Yachting Channel

Can luxury yachts really drive global ocean conservation?

Can a shipyard in the desert redefine luxury on the water? From the Monaco Yacht Show, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft Group, to explore how the UAE-based builder is reshaping what's possible with the all-new Majesty 100 Terrace — a 30 m superyacht that blends indoor-outdoor living with innovation and intelligent design. Together, they discuss Gulf Craft's evolution, U.S. expansion through Denison Yachting, and how the brand's vertical integration enables smarter engineering, greater reliability, and future-focused ideas such as crypto-based yacht sales.

What does leadership look like when calm replaces command? In this episode of The Bridge, host Alex Siegars — Founder of Yacht Crew Center — talks with Vlado Madžgalj, Chief Officer of M/Y OꞰKO, about navigating the demands of a 41-meter charter yacht, managing older crew with respect—not ego—and the mindset it takes to rise from deckhand to officer by 25. Vlado shares his journey from growing up by the sea in Montenegro to earning his Master 500 and leading through one of the busiest Mediterranean charter seasons imaginable. Together, they explore what modern leadership in yachting truly means — integrity, adaptability, and balance. ✅ Life onboard a high-intensity 41m charter yacht — 12 charters, 48-hour turnarounds ✅ Earning authority as a young officer without ego or shouting ✅ The calm under pressure — how to lead through storms and long seasons ✅ Crew dynamics across generations: teamwork vs. hierarchy ✅ Lessons from the bridge: accountability, trust, and staying humble ✅ The road from deckhand to Chief Officer — and beyond to Captaincy ✅ How multicultural crews shape stronger leaders

When leadership crosses the line from demanding to destructive, the impact can last long after the contract ends. In this powerful episode of The Wellbeing Project, host Karine Rayson, Director of The Crew Coach, speaks with an experienced yacht crew member who bravely opens up about enduring narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and humiliation under a toxic HOD—and how she found the strength to heal, rebuild, and reclaim her confidence. This deeply human conversation sheds light on the hidden trauma of toxic leadership in yachting and the importance of compassion, accountability, and psychological safety for crew.

Geraldine Hardy explores why true healing begins beyond medicine — in the spiritual and emotional roots of disease. In this deeply personal reflection, she reveals how trauma, energetic blockages, and ancestral imbalances can manifest as illness, and how awareness, spirituality, and emotional healing open the path to lasting transformation. You'll learn: - Why trauma and emotion are often the root cause of physical illness - The link between spirituality, transformation, and self-healing - How practices like yoga philosophy, Kabbalah, and quantum healing align in purpose - Why longevity technology alone isn't the solution - The importance of healing across physical, emotional, and ancestral levels ✨ Explore Geraldine's Self-Care Course at geraldinehardy.com — covering nervous system regulation, mindset mastery, and spiritual alignment for life onboard or ashore.

What if every new crew member started yachting ready — not just certified? In this insightful episode of Captain's Chat, Captain Liam Devlin of M/Y Unbridled welcomes Sarah Diggle Whitlock, founder of Seas The Day Training, to explore how education, mentorship, and mental health support can transform green crew into professional, confident seafarers. From her early years as a dive instructor in Mallorca to decades as a chief stewardess and trainer, Sarah reveals what it really takes to thrive in yachting — and why etiquette, empathy, and teamwork still define excellence at sea.

Breaking news from the bow and beyond.

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas sits down with Jeremy Katz, Founder of DocksidePros, to discuss his journey from Google marketing expert to one of the industry's most connected digital leaders. Jeremy shares how his passion for boating and over a decade of marketing experience evolved into Dockside Pros — an online network serving over 100 maritime businesses worldwide. Together, they explore how technology, passion, and people are driving the next wave of growth in global yachting. Their conversation dives into: - How Dockside Pros bridges marketing and maritime innovation - The importance of authenticity and connection in the yachting industry - Insights into crew welfare, design evolution, and sustainable technology - Why conversations like these redefine how the business of yachting is told

What happens when courage meets opportunity — and a single message on LinkedIn changes everything? In this inspiring episode of Captain's Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin of M/Y Unbridled sits down with Claire Behan, Client Partner at Yotspot, to explore her unconventional path from corporate burnout to crossing the Atlantic — and how that leap of faith led her to one of yachting's most influential companies. From her first provisioning adventure in Cuba to her rise within Yotspot, Claire shares what it means to start over, why community matters in yachting, and how innovation continues to shape the future of crew recruitment. Together, they discuss Yotspot's Black Card Concierge, crew career growth, and the message every seafarer needs to hear: “Don't be afraid to take the next step.”

