with skipper, host, food, drinks, transfers, flights and the onboard experience built into the model. The conversation explores customer satisfaction, international growth, luxury at sea, the emotional pull of sailing, and why the company's slogan is sailing trips for everyone.From Croatia, Greece, Italy and Sweden to the Caribbean, More Sailing is working to lower the barriers to yachting and bring more people onto the water.Guest: Einar Halldin Founder | More Sailing Website: moresailing.com Email: einar@moresailing.com

At sea, weather is not background. It shapes safety, aviation, command decisions, operational risk and the ability to work effectively in some of the most demanding conditions on the water.In this episode of Women in Maritime, Julia Gosling speaks with Lt Cdr Fran Crowsley-Allen, Royal Navy Meteorologist, instructor, mother of two and co-chair of the Naval Service Women's Network.Fran originally trained to drive ships before specialising in meteorology and oceanography, where environmental information becomes part of tactical decision-making. Her career has taken her across the world, including work connected to the search for MH370, operations in severe sea states, and now teaching tactical meteorology and oceanography to the next generation.This conversation looks at the role of weather in naval safety, the importance of communicating uncertainty with confidence, and what it means to support command decisions at sea.Fran also speaks about life as a woman at sea, being one of very few women onboard, dual-serving parent life, retention, flexible careers, menopause policy and why the lived experience of women in maritime matters as much as the statistics.A thoughtful and important conversation about service, science, judgement, motherhood, culture and the future of women at sea.Guest: Lt Cdr Fran Crowsley-Allen, Royal Navy MeteorologistHost: Julia GoslingLearn more about the Royal Navy:https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Royal Navy Careers:https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careersHydrography and Meteorology Specialist:https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/roles/hydrography-and-meteorology-specialistPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

What does it take to design and build a superyacht that truly works in operation?In this episode of On The Bridge, host Alicia Store, COO of dsnm Ltd, speaks with Lee Stevenson and Giles Frankal, co-founders of Occam Marine and former superyacht captains.Drawing on their experience at sea and within yacht construction, Lee and Giles explain why operational expertise should be introduced during the earliest stages of a superyacht build—before layouts, specifications and critical design decisions become fixed.The conversation explores how practical input from experienced captains can improve bridge design, crew and guest flow, tender operations and the overall functionality of a yacht. They also discuss the move from life at sea into business, the growth of Occam Marine and the importance of challenging decisions that may look good on paper but create problems in operation.Topics include: Why operational experience matters during a superyacht build Involving captains before major design decisions are finalised Practical bridge design and onboard workflows Improving movement for guests and crew Tender operations and real-world usability Moving from yacht command into project management Building and growing Occam Marine Guests: Lee Stevenson and Giles Frankal, Co-Founders of Occam MarineHost: Alicia Store, COO of dsnm LtdOccam Marine: https://www.occam.uk.com/dsnm Ltd: https://www.dsnmltd.com/Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsOn The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International Radio

