The best times to find a job in yachting to give you the best chance at scoring work!

1. At an international event such as a boat show

2. When the yachts are in season

3.  When there’s a change over of crew (generally at the start and end of a season)

All of these times are when work is the most prominent with jobs onboard. 

So why is there more workaround when there is an international boat show or large luxury event?

If a boat is for sale or up for charter it will be participating at the boat show to show off to potential buyers and charter agents. 

When a yacht is getting ready for boat shows you can imagine it needs to look amazing! So it’s all hands on deck with often short turnarounds and extra hands needed its a prime opportunity to get some day work and help out onboard where needed. 

Popular boats shows and events include the Miami International Boat Show in February, The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix in May, Sanctuary boat show on the gold coast Australia also in May, The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (Otherwise known as FLIBS) held in late October, and the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December. I suggest doing a search online to find out more if you’re looking for work and an upcoming boat show or event is happening soon in the yachting hubs or close to where you’re based.

Now for the yachting seasons… the most important time to look for work! 

Med Season (Mediterannean Season)- April/May – September/Oct
The med season generally begins late April/early May when yachts are preparing for summer charters and events like the Cannes Film Festival held in May. In the lead-up to the season, there will often be opportunities for day work and permanent positions as vessels crew up for the season.

Caribbean season
Late November marks the beginning of the Caribbean season, with the Antigua Charter Yacht Show kicking things off in early December. Popular spots for yachts in the USA/Caribbean include Fort Lauderdale (Main yachting hub), West Palm Beach, Antigua, and St Maarten.

Dual Season Yachts (yachts that do both main yachting seasons)  

The majority of dual-season yachts will begin their crossing back to the Med Feb/March to get ready for the summer season in the Mediterranean. Some yachts remain in the Caribbean as late as May. It all depends on the charters booked, owner preferences and schedules.

Yachting Seasons in Australia

The Whitsunday season including Great Barrier Reef charters generally run from April to November. From November to late January/February it is the busy summer season in Sydney.

Finding work at the beginning and end of a season is also prime time to look for work onboard. Yacht crew work all season, some leave some stay, some want a break and some will go and do training, therefore, positions become available.

Don’t leave it too late though when the season is all done – especially if it’s the med season as you could miss your opportunity to jump on a boat that is destined for the Caribbean or the states. The dual-season yachts leave soon after the season wraps up which can be anywhere from September- to October. 

Want to know the three best times to find a job in yachting to give you the best chance at scoring work?

Are you wondering how to get a job on a yacht? How to find work as a yacht stew or deckhand?  

Check out this episode! Yachting is seasonal, there are boat shows and events when more yacht crew are needed, and there’s a change over of yacht crew at the beginning and end of a season. It’s about timing it right to maximise job opportunities in the yachting industry. 

Want to learn how to get a job on a yacht?
Tools here >> The Yachting Kickstarter Guide

Learn all the skills needed to become a professional Yacht Stewardess:
Course here >> The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Online Training Course