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.
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              The Rotation EquationRotation is on the rise - and for good reason. It supports crew wellbeing, boosts retention, and offers better continuity for owners. But it’s not a perfect system. Through honest accounts from chefs, engineers, and captains, this article explores why rotation works brilliantly for some, fails for others, and what really needs to happen for it to succeed. When done right, everyone wins - but only if both sides show up and play fair. 
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              Interview Tips for CrewYou got the interview — now don’t blow it by showing up reeking of tequila or rolling in on a skateboard. This guide walks you through exactly what to do (and definitely what not to do), from handshake etiquette to the golden rule of never calling your last captain a psycho. Funny, blunt, and genuinely useful. Read it before you turn up in flip-flops. 
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              CV PhotosYour CV Photo: Not a Mugshot, Not a Tinder Pic. That little photo in the corner of your CV? Yeah, it matters. A lot. If it screams “hungover hostel selfie” instead of “professional yacht crew,” you’re not getting the call. This guide tells you exactly how to look the part, what to wear, where to shoot, and how not to scare off a captain. Spoiler: no duck face, no dog filters, and absolutely no sealion beards. 
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              Breaking Into The Business - How To Get Your First Yacht JobSo you want to work on a yacht? Start here. Green as seaweed and ready to work? This guide is your straight-talking survival manual for breaking into yachting. From what to pack and when to arrive, to where to find daywork and how not to blow your budget in Antibes, it’s packed with tips, truths, and just enough sass to keep you motivated when the job hunt gets rough. 
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              Dockwalking 101 - Your Essential GuideAKA: The Dreaded But Essential Rite of Passage (Plus How to Apply Online Without Losing the Plot). Yes, it's weird. Yes, it feels like speed dating meets job hunting in the sun. But dockwalking is still one of the best ways to get your foot on board. This brutally honest guide covers everything: what to wear, how to behave, what not to do (like applying to captain jobs fresh out of STCW), and how to follow up without being that person. It’s awkward - but it works. 