South African yacht crew often hear one simple statement: yachties do not pay tax.But earning money overseas does not automatically remove the obligation to declare that income, submit tax returns, or prove that an exemption applies.In this episode of Rich AF, Charl Minnaar speaks with Jamie Hadley-Grave CA(SA), Founder of Hadley-Grave Accounting & Tax, about the South African tax rules affecting yacht crew working around the world.Jamie explains how SARS determines tax residency and why many South Africans working at sea may remain liable to declare their worldwide income. He breaks down the difference between the foreign employment income exemption and the seafarer exemption, including the different qualifying periods and day requirements attached to each.The conversation also looks at what makes a vessel commercially qualifying, why commercial registration alone may not be sufficient, and how private use, charter activity, salary, bonuses, and crew tips can affect an individual's tax position.For crew relying on an exemption, documentation is critical. Jamie explains why passport stamps, signed employment contracts, payslips, bank statements, seaman's discharge books, charter certificates, and proof of commercial activity may be needed when dealing with SARS.They also discuss what can happen when yacht crew have not submitted returns for several years, including administrative penalties, provisional tax, underpayment penalties, and interest.The message is not to panic or continue avoiding the problem. It is to understand which rules apply, gather the right evidence, and address the situation before SARS comes looking.In this episode:• How SARS determines South African tax residency• Worldwide income and the obligations of South African tax residents• The foreign employment income exemption• The seafarer exemption• The 183-day and 60-day requirements• Private, commercial, and charter yacht operations• How salary, bonuses, and yacht crew tips are treated• The evidence crew may need to provide to SARS• Late tax returns, administrative penalties, and provisional tax• Why crew should become compliant sooner rather than laterGuest:Jamie Hadley-Grave CA(SA)Founder, Hadley-Grave Accounting & Taxhttps://hadleygraveaccountingtax.co.za/Instagram: @jamiehadleygraveHost:Charl MinnaarThe Yachting InvestorPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Is the grass really greener in yachting, or does commercial shipping offer the balance maritime professionals are actually looking for?In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey is joined by his former First Officer and good friend, Chief Officer Ashley Ogborne, for an honest and frequently hilarious comparison of life aboard yachts and commercial ships.Ashley shares how philanthropy work in Greece led him towards a Merchant Navy cadetship sponsored by Carnival UK, followed by five years aboard cruise ships. Looking for greater experience, better money and a different way of life, he resigned and moved into yachting in January 2020, just as COVID began shutting the world down.Already a qualified officer, Ashley mistakenly believed he needed to dock walk for work, creating a memorable introduction to an industry whose language, hierarchy and expectations were very different from the commercial world he knew.After five and a half years in yachting, Ashley has now returned to commercial shipping and is working aboard ferries in New Zealand. He and James compare the realities of both sectors, including money, rotation, career progression, crew culture and the challenge of building a family life around long periods at sea.They also discuss the close family atmosphere often found aboard smaller yachts, the compromises that can accompany rotational positions, and the constant temptation to compare your job with somebody else's supposedly perfect “unicorn gig.”Ashley explains why he moved to New Zealand, how a chance bridge tour helped open the door to his current position, and why gaining residency is central to his plans to buy land and eventually establish a wellness retreat.But has he left yachting permanently?Not necessarily.⚓ In this episode:• Ashley Ogborne's route from Greece into the Merchant Navy• His Carnival UK cadetship and five years aboard cruise ships• Moving into yachting at the beginning of COVID• Dock walking as an already qualified officer• The difference between a commercial “deckie” and a yacht deckhand• Money, lifestyle and opportunity within yachting• Why smaller yachts can create a genuine family atmosphere• Rotation, relationships and maintaining a life ashore• The endless search for the “unicorn gig”• Why the grass is not always greener on somebody else's vessel• Returning to commercial shipping in New Zealand• Creating opportunities through contacts, timing and persistence• Ashley's plans for residency, land and a wellness retreat• Why he may still return to yachting

Could one of the world's most powerful ocean currents become a source of renewable energy?Katherine O'Fallon of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida is joined by Dr. James VanZwieten, Director of Florida Atlantic University's Southeast Marine Energy Center (SMEC), to explore the science, engineering and real-world testing behind efforts to harness energy from the Gulf Stream.The conversation looks at decades of research into ocean currents off the Florida coast, the challenges of designing and testing marine energy technology in deep, fast-moving water, and the enormous amount of data required before turbines can move from experimental systems toward commercial applications.James also explains what it takes to conduct offshore testing, why environmental monitoring is fundamental to the research, how scientists measure and understand the Gulf Stream itself, and the role of the U.S. Department of Energy in advancing marine energy technology.It is a practical look at an extraordinary renewable resource and the engineering required to determine what role ocean current energy could realistically play in the future.GUESTDr. James VanZwietenDirector, Southeast Marine Energy Center (SMEC)Florida Atlantic UniversityHOSTKatherine O'FallonMarine Research Hub of South FloridaRELEVANT LINKSFlorida Atlantic University – Southeast Marine Energy Center (SMEC)https://www.fau.edu/engineering/research/snmrec/Meet the SMEC teamhttps://www.fau.edu/engineering/research/snmrec/people/Marine Research Hub of South Floridahttps://marineresearchhub.org/U.S. Department of Energy – Marine Energy Programhttps://www.energy.gov/cmei/water/marine-energy-program

Captain Liam Devlin is joined by Oliver Browne, Founder & CEO of True Summit Adventures, to explore frontier travel, rare access and what makes an adventure genuinely unforgettable.From Alaska and Indonesia to Mongolia, Ecuador and the Solomon Islands, Oliver shares how True Summit creates highly personalised journeys built around extraordinary places, expert guides and experiences that cannot simply be booked off the shelf.They also discuss the role superyachts can play as platforms for exploration, opening access to remote coastlines, wildlife, mountains and destinations conventional travel struggles to reach.

What happens when a law exists to protect seafarers, but the system built to enforce it does not act?In Part Two of Buried At Sea: The Law They Ignored, UNCENSORED host Marién Sarriera continues the three-part series with maritime lawyer, advocate, and former seafarer Ryan Melogy.After Part One examined Ryan's own experience of abuse at sea and what happened when he reported it, Part Two follows the moment that changed the direction of his fight. While studying for his chief mate exam, Ryan discovered a federal law requiring allegations of sexual assault aboard US-flagged vessels to be reported to the US Coast Guard.That discovery raised a question that would lead him into something much larger:If the law existed, why was it not being enforced?Ryan explains how institutional pushback, Coast Guard inaction, FOIA requests, Maritime Legal Aid, public pressure, and survivor stories began to expose a wider pattern across the maritime industry. What started as one report became part of a much bigger fight for accountability, enforcement, and protection for people working at sea.This conversation looks at the gap between policy and action, the burden placed on survivors, the emotional cost of advocacy, and what happens when ignored reports are finally brought into the open.This is Part Two of a three-part UNCENSORED special series.Listen to Part One first:https://youtu.be/oc4rgBlVYfUGuest: Ryan MelogyJustice4Mariners: https://www.justice4mariners.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SUPPORTED BYMoore Dixon━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Moore Dixon provides global insurance support designed for yacht crew, including medical cover for emergencies, routine care, and practical protection when the unexpected happens.