What does an “ambulance at sea” actually look like in real life? From first-response kits to shore-side coordination and confidential counseling, here's how crews and guests are really supported when things get messy offshore. In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman sits down with Emma Deal (Aviation & Maritime Division, MedAire / International SOS) to unpack what MedAire provides on board—telemedicine, medical kits, training, and case management—and why early calls and regular drills change outcomes. They dig into female wellbeing realities, mental-health support, and what's next as AI and better diagnostics move more care onboard.

From the HQ Lounge at the Monaco Yacht Show — with Acquera Yachting, Bachmann Group, Centtrip, and Destination Hub — Yachting USA host Rick Thomas meets two powerhouse women connecting global yachting destinations. Veronica Grandi, Chief Marketing Manager at Acquera Yachting, explains how her Venice-based agency bridges yachts and destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Middle East — combining local expertise with a global network. Website: acquerayachting.com Keidy Gregorio, Office Manager at Yacht Club Port de Plaisance in St. Martin, details the marina's 110 slips, ability to host yachts up to 290 feet, and full-service offerings from customs clearance to in-house fueling and provisioning. Website: portdeplaisancemarina.com Together, their insights showcase how yachting excellence thrives across continents — from the heritage of Venice to the vibrant energy of the Caribbean. ✈️ Travel sponsored by ATPI Travel Website: atpi.com Instagram: @atpitravel

From cruise ships to private yachts, Halima reveals the personal cost of silence and the transformative strength that comes from speaking out. Together, they explore what accountability, empathy, and leadership should look like in the maritime world — and how every crew member can set boundaries, protect themselves, and support others.

How do we scale climate-smart energy for a thriving ocean economy? Host Katherine O'Fallon (Executive Director, Marine Research Hub) sits down at Florida Atlantic University's Research Park with three leaders driving real-world solutions at the nexus of energy, sustainability, and the blue economy: Andrew S. Duffell — President, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Daniel Betts — CEO & Founder, Blue Frontier (ultra-efficient, grid-flexible air conditioning) Rodrigo Griesi — Founder & CEO, NEPTUNYA (ocean-energy R&D and open-source quantum simulation)

What happens when yachting meets truth, transformation, and advocacy for women at sea? In this episode of Captain's Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Marién Sarriera, Founder of Yachts Mermaids and host of UNCENSORED on Yachting International Radio (YIR). From burnout and identity loss to rebuilding purpose ashore, Marién shares her remarkable journey — and how she's helping to reshape the industry through honesty, education, and empowerment. They explore how female physiology, cyclical wellbeing, and mental health intersect with leadership and life on board — and why crew welfare must become the new standard in yachting culture.

Can technology protect life beneath the surface?

Content Warning: This episode discusses death, assault, and systemic failure. In the third and final installment of this Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle shares the story of her friend Jess, a South African yacht chef whose death in Ibiza was silenced under powerful ownership and management interests. From the suppression of evidence and firing of crew to the lack of repatriation and investigation, Elle exposes the culture of silence that still exists in parts of the yachting world. She also opens up about her own decision to leave the industry she loves — and the desperate need for an independent, confidential crew support hotline free from management, owners, and agencies. Elle shares: ✅ The death of her friend Jess in Ibiza and the unanswered questions that remain ✅ How powerful figures silenced a crime scene and replaced an entire crew overnight ✅ Why NDAs, fear, and control keep victims and witnesses quiet ✅ The emotional aftermath — grief, trauma, and burnout ✅ Why she believes yachting still needs an independent crew protection system ✅ A call to entrepreneurs and leaders to step up and build what's missing For PART ONE: https://youtu.be/f49HePKUPP4 For PART TWO: https://youtu.be/Jlfizu_2_VU

Hosted by Julia Gosling and Adam Parnell, this episode explores what life at sea is really like for yacht crew — the challenges, the pressures, and the support systems that can make all the difference. ⚓ What you'll learn: - The true size and scope of the large yacht sector - Why private yachts often fall outside regulatory protections - How perceptions of glamour mask the hardships of crew life - The role of ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help helpline (www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp) - Why mental health is as critical as physical safety onboard - How leadership and psychological safety improve crew performance Whether you're a junior deckhand, seasoned captain, or industry leader, this episode offers vital insight into welfare and safety in the superyacht world.

