Captain Andrew Meyer has learned that leading requires mutual respect and remains committed to always learning and improving as a leader.
How did you get started in yachting?
My career began shortly after school, when a close friend and I decided to pursue sailing professionally. (We are still best mates to this day and he is a captain, too.) We completed the necessary certifications and traveled overseas to enter the yachting industry. It was during this time we were introduced to the world of motor yachts, which ultimately defined the direction of my career.
I secured my first position as a temporary deckhand, and within a year I was given the opportunity to step into the bosun role. After two years, I sought further progression and moved into first officer positions on several vessels. This experience provided the foundation needed to obtain my licenses and transition into the role of captain.
I can confidently say that the lessons learned during my time as a captain over the past five years have surpassed those of the previous decade. The responsibility of command brings a deep sense of humility, particularly in understanding the weight of decision-making, safety of life and the management of complex itineraries and operational logistics.
What’s your advice for those looking to impress on the job?
Everyone working on board should respect and value their peers, while also striving to perform at the level of, or beyond, the role above them. A commitment to continuous improvement, and learning from others and one’s own mistakes, creates opportunities for personal growth and greater self-awareness. No individual is above another, but there is value in learning from those with greater experience. As the saying goes, if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned on board?
The critical balance between leadership and adaptability. Leading a crew requires clear communication, mutual respect and setting high standards, while also being flexible enough to respond to changing conditions, guest needs and unforeseen challenges. Staying calm under pressure and fostering a positive environment are essential to ensuring safety, exceptional service and successful voyages.
What’s your best deck tip or hack?
If you intend to work and earn a living on board, remaining calm and composed is essential — panic has no place on a vessel and don’t get me started on running on board. A steady approach ensures safety, as an injured crew member is unable to contribute.
What would you say is the biggest challenge when crewing a yacht?
Rather than a challenge, the key priority is aligning the owner’s expectations — across service standards, itinerary, lifestyle and values — with the personalities and skill sets of the crew in order to deliver efficient service and maintain a stable onboard environment.
Building a well-balanced and diverse team with strong knowledge and safety awareness across all departments is essential. Equally important is each individual’s ability to integrate seamlessly, support colleagues during demanding periods and contribute beyond their primary role when required. A successful crew is one that uplifts one another during challenging days, leads by example within their departments and provides support across the vessel.
What are your thoughts on rotation?
Rotation (the golden egg) is a key benefit and plays a significant role in supporting long-term careers and healthy onboard environments. It promotes work-life balance, enabling crew to spend time with family, establish a home base and invest in their future — opportunities rarely achievable under a standard 30-day leave structure. For owners who value their crew and the quality of service provided, offering rotational positions is an important consideration that supports individual well-being and operational excellence.
The BOAT International Captains’ Club is a unique group that brings together nearly 400 like-minded active superyacht captains for world-class luxury events and networking opportunities in venues and on yachts around the world. For more information, email captainsclub@boatinternationalmedia.com.