Private conversations. Influential voices. Simply Moore.In this episode of Simply Moore, host Michael Moore of Moore & Co. sits down with Jamie Ye, Founder and CEO of FNT Lifestyle LLC, for a conversation about yachting, branding, VIP experiences, and the growing connections between Asian and Western markets.Jamie shares her journey from China to Fort Lauderdale, her work around luxury lifestyle and yachting, and her mission to act as a bridge between Asian shipyards, American expertise, international design, and the wider yacht lifestyle.From Las Olas and Fort Lauderdale to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, China, and beyond, this conversation looks at what it takes to build trust, understand culture, and connect people across the international yachting world.Guest: Jamie Ye Company: FNT Lifestyle LLC Website: https://fntlifestyle.com/Prefer to read? Visit Yachting News: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

How can the superyacht industry improve safety before something goes wrong?In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd, speaks with Paul Shepherd, Chair of CHIRP's superyacht programme, about confidential safety reporting, crew trust, shared learning, and the culture needed to help yacht crew speak up.Paul explains what CHIRP is, why a superyacht-specific programme was created, and how crew can share safety concerns, near misses, incidents, and lessons learned without fear of being identified.This is not a conversation about whistleblowing. It is a conversation about learning.Paul makes clear that CHIRP is designed to take the same safety conversations that often happen in crew bars, WhatsApp groups, or private chats, and bring them into a confidential structure where the wider industry can learn from them. The aim is not to blame yachts, captains, crew, or management companies. The aim is to prevent the same mistakes from being repeated elsewhere.Alicia and Paul also discuss some of the most common superyacht safety themes reported through CHIRP, including tender operations, anchoring and mooring, and working aloft. They explore why unsafe practices can become normal onboard simply because nothing has gone wrong yet, a process known as the normalisation of deviation.From kill cords and life jackets in tenders to slippery surfaces, exposed work areas, stop work authority, and the importance of fresh eyes onboard, this conversation looks at the everyday decisions that shape safety culture.Paul also highlights the positive side of the industry: the captains, chief officers, engineers, interior teams, deck crew, and shoreside professionals already trying to build better safety standards across yachting.At the heart of the discussion is a simple idea:You do not have enough time to make all the mistakes yourself. Sometimes the safest thing a yacht can do is learn from what has already happened somewhere else.Topics include:• What CHIRP is and why the superyacht programme was created• Confidential safety reporting in yachting• Why CHIRP is not a whistleblowing programme• How crew anonymity is protected• Tender operations, anchoring, mooring, and working aloft• Normalisation of deviation in yacht operations• Kill cords, life jackets, and practical tender safety• Stop work authority and crew confidence• Why safety culture depends on trust• How captains and senior crew can use CHIRP reports onboard• Why shared learning can prevent serious incidentsLearn more about CHIRP Maritime:https://chirp.co.uk/maritime/Learn more about dsnm Ltd:www.dsnmltd.comPrefer to read?Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsHost: Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm LtdGuest: Paul Shepherd, Chair of CHIRP's superyacht programmeOn The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International RadioSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Luxury yachting is often seen from the outside as glamour, freedom, celebrities, billionaires, royals, and floating palaces. But behind that image is a very different world of service, sacrifice, pressure, extraordinary human moments, and stories most people never hear.In this episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Timmo Elliott and Gemma Masferrer, authors of Sailing Through the Excess, a book that pulls back the curtain on life inside the luxury yachting world.Timmo shares how years in hospitality, travel, and yachting led to a memoir filled with remarkable encounters, unforgettable guests, and the realities behind elite service. Gemma explains how she helped bring those stories together, shaping Timmo's experiences into a book with wider context around climate change, gender equality at sea, the MeToo movement, language, identity, and the sacrifices behind maritime life.This is a conversation about luxury yachting, but also about storytelling, human connection, nature, resilience, and the courage to step outside your comfort zone.Guests: Timmo Elliott & Gemma Masferrer Book: Sailing Through the Excess

