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.

  • 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.”