Welcome to the Reading Room

Three sections. Endless insights. Occasional eye-rolls.

This space is home to real stories and resources from across the industry: the things people often think but don't always say out loud.

  • Upper Deck: Fresh Scribbles from #thehonestcrewagent – advice for experienced and senior crew.
  • Below Deck: Real talk on mental health below deck – because what drives us needs looking after too.
  • Crew Mess: The stories, struggles, and shifts shaping crew culture.

Whether you're leading the charge, just finding your feet, or quietly questioning the madness, you'll find something here to make you think, feel, or maybe just laugh-snort into your coffee.

If you want more, you should probably get my book "Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane" available now on your local amazon store.

  • Women in Yachting

    Women in yachting are no longer the exception - they’re leading the charge. This piece celebrates the rise of female captains, officers, and engineers, the quiet strength of crew networks, and the unapologetic confidence of women who are shaping the industry’s future, one helm at a time.

  • How to Quit Your Job. Professionally....

    How to Quit Like a Pro (Not a Drama Queen). Leaving your yacht job? Whether it’s for career growth, a change of pace, or just your sanity, how you exit matters. This guide walks you through the dos and don’ts of resigning with grace — from picking the right moment and writing your notice to offering a proper handover and not ghosting your duties during your notice period. Leave well, and you’ll protect your reputation (and your references).

  • The Hidden Struggles: Depression Among Yacht Crew

    Behind the champagne service and crystal-clear anchorages, life on board can be incredibly isolating. Long hours, pressure to perform, and the stigma around mental health can leave crew members struggling in silence. This honest article explores the signs of depression, how to support yourself and others, and where to get help - including remote therapy and helplines like YachtCrewHelp. Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s part of staying safe, strong, and human at sea.

  • Is Longevity Still the Gold Standard?

    Spoiler: no. This article questions the yachting industry’s obsession with long service on one boat. With shifting crew values, mental health awareness, and better career options, maybe it’s time to stop side-eyeing short stints - and start looking at the bigger picture.

  • How Gen Z is Shaping the Yachting Industry

    Gen Z is here, and they’re changing yachting from the inside out. This new wave of crew brings values like mental health, sustainability, fair treatment, and purpose to the forefront - and they’re not afraid to challenge outdated norms. They want mentorship over micromanagement, structure with balance, and tech that actually works. The big question now? Is the industry ready for them?

  • Managing Stress At Sea

    Yacht crew are no strangers to pressure - but when the long hours, high standards, and unpredictable schedules start stacking up, stress can become a serious risk. This guide breaks down the signs of burnout, offers practical stress-management strategies, and highlights the vital role leadership plays in crew wellbeing. Because staying calm under pressure isn’t just a job skill - it’s a survival one.

  • How to Interview Crew

    Interview Tips for Captains and HODs: How to Spot the Right Crew (and Swerve the Wrong Ones). If your interview style is just “So… tell me about yourself,” it’s time for an upgrade. This smart, straight-talking guide helps captains and senior crew run interviews that actually reveal whether a candidate will thrive — or quietly implode mid-season. From ice-breakers to red flag questions, plus tips on team fit, curveballs, and what not to miss, this one’s for anyone building a solid crew without the guesswork.

  • Sexual Harassment & Bullying at Sea

    Know Your Rights. Know Your Options. Know You’re Not Alone. Yachting’s tight quarters and strict hierarchy can make it hard to speak up - especially when the problem is harassment, bullying, or abuse. This article breaks down what these behaviours actually look like (no sugarcoating), why they often go unreported, and what you can do if it happens to you - or someone else. From recognising red flags to knowing your rights, this is your guide to taking back power, getting support, and creating safer boats for everyone.

  • Staying Healthy on Social Media

    Scrolling between shifts? That’s fine. Spiralling into comparison, burnout, or anxiety? Not so much. Social media can be a brilliant tool - or a mental health minefield - depending on how you use it. This honest guide covers how to stay grounded while online, spot the warning signs of doomscrolling overload, and set boundaries that protect your peace (and your job). Because your mental health matters more than your follower count. This is a chapter from my book: Superyacht Life.