Refit oversight is where yacht projects either hold together or start to unravel.In this episode of American Refit, host Maria Pierce Schoenheit is joined by Robert Mac Keen of MacKeen Group / MIATC and Lord Luke Hammond of Seek Standards for a direct conversation on planning, accountability, reporting, contractor selection, owner expectations, and why yacht refit projects need clearer structure before a vessel ever enters the yard.The discussion looks at what happens when scope is unclear, vendors are not aligned, pricing is not properly compared, and every stakeholder is working from a different version of the project.From 10-year surveys and contractor quality to shipyard capacity, project baselines, refit management, owner communication, and stronger standards across the American refit market, this conversation gets into the practical realities that can make or break a yard period.A quick note on the audio: there were technical issues with the original recording. The audio has been cleaned up as much as possible because the conversation itself was too valuable not to share.Featured in this episode:Maria Pierce Schoenheit Host, American Refit Owner | Director of Operations MPS 913 | Maritime Project Solutions mpsolutions913.comRobert Mac Keen MacKeen Group / MIATC mackeengroup.com miatc.orgLord Luke Hammond Seek StandardsSupported by Indiantown Marine Center, a 40-acre inland facility built for yacht service projects, with 250-ton and 100-ton travel lifts, 2,800 feet of dockage, expansive workspace, and a skilled contractor base. indiantownmarinecenterfl.comPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Superyacht ownership should be exceptional, but it should never be chaotic.In this episode of Forward Watch, host Karine Rayson speaks with Jack MacNally of Foreland Marine about where yacht owners are most exposed during a purchase, build, refit, or ongoing operation, and why independent representation matters long before something goes wrong.Jack is the co-founder of Foreland Marine Consultancy, an independent owner's representative firm working only for the owner. He is also the author of The First Owner's Reference, a guide created to help yacht owners ask the questions that are often missing from the glossy version of yacht ownership.The conversation looks at one of the industry's most uncomfortable realities: incentives.A broker may recommend a surveyor. A surveyor may know the captain. A captain may recommend a yard. Everyone may look professional, polished, and experienced, but unless the owner understands who is being paid, who is connected, and where interests may overlap, the advice they receive may not be as independent as they believe.Jack explains why transparency, disclosure, due diligence, and independent advice are essential when millions of dollars and multiple stakeholders are involved. He also discusses why owners should build their own team before entering the purchase process, including independent technical guidance, legal advice, survey support, and people who are genuinely sitting on their side of the table.The discussion also moves beyond acquisition into the ongoing role of an owner's representative. Jack explains why strong representation should not disappear once the deal is complete, and why operational oversight, crew-level awareness, management relationships, diplomacy, integrity, and long-term planning all matter to the success of the yacht.At the heart of the episode is a simple question every owner should be asking:Who is actually in your corner?Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsKarine Rayson | The Crew Coach:https://thecrewcoach.comJack MacNally | Foreland Marine:https://www.forelandmarine.com

Yachting does not run on yachts alone. It runs on captains, crew, marinas, shipyards, agents, suppliers, contractors, and the people who understand how to keep the entire ecosystem moving.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey, Founder of the Yacht Workers Council, sits down with Giusy Murolo, Sales Manager at Marina Genova, to discuss why captains and crew are the real asset in yachting, how Marina Genova developed into a strategic hub for large yachts, and why poorly designed regulation can damage far more than the people it claims to target.Giusy shares how she joined Marina Genova while it was still being built and how the marina's focus shifted once it became clear that captains and crew were central to yacht movement, yard periods, services, and onboard decisions. The conversation looks at why marina support must go beyond berths and technical facilities to include airport access, provisioning, contractors, transport, local knowledge, crew services, and the wider community surrounding the marina.James and Giusy also discuss the new Schengen stamp-in and stamp-out rules affecting crew joining yachts in Italy. Under the current system, crew may only be stamped out once the captain declares an exact departure date within 10 days. While that may be manageable for yachts moving during the summer season, it creates a far more serious problem for yachts entering refit periods, remaining in Italy for longer stays, or relying on non-EU crew.The consequences are not limited to paperwork. They affect crew time, captain workload, continuity onboard, costs, refit planning, agents, marinas, shipyards, local businesses, and whether yachts choose to remain in Italy at all.Giusy also explains the work of Genova for Yachting and the substantial economic impact the industry has across Genoa and Liguria. When yachts stay, they support far more than a berth. They support provisioning companies, contractors, restaurants, transport providers, technical businesses, retail, tourism, and entire local supply chains.Because when regulation does not reflect how yachting actually works, everybody loses.

