Management skills sometimes get neglected in this industry, but enhancing them is good for your career — and your crew.
Managing a superyacht crew is no easy task. You’re responsible for a diverse team, all living and working in close quarters under high-pressure conditions. A great manager isn’t just someone who delegates tasks; they inspire, support and set the tone for the entire crew. Whether you’re a captain, chief officer, chief stew, head chef or chief engineer, improving your leadership skills benefits both your team and the guest experience.
Soft skill training is often lacking in the superyacht industry, and it usually falls to the individual to improve in this area. So here are a few pointers on how to enhance your management style and become a stronger leader on board.
1. Lead by example
Respect in yachting isn’t given based on rank. It’s earned. Crew members follow leaders who demonstrate professionalism, dedication and a strong work ethic. If you expect high standards from your team, you need to uphold them yourself.
2. Develop emotional intelligence
Leadership isn’t just about issuing orders; it’s about understanding people. Emotional intelligence (EQ) helps you manage your own emotions while recognizing and responding to those of others.
- Be approachable Crew should feel comfortable coming to you with concerns before they escalate.
- Stay calm under pressure Your ability to remain composed during stressful situations will influence how your team reacts. When that bad weather rolls in from nowhere, a panicked skipper won’t help.
- Recognize individual strengths Everyone learns and works differently. Adapt your management style to get the best out of everyone. One junior engineer may prefer hands-on learning while another thrives on reading manuals.
3. Communicate clearly and consistently
Poor comms is a leading cause of crew conflict. A strong leader ensures that instructions are clear, expectations are understood, and the team is aligned.
- Hold regular briefings Morning check-ins or charter debriefs help maintain efficiency.
- Listen as much as you speak Leadership isn’t just about giving instructions; it’s about taking feedback and addressing concerns. Be open to new ideas and improvements.
- Be direct but respectful If someone makes a mistake, address it professionally and focus on solutions — preferably not
in front of the entire crew.
4. Provide training and growth opportunities
A great leader invests in their team’s development. With back-to-back trips, structured training can be forgotten, but a crew that continues learning is stronger and more motivated.
- Cross-training Encourage crew to develop skills beyond their primary role. A stew learning tender driving or a
deckhand assisting with table service builds a more flexible crew. - Encourage certification upgrades Supporting professional development benefits both individuals and the overall team.
- Mentorship Offer career guidance and constructive feedback to junior crew to help them progress.
5. Handle conflict sensitively
Tempers can flare in high-pressure environments, but effective conflict management prevents small issues from turning into major problems.
- Act early Address concerns before they escalate. Ignoring issues only makes them worse.
- Stay neutral Favoritism destroys team morale. Handle disputes objectively. If a stew and a deckhand fall out, don’t just back your teammate.
- Focus on solutions Shift discussions from what went wrong to how things can improve moving forward.
6. Boost team morale and motivation
A happy, motivated crew is an efficient one. Leadership isn’t just about enforcing rules, it’s about creating an environment where people want to perform at their best.
- Acknowledge hard work A simple “well done” boosts morale and encourages excellence. If a guest compliments a stew’s cocktail, pass on the feedback!
- Ensure proper rest Fatigue leads to mistakes. When schedules allow, prioritize crew downtime.
- Be fair and consistent Treat all your crew members with the same level of respect and professionalism.
7. Keep improving yourself
The best managers seek feedback from peers, senior crew and their own team to continuously improve.
Great leadership isn’t about authority. It’s about trust, teamwork and setting a standard that others want to follow. By leading with integrity, maintaining clear communication and supporting crew development, you’ll create a stronger, happier and more efficient team on board.
In the end, a well-managed yacht benefits everyone because when the crew works well together, the guests notice.