What happens when yachting meets leadership, wellness, and retreat living in Cape Town? In this episode of Captain's Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Emma Butler, Founder of North Star Retreats, to the bridge of M/Y Unbridled. They dive into Emma's journey — from interior management on luxury yachts to creating North Star Superyacht Academy — a retreat combining yacht leadership training, personal wellness, and meaningful community. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa (2-9 November 2025), this retreat offers accredited certificate training, mentorship, yoga, meditation, spa-treatments, and adventure — all designed to support yacht crew, aspiring leaders, and those wanting to grow both at sea and on shore.

Step inside the new maritime Allyship Campaign, a global initiative reshaping psychological safety at sea. Hosted by Julia Gosling, this episode brings together Georgia from ISWAN and Sophia Grant from Thomas Miller P&I Club to explore how allyship can transform life on board for seafarers worldwide. ⚓ What you'll learn: Why allyship matters for seafarers' psychological safety How ISWAN's research on women seafarers inspired this campaign Practical tools and guides for being a better ally at sea The link between mental health, physical health, and safety on board Why cultural change is essential for the future of maritime Whether you're a seafarer, ship manager, or part of the wider maritime community, this conversation offers actionable insights into creating a safer, more inclusive culture across the industry.

Content Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence and sexual harassment. What happens when a crewmember says “no” and the industry looks away? In the second of a three-part Yachting USA series, host Rick Thomas continues his conversation in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate. Elle recounts a violent assault in Fort Lauderdale, the system's failure to protect crew, and a later incident aboard another yacht that tested her resolve to stay in the industry she loves. From restraining orders and DPAs to NDAs, background checks, and psychological screening, Elle calls for practical reforms that could make yachting safer—without slowing operations. She also shares the career highs that kept her onboard: leading a major refit, orchestrating an iconic Yacht Hop, and delivering 17 back-to-back charters. Elle shares: ✅ The Fort Lauderdale assault, hospital visit, and a successful restraining order ✅ Why threats, confiscated phones, and isolation keep victims silent ✅ How NDAs and DPA structures can leave crew unprotected ✅ Why quick-turn hiring undermines meaningful background checks ✅ A workable alternative: mandatory psychological screening for safety-critical roles ✅ Returning to yachting: interior manager/purser, nine-month refit, and what she learned ✅ The Antigua Yacht Hop that booked 17 consecutive charters—and the burnout that followed ✅ A later cabin-intrusion incident by a head chef, and why “the trash took itself out” still isn't justice ✅ Reflections triggered by the murder of Paige Bell and why speaking up matters now For PART ONE: https://youtu.be/f49HePKUPP4

What happens when yachting meets community spirit in Alaska? In this episode of Captain's Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin welcomes Emily Davis, Yacht Agent with Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska, to the bridge of M/Y Unbridled in Sitka. Together, they explore what makes Sitka unique — from its rich cultural diversity and close-knit hospitality to its growing role as a yachting destination. Emily shares her journey from Minnesota to Sitka, her work supporting yachts and cruise ships, and her passion for wellness through her business, The Studio by Emily. From yoga and Pilates to community connection, her story is a reminder of how wellness and local culture can elevate the yachting experience.

What happens when training meets lifelong career support? You get UKSA's cadetship pathway—selecting, preparing, and mentoring green crew from day one to OOW, with readiness, safety, and community at its core. In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman sits down with Lauren Saltonstall (Industry & Careers Coordinator, UKSA) to talk candidly about competitive entry, why female deckhands are on the rise, and how UKSA's “careers-for-life” ethos follows alumni across the globe. We also preview Monaco: the Crew Wellbeing Bag initiative bringing practical mental health, legal, financial, and physical-health tools directly to the dock.