Yacht charter booking is changing, and today's clients expect faster access, clearer pricing, live availability, and a more direct route from interest to experience.In this episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin is joined by Captain Daren Packham, Head of Yachts at IDOSY, for a practical conversation about instant yacht charter booking, live pricing, live availability, APA and VAT transparency, and how digital platforms can help reduce friction in the charter process.Daren explains how IDOSY is designed to give yachts another route to market, helping owners, brokers, central agents, captains, crew, and clients work with clearer information from the start. Rather than replacing the people who make yacht charter work, the platform is built to help clients reach the right people faster, so the real guest experience can begin sooner.The conversation also explores why the 20 to 40-metre yacht sector is well suited to online booking tools, how live availability can reduce delays, why transparent pricing matters, and how easier access can help grow the wider charter market by bringing new clients into yachting.Guest: Captain Daren Packham Head of Yachts, IDOSYWebsite: https://www.idosyachts.com/Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Offshore safety is not just about PPE, paperwork, or compliance. It is about people, judgement, leadership, resilience, and understanding risk before it becomes an incident.In this episode of Sea Views, Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell are joined by Gordon Foot, MNM FNI | Offshore Client Representative, for a conversation about the reality of life and work offshore.Gordon's maritime career has taken him from Royal Navy submarines into offshore operations across oil and gas, subsea work, cables, renewables, offshore wind, marine construction, and high-risk maritime environments. His perspective is grounded in decades of practical experience, but the heart of this conversation is the people who make offshore operations work.The discussion explores safety culture, human factors, resilience, self-awareness, teamwork, connectivity at sea, seafarer welfare, mentoring, and why offshore safety has to be lived, not simply written into procedures.Gordon also reflects on the opportunities within the blue economy, the importance of bringing younger people into maritime, and why curiosity, empathy, and strong leadership still matter in an industry shaped by technology, risk, and constant change.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSupported by: CHIRP Maritime & The Seafarers' Charity www.chirp.co.uk | www.theseafarerscharity.org

What makes sailing yacht Black Pearl one of the most extraordinary yachts in the world?In this episode of On The Bridge, Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd, speaks with Captain Chris Gartner of sailing yacht Black Pearl about the freedom of sailing, the technology behind one of the most recognisable yachts afloat, and the realities of operating a sailing yacht of this scale.Chris explains why sailing offers something different from motor yachting, describing it as the chess game of yachting, where wind, crew, systems, timing, and skill all come together to move the yacht with power and purpose.This conversation explores what makes Black Pearl so unique, from her Dyn Rig to the onboard systems that allow her to generate power while under sail. It also looks at the practical side of operating a yacht of this size, including crew organisation, pride in the vessel, maintenance, safety, and the challenge of keeping the rig operational at 72 metres above the water.Chris also shares the destinations that have shaped his career, including years spent exploring the Pacific Basin, and why Black Pearl is ready for more blue-water sailing, remote cruising, and a new chapter as a charter yacht.At the centre of the conversation is the passion that drives sailing yacht crew:It is not just about moving from A to B. It is about using wind, teamwork, and seamanship to bring a yacht like Black Pearl fully to life.Topics include:• Why sailing yachts offer a different kind of command• What makes Black Pearl's Dyn Rig so significant• How Black Pearl generates power while under sail• The realities of operating a sailing yacht of this size• Crew pride, motivation, and onboard culture• Maintenance, safety, and working aloft• Why the rig creates unique operational challenges• Remote cruising and blue-water sailing• Pacific destinations and future bucket-list routes• Black Pearl's new chapter as a charter yachtLearn more about dsnm Ltd:www.dsnmltd.comPrefer to read?Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsHost: Alicia Store, Chief Operating Officer at dsnm LtdGuest: Captain Chris Gartner, sailing yacht Black PearlOn The Bridge | dsnm Ltd | Yachting International RadioSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Yacht maintenance is not the ugly side of yachting. It is where the standard either holds or slips.In this episode of Captain's Chat | Yachting International Radio, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Tyler Wilson and Brian Hall of Velluto Products about yacht maintenance, ceramic coatings, surface protection, detailing, product education, and why the industry needs better systems for looking after yachts in real marine conditions.Tyler and Brian explain how Velluto Products was built from the ground up, why ceramic coatings should be treated as part of a full maintenance system, and how products such as ceramic wash, gel coat protection, and waterless wash can help captains and crew protect surfaces, save time, and reduce avoidable damage.The conversation also introduces Yacht Maintenance Unhinged, a new podcast coming to Yachting International Radio, created to bring a more honest, practical, and entertaining look at yacht maintenance, detailing, coatings, crew habits, product use, training, and the realities of keeping yachts looking their best.Guests: Tyler Wilson & Brian Hall Company: Velluto Products Website: https://vellutoproducts.com/Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