  • Red Flags Every Crew Member Should Know

    Scammy Job Offer? 🚩 Here’s How to Spot It Before You Get Screwed From fake boats and flirty weirdos to mystery email addresses and €10K greenie salaries - the scam flags are flying. This no-nonsense guide gives you the lowdown on what’s legit and what’s a “delete and block” situation. If it feels off, it probably is. Read this before you hand over your CV, your passport copy, or your bikini pic (yep, that’s a real thing). Stay smart. Stay safe. Stay employed.

  • How To Ask For a Payrise

    Want a Pay Rise Without Making It Weird? Read This. Talking money on board can feel awkward — but asking for what you're worth is part of growing in your yachting career. This guide walks you through when to ask, what to say, and how to build a bulletproof case for a raise. Whether you want more cash, more leave, or support for training, here’s how to approach the conversation like a pro — not a whiny crew member. And if they still say no? Maybe it’s time to call your favourite crew agent. Just saying.

  • Mastering Leadership (Without Becoming a Tyrant in Epaulettes)

    Stripes don’t make a leader — attitude does. This straight-talking guide (straight from the pages of Superyacht Life) digs into the real skills senior crew need: conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, clear communication, and the magic of just saying “thank you.” Whether you’re running the deck, the interior, or the entire yacht, this piece is for anyone who wants to lead well — not just look the part.

  • Captains, Managers and Owners: Why You Should Use a Crew Agent

    Still Sifting Through CVs Yourself? Let’s Fix That. Captains, we get it — hiring crew is no one’s favourite job. But the right agent can save you time, stress, and the fallout of a bad hire. This guide explains why using a crew agent isn’t just helpful — it’s smart business. Learn how to get the best out of your agent, avoid the inbox chaos of mass CV spam, and build a working relationship that actually works. You’ve got enough to do. Let us handle the crew chaos.

  • Supporting LGBTQ+ Crew

    Because Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe and Seen Onboard. This piece tackles the reality of being LGBTQ+ in yachting - the progress, the problems, and the path forward. While some crew find inclusive environments, many still face silence, stereotypes, or subtle discrimination. The article stresses that true inclusion isn’t about rainbow flags, it’s about everyday respect, leadership that sets the tone, and allyship that shows up. With personal stories and practical advice, it’s a call for better culture, safer boats, and space for everyone to show up as their full, authentic selves.

  • Are NDAs Silencing Superyacht Crew?

    NDAs are everywhere in yachting - but not always used fairly. This article breaks down what they can and can’t do, and why no NDA should ever stop crew from reporting abuse, unsafe conditions, or illegal behaviour. Silence isn’t part of the job description.

  • Celebrating Diversity: Cultures, Cuisine & Chaos on the High Seas

    Yacht crews are a global cocktail of accents, traditions, dodgy slang, and unforgettable meals. From galley theme nights to shared holidays and late-night language lessons, this article celebrates what happens when the world lives, works - and occasionally dances badly - together. Diversity on board isn’t just nice. It’s necessary. And magic.

  • Life After Loss: Grief at Sea

    Grief doesn’t follow a script - and on board, it can feel even heavier. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a crewmate, working through grief in the close quarters of yacht life can be isolating and overwhelming. This article explores the emotional and physical impact of grief, how to support yourself or a colleague, and why compassion, space, and time matter more than ever. Because even in the most glamorous settings, pain still needs to be acknowledged.

  • Make Your CV Work for You

    Nail Your Yacht CV (Without Sounding Like a Robot). New to yachting? Then your CV needs to work harder than a deckie on turnover day. This no-fluff guide breaks down exactly what to include, what to avoid, and how to make your CV stand out — without resorting to cringe buzzwords or Canva disasters. Clear, useful, and actually written by someone who reads CVs for a living. Shocking, I know.

  • How to Be a Good Crew Member

    AKA: How Not to Get Yeeted Off the Boat Mid-Season....

  • Mental Health Check-Ins at Sea

    AKA: How to Build a Routine That Keeps You Sane at 20 Knots.... Yacht life is intense. You live where you work, share a bathroom with your colleagues, and run on caffeine, adrenaline, and zero personal space. This honest guide (straight from the pages of Superyacht Life) offers practical ways to stay mentally steady through the madness - from micro check-ins and movement breaks to the emergency 60-second meltdown reset. Think of it as mental maintenance for crew who don’t have time to “just chill.”