Breaking news from the bow and beyond.

How does a young woman go from music PR in London and Dublin to an unexpected career aboard luxury yachts? In this first of a three-part series of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate — to trace her unconventional path into yachting. From chance encounters in Ibiza to stepping on board her first 60-meter yacht, Elle opens up about resilience, crew life, and what it really means to work behind the scenes of superyachts. Filmed on location at Mahekal® Beach Resort and presented in partnership with Blue Oceans Yachting, this episode offers an unfiltered look at life below deck—from the glamour to the grind. Elle shares: ✅ How her career in PR led to a chance encounter on a yacht in Ibiza ✅ Her leap into yachting at 31, despite being told she was “too old” and “too tattooed” ✅ The reality of crew life: 18-20 hour days, tight quarters, and constant pressure ✅ Why she walked away from her first yacht to grieve and reset ✅ Insights from her satirical book Screw the Crew and her memoir Ellechemy ✅ The truth about burnout, resilience, and crew dynamics

What does the future of yachting look like when innovation meets crew culture? Captain Liam Devlin sits down with Garry Kyle, CEO of MeridianGo.com, to explore leadership, crew placement, and the changing dynamics of the maritime sector. From buying his first boats in Texas to managing an 82' Princess and building a tech-driven crew platform, Garry shares candid insights on what really drives success for captains, owners, and crew alike.

What happens when grief becomes too heavy to carry alone? In this second part of a two-part series, Yachting USA host Rick Thomas and Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate — share an unflinchingly honest dialogue about suicide, grief, plant medicine, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward. This episode is not just an interview — it's a shared survival story. Rick opens up about the devastating loss of his 21-year-old son, Aidan, while Elle reflects on her own lived experiences with multiple suicide losses. Together, they explore the silence that surrounds grief, the stigma that isolates survivors, and the courage it takes to speak openly. In this conversation, you'll hear: ✅ Rick's personal story of losing his son Aidan to suicide ✅ Why grief is not linear — and why the “five stages” model falls short ✅ The power of plant medicine in processing trauma and reconnecting with spirit ✅ How silence, stigma, and masking can push people deeper into despair ✅ Why kindness, compassion, and leadership in yachting (and beyond) are critical for mental wellness ✅ How sharing stories can open pathways to healing — and even save lives This series is a call to break the silence. Because every time we speak about suicide, we take away its power to isolate. For Part One: https://youtu.be/TdHSeuDcYNs

How do education and awareness fuel ocean conservation and careers?

Yacht chef and Below Deck Down Under star Tzarina Mace-Ralph joins host Karine Rayson on The Wellbeing Project for an unfiltered conversation about the realities of yachting — on and off screen. From the pressures of reality TV to the hidden struggles faced by crew, Tzarina shares her journey with honesty and courage. This eye-opening discussion sheds light on the challenges that rarely make headlines: burnout, harassment, silence around mental health, and the urgent need for systemic change in the industry. ⚓ What you'll learn: - The truth about working on Below Deck versus private yachting - How crew burnout, exhaustion, and toxic leadership play out onboard - Why therapy and HR support should be mandatory at sea - The hidden toll of silence: harassment, payoffs, and crew deaths - How Paige's passing sparked a call for industry-wide reform This is more than just an insider's perspective on reality TV. It's a call for compassion, accountability, and a safer future for crew everywhere.

Imagine buying your dream yacht and writing off the entire purchase price before your first sunset cruise. Sounds impossible? Not with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). In this special edition of Yachting Unplugged, host Kim Sweers — The Boat Boss and Managing Partner of FB Marine Group — sits down with Umberto Bonavita of Robert Allen Law to unpack how this groundbreaking legislation is reshaping yacht ownership and the marine industry. ⚓ What you'll learn in this episode: - How OBBBA reinstates 100% bonus depreciation for charter yachts - Why the law only applies through 2029 — and why the clock is ticking - The requirements to qualify (business structure, employees, usage rules) - The pitfalls, loopholes, and record-keeping the IRS will expect - How this bill is attracting first-time yacht buyers and fueling demand