What does substance awareness really look like when alcohol, drugs, nightlife, crew culture, safety, and personal responsibility all collide?In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman is joined by Stacey Miller for a raw, honest, and practical conversation about alcohol, drugs, harm reduction, drink spiking, crew safety, and why awareness matters in an industry built around travel, pressure, nightlife, and intense work.Stacey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the conversation. Her background in drug and alcohol awareness, prevention, education, recovery support, and safeguarding gives her a clear understanding of why fear-based messaging rarely works, and why better information can help people make safer decisions before things reach crisis point.The conversation explores teenage drinking culture, hangovers, functioning drinking, substance use, drug testing, THC vapes, cocaine, ketamine, GHB, synthetic opioids, and the reality that many crew are navigating these risks while working in holiday destinations, nightlife hubs, crew houses, and high-pressure onboard environments.Cherise and Stacey also discuss drink spiking, sexual assault risk, green crew vulnerability, power imbalance, active bystander culture, social media stalking, reporting challenges, and why yacht crew safety cannot be reduced to telling women to “be careful.”This is not a lecture. It is a conversation about awareness, practical tools, crew responsibility, harm reduction, and a more honest approach to what actually happens around alcohol and drugs.In This Conversation: Alcohol, drugs, and changing social norms Functioning drinking versus problem drinking Why recovery is difficult once substance use becomes a lifestyle Different drugs and different risks Drug testing and yacht crew reality How Stacey entered the yachting world Antibes nightlife and crew vulnerability Harm reduction for crew on leave Why yachting can become the perfect storm Drink spiking in marina and nightlife environments What perpetrators may look for Green crew, power imbalance, and risk Active bystander culture Social media, stalking, and personal safety Spiking drugs and alcohol risks Reporting challenges and proof Yachting safety priorities Collective responsibility Guest:Stacey MillerHost:Cherise ReedmanSuperyacht LaundryPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Private conversations. Influential voices. Simply Moore.In the first episode of Simply Moore, Michael Moore of Moore & Co. takes listeners inside the Golden Spinnaker Gala at the New York Yacht Club, an evening rooted in Olympic sailing, private support, long-standing friendships, and the people who help keep elite sailing moving forward.Recorded in Newport, with the New York Yacht Club overlooking Narragansett Bay, this episode captures the spirit of the evening through conversations with guests including Lars Forsberg, Kelly Forsberg, Leslie J. Lott, Reed Secundo, Elizabeth Swain, and Emmett Moore, with the night centred around support for Olympic sailing and Sarah Newberry Moore.From lifelong sailing families and private donors to Olympic ambition, club tradition, and the road toward Los Angeles 2028, this opening episode sets the tone for Simply Moore: access to meaningful conversations in rooms most audiences never normally enter.Simply Moore is a private conversation series built around access, influence, leadership, and meaningful dialogue.Learn more about Moore & Co.: https://www.moore-and-co.com/Prefer to read? Visit Yachting News: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.Simply Moore | Yachting International Radio

Yacht crew mental health is talked about more than ever. But talking about it is not the same as making support easy to access.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey, Founder of the Yacht Workers Council, speaks with Nick Hayward-Young, known as The Superyacht Psychotherapist, about therapy, stigma, mental health support, and why yachting needs to treat the mind with the same seriousness as the body.Nick shares his route into yachting, his background around boats and superyachts, and why working with yacht crew requires an understanding of the pressures, privacy issues, schedules, and realities of life onboard.This conversation looks at why crew may still feel uncomfortable asking for help, why therapy is not a sign that something is wrong, and why speaking with someone outside friends, family, or the vessel can be so valuable.James and Nick also discuss the difference between mental health awareness and practical action, the stigma that still exists onboard, how therapy sessions can work around yacht crew schedules, and why therapy should be as normal as going to the dentist, seeing a physio, or going to the gym.Yachting is built on people working under pressure, often far from home, in confined spaces, with limited privacy and high expectations. If the industry wants stronger crews, safer vessels, and healthier careers, mental health support cannot remain hidden, awkward, or treated as a last resort.Connect & Learn More:Nick Hayward-Young | The Superyacht Psychotherapist https://thesuperyachtpsychotherapist.com/Yacht Workers Council https://yachtworkerscouncil.comPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Yacht charter is not just about booking a yacht. It is about preparation, communication, trust, and creating the kind of guest experience that feels effortless because the work behind it has been done properly.In this episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Sabrina van Maltha of International Yacht Register about luxury yacht charter, five-star service, client expectations, broker-captain relationships, and the details that turn a good charter into an exceptional one.Sabrina shares how her background in hospitality shaped her approach to charter management, why “no” should not be the first answer in luxury service, and how anticipating small details can completely change a guest's experience onboard.The conversation also explores the importance of preparation, preference sheets, owner expectations, captain and broker communication, destination experiences, and why transparency is becoming increasingly important across the yachting industry.Sabrina also introduces Yachting Confidential, a new series exploring luxury yachting through insider conversations on ownership, charter, travel, lifestyle, client experience, and the people shaping the global market.Guest: Sabrina van Maltha Company: International Yacht RegisterPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website: https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

