In this episode I talk with Alice Baker and Courtney Te Whiu - two great Kiwi mates who worked their way into the world of boat crew and luxury superyachts having the time of their life in dream destinations.
With 12+ years of combined experience, and all the what to-do’s and what not-to do’s, they founded the New Zealand Superyacht Academy with internationally recognised courses to kick-start graduate’s superyacht careers.
Listen in to get all the goss on what it takes to find work onboard, perks of the job, what a captain’s looking for in crew, and how much it’s really like ‘Below Deck’.
Travel, fun, money and a whole lot of hard work – find out how it started for these two, and what you’ll get from joining the superyacht academy.
If you’re keen to link in with a network of incredible supportive boaties exploring the world on superyachts – get in contact with Alice and Courtney
Connect via Instagram @nzsuperyachtacademy
and visit New Zealand Superyacht Academy
Connect with Saltwater Journal @saltwater_journal
Website: Saltwater Journal
EPISODE NOTES | New Zealand Superyacht Academy
1:10 Early days
2:35 Starting out as crew
5:41 Dockwalking
7:40 The allure of boating
9:30 Surprises of the industry
13:20 Guest & owner experiences
16:40 Prepared for any scenario
17:15 Crew culture
17:50 Below Deck
18:56 Personality & skills
21:00 Perks of the job
23:50 Opportunities
24:11 Age & career
27:15 Roles onboard
27:08 The Academy
31:00 Community support
32:23 Internationally recognised courses
33:30 Specialist industry leaders
36:44 STCW
38:41 Student success
41:00 Caviar
43:21 Wealth management
46:32 Yachting & parenthood
48:51 Where to sign up