Your voice is more than words — it's your lifeline. In this episode of Self Care, host Geraldine Hardy sits down in Monaco with communication coach Alicia Sedgwick to uncover why communication is not just a soft skill, but a survival skill — especially in high-stress environments like yachting. From her career shift as a lawyer to teaching TEDx youth and executives, Alicia shares how finding her own voice gave her confidence, resilience, and purpose. You'll learn: - Why communication is essential to safety, teamwork, and mental health onboard - How body language and tone shape 90% of effective communication - Tools like breathing, posture, and power poses to stay grounded under pressure - How “I” statements and clarity reduce conflict and build respect - Why silence and unspoken emotions can damage health, relationships, and crew harmony

When does harassment become a crime — and what legal remedies exist if criminal courts refuse to act? In the final episode of this three-part UNCENSORED series, maritime lawyer and former U.S. Navy Reserve officer Adria Notari breaks down the critical differences between civil and criminal law for crew. From statutes of limitation and evidence collection to employer liability and the role of flag states, this conversation reveals why litigation is often the only driver of real change in yachting.

What does the future of the blue economy look like when high school students are leading the charge? Captain Liam Devlin sits down with Omar Hussein, Director of the Brilliant Blue Challenge 2025, to explore how this global innovation competition is inspiring the next generation to create solutions for our oceans. From renewable energy to autonomous systems and marine life sustainability, the challenge connects youth with scholarships, internships, and incubators — shaping tomorrow's ocean leaders.

What happens when yacht crew turn wellbeing into action? You get Marathon for Mental Health — a brand-new initiative launched by Mel White of Seas the Mind to raise vital funds for ISWAN and spark global conversations around crew welfare. In this episode of Superyacht Laundry, host Cherise Reedman welcomes back Mel to discuss the state of mental health in yachting — from fatigue around the topic to the growing demand for yacht-specific, practical training. Most importantly, Mel shares how the Marathon for Mental Health is uniting crew worldwide to walk, run, or hike the distance of a marathon between October 10th (World Mental Health Day) and October 31st — all while raising funds for ISWAN's 24/7 support services.

What does it mean to survive multiple losses—and still find the courage to heal, write, and advocate for others? In this deeply moving first of a two-part series of Yachting USA, host Rick Thomas sits down in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with Elle Fisher — Author & Advocate — to explore her extraordinary journey through suicide, grief, addiction, resilience, and self-discovery. Filmed on location at Mahekal® Beach Resort, this conversation is unlike any other on Yachting USA—a raw, unfiltered look at the impact of death and survival, and the human capacity to rebuild from devastation. Elle shares: ✅ Losing her mother at 16 and the silence surrounding grief ✅ How addiction and workaholism became coping mechanisms ✅ Transitioning from music PR to a career in luxury yachting ✅ The tragic death of her friend Jess in Ibiza ✅ A spiritual search for healing in Bali ✅ Losing her cousin Dakota and her fiancé Christian to suicide ✅ Why she ultimately walked away from yachting to choose life and healing in Mexico Whether you've faced loss yourself, or want to understand the unseen battles so many carry, Elle's story is a testament to survival, honesty, and the importance of speaking openly about suicide and grief.

Why does the flag you choose matter? In this premiere episode of Maritime Legal, host Jessica Galea, Partner at Dingli & Dingli Law Firm, sits down with Dr. Ivan Tabone, Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen & Chief Officer – Merchant Shipping Directorate, Malta, to explore why Malta has become Europe's largest and one of the world's most respected maritime flags. You'll learn: - Why Malta is a trusted jurisdiction for yacht owners, financiers, and seafarers - How international conventions like STCW and MLC protect crew welfare - The importance of balancing competitiveness with compliance - Insights into Malta's Commercial and Small Commercial Yacht Codes - How digitalization is shaping the future of yacht registration - Why Malta is known as a “boutique registry” offering 24/7 personal service Filmed on location at D-Marin Marina di Valletta Website: marinadivalletta.com Proudly supported by the Malta Ship Registry Website: maltashipregistry.gov.mt