Can a 75-year-old marine electrical company help shape the future of the blue economy?In this episode of The Blue Economy, Katherine O'Fallon, Executive Director of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, is joined by Kristina Hebert, President/CEO of Ward's Marine Electric and host of The Wards Way Podcast, for a practical conversation about marine infrastructure, family business, working waterfronts, policy, advocacy, and the real people behind South Florida's marine industry.Founded in 1950, Ward's Marine Electric has grown alongside Fort Lauderdale's marine sector for 75 years. From early generator work, shore power, dockside service, and corrosion surveys to multiple locations, industry leadership, and a podcast platform created to preserve the voices of the people behind the industry, Ward's is part of the working foundation that keeps boating, yachting, and marine service moving.Kristina shares how her grandfather started the company, how her father joined the business in 1972, and how the fourth generation is now becoming part of the Ward's story. She also speaks about leading as a woman in marine, the importance of serving the industry, and why relationships built through boards, associations, policy work, and community involvement matter.Together, Katherine and Kristina discuss The Wards Way Podcast, its recognition by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida, the role of boat shows, global industry conferences, misinformation, crew visas, policy education, working waterfronts, research, regulation, and why the blue economy has to connect big ideas with practical solutions.Guest:Kristina HebertPresident/CEO, Ward's Marine ElectricHost, The Wards Way Podcasthttps://www.wardsmarine.com https://www.wardsmarine.com/podcastHost:Katherine O'FallonExecutive Director, Marine Research Hub of South Floridahttps://marineresearchhub.orgThe Blue Economy is powered by the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, advancing ocean innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.The Blue Economy | Yachting International Radio

What does it take to report honestly on one of the world's most private industries?In this episode of On The Bridge, host Alicia Store, COO of dsnm Ltd, speaks with Francesca Webster, Editor-in-Chief at SuperYacht Times, about superyacht media, editorial trust, industry reputation, and the responsibility of reporting on a sector built so heavily on relationships.Francesca's route into yachting media was anything but traditional. After working onboard yachts in Greece and Croatia, she moved into classic yacht history, writing, and research before joining SuperYacht Times as a writer. Six weeks later, she was offered the role of Editor-in-Chief.This conversation explores the reality behind modern superyacht media: how to protect trust, how to maintain independence, how to report with integrity, and why transparency matters in an industry where reputation carries real weight.Francesca discusses the changing media landscape, the growth of SuperYacht Times, the continued role of print, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of producing quality journalism in a world flooded with information. She also shares her perspective on post-COVID shifts in yacht ownership, changing design trends, industry consolidation, sustainability, refit, reuse, and the ageing global fleet.At the centre of the discussion is a principle that applies across yachting media and the wider industry:Trust is built by telling the truth, not only the easy stories.This episode is essential listening for yacht media professionals, shipyards, brokers, designers, captains, owners' representatives, marketing teams, industry suppliers, and anyone interested in how the superyacht conversation is shaped.Topics include:• Francesca Webster's route into yachting media• Becoming Editor-in-Chief at SuperYacht Times after six weeks• Editorial trust, transparency, and reputation• Why independence matters in superyacht journalism• The changing role of print, digital, and social media• Communicating clearly in an information-heavy industry• Post-COVID shifts in yacht ownership and use• Yacht design trends, privacy, and owner behaviour• Sustainability, refit, reuse, and the ageing global fleet• Industry consolidation and changing media ownership• Reporting difficult stories with integrity• Advice for entering superyacht mediaLearn more about SuperYacht Times:https://www.superyachttimes.com/Learn more about dsnm Ltd:www.dsnmltd.comPrefer to read?Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsHost: Alicia Store, COO of dsnm LtdGuest: Francesca Webster, Editor-in-Chief at SuperYacht TimesOn The Bridge | Yachting International Radio

Toxic leadership does not just affect morale. It can change how crew see themselves.In this episode of The Wellbeing Project, host Karine Rayson of The Crew Coach is joined by Keagan Blanckensee, Bosun, for an honest conversation about the impact poor leadership can have on deck crew over time.Keagan has spent more than 10 years in superyachting, including bosun roles on 100m+ vessels. He shares how a highly critical leadership environment affected his confidence, communication, decision-making, and sense of self long after he had left the boat.This conversation explores what happens when pressure becomes damaging, why feedback needs to be constructive, and how leaders can build stronger teams through respect, clarity, communication, and trust.In This Episode:• How toxic leadership affects crew confidence• Why crew may not realise the damage until they leave• The difference between pressure and intimidation• How poor leadership shows up on deck• Why feedback must be constructive, not crushing• How captains, chief officers, and bosuns can communicate better• Why respect is the foundation of strong leadership• What good leadership looks like in practice onboardGuest:Keagan Blanckensee, BosunHost:Karine Rayson, The Crew Coachhttps://www.thecrewcoach.com

What happens when abuse is reported at sea, and the system protects itself instead?In Part One of Buried At Sea: Abuse, Power & Accountability, UNCENSORED host Marién Sarriera speaks with maritime lawyer, advocate, and former seafarer Ryan Melogy for the first episode of a three-part special series examining abuse, silence, retaliation, and accountability across the maritime industry.Ryan is known today for his maritime legal work, advocacy, and involvement in challenging the systems that allow harassment, assault, and abuse at sea to continue. But before becoming a lawyer and advocate in this space, Ryan spent nearly two decades at sea. He sailed on 22 vessels, held an unlimited tonnage chief mate licence, served eight years as an officer in the US Navy Reserve, and experienced first-hand the culture he now works to challenge.In this episode, Ryan shares what happened aboard the Maersk Idaho, where he says sexual harassment began within minutes of meeting a new chief mate and escalated into physical assault, abuse of cadets, psychological harm, and a formal report that should have triggered accountability.Instead, Ryan says the man he reported was later promoted.This conversation looks at what happens when abuse is normalised, when victims and bystanders freeze, when institutions close ranks, and when speaking up comes with a personal and professional cost.This is not only a story about one ship, one report, or one predator. It is a story about hierarchy, isolation, silence, power, and the urgent need for accountability at sea.Guest: Ryan MelogyJustice4Mariners: https://www.justice4mariners.com/━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SUPPORTED BYMoore Dixon━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Moore Dixon provides global insurance support designed for yacht crew, including medical cover for emergencies, routine care, and practical protection when the unexpected happens.

Yachting is built on crew. Without them, nothing works.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey speaks with Kayleigh Liddell, Crew HR Manager at Hill Robinson, about crew HR, people culture, yacht management, retention, and why the industry needs to move beyond simply meeting the minimum.Kayleigh shares her route from education, recruitment, and HR into yachting, and how her work with Hill Robinson Crew Services has shown her both the need for better crew support and the resistance that can appear when trying to bring more structured people-focused systems into the industry.This conversation looks at why HR in yachting should not be treated as rules for the sake of rules. It is about structure, communication, consistency, care, and creating working environments where crew and captains are properly supported.From welcome packs and compassionate leave policies to training budgets, leadership development, shipyard learning opportunities, collaboration between management companies, and the pressure placed on captains, this episode looks at what it will really take to move yachting forward.Kayleigh also raises one of the strongest points of the conversation: the industry needs to stop aiming for “minimum” and start talking about standards.Minimum safe manning.Minimum support.Minimum training.Minimum accountability.Why is minimum still the ambition?In this episode:• Kayleigh Liddell's route into yachting and crew HR• Why people care sits at the heart of her work• How Hill Robinson began building HR support for yacht crew• Why captains need to be part of the conversation• Why HR in yachting is really about people and culture• The importance of welcome packs, policies, and support structures• Why training budgets and personal development matter• How shipyards could become powerful spaces for crew training• Why collaboration across the industry is essential• The problem with fragmented standards across yachts• Why captains carry responsibility without always having support• Why the term “minimum” holds the industry back• How yachting can move from minimum standards to real standardsConnect & Learn More:Hill Robinsonhttps://www.hillrobinson.comYacht Workers Councilhttps://yachtworkerscouncil.comPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.

What does true crew training look like when service, leadership, mindset, and guest experience all collide?In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman is joined by Lynne Edwards of Phoenix Superyacht Training for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of superyacht service, interior training, leadership, crew mindset, guest expectations, and why technical skills alone are no longer enough.Lynne shares her extraordinary journey from hospitality and global travel to discovering the yachting industry in the early 1980s, when yachts were smaller, service was more traditional, and the industry looked very different from the world of 100-metre-plus vessels we see today.The conversation explores how yacht operations have changed, why larger vessels require stronger leadership, and why every head of department needs more than practical ability to manage people well. Cherise and Lynne also discuss the changing role of interior crew, the importance of purpose, resilience, personal development, and why great service must be adapted to the guest in front of you, not delivered from a rigid rulebook.They also look at GUEST training, professional interior standards, women in yachting, crew welfare, the Superyacht Alliance, and the ongoing industry push toward better culture, better leadership, and safer, more professional onboard environments.In This Conversation: Lynne Edwards' journey from hospitality and travel into yachting What the superyacht industry looked like in the early 1980s How guest expectations and service standards have changed Why large yachts require stronger leadership and people management Why technical training alone is not enough for interior crew The importance of purpose, mindset, resilience, and personal development How great service depends on reading the guest, not following a rigid script Why GUEST training matters for professional interior standards The challenges facing women in yachting across generations Why crew welfare, safety, leadership, and collaboration are now central industry issues How the Superyacht Alliance is helping drive conversations around professional standards Guest:Lynne EdwardsPhoenix Superyacht TrainingHost:Cherise ReedmanSuperyacht LaundryPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website:https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-newsSearch Yachting Channel on your favourite podcast platform for more conversations from across the global yachting industry.