Above & Beyond
From wellness experts to adventure specialists, IYC's multi-talented charter crews are redefining the luxury charter experience. Gone are the days when a luxury yacht charter was simply defined by the yacht and destination. Today, in an increasingly competitive yacht charter landscape, it is the growing capabilities and specialized skills of the crew members who transform a charter into an exceptional one. This new breed of crew offering such experiences is a growing trend that is evident throughout IYC's fleet, featuring crew with diverse talents, giving an additional dimension to charter offerings.
While traditional crewing roles remain integral, there has been a significant shift in recent years toward hiring crew members who bring this additional expertise and can deliver ultra-personalized experiences. From health and wellness experts to dedicated watersport instructors and content creators, specialized crew roles are now a crucial part of the landscape, setting new standards for yacht charters.
As the way charter yachts are used changes, various trends stand out. One in particular is the growing emphasis on health and wellness. IYC charter consultant Vicky Masourou notes the shift: "More clients are now requesting personal trainers, yoga instructors, and wellness coaches. Having these onboard enables that fully tailored experience that reflects the guest's lifestyle with personalized touches."
Various yachts in the IYC fleet now have the capabilities to deliver these experiences, such as onboard the 142'9" (43.5m) THIS IS IT; the expansive spa area is complemented by an onboard masseuse and spa therapist offering a range of treatments to guests. As the charter client demographic evolves, with younger clients showing increased interest in health and wellness, yachts are adapting their crew profiles.
Beyond traditional offerings, crews now include professionals such as nutritionists, beauty experts, and specialized therapists, creating a comprehensive wellness package. Ticking these boxes is the 240' (73.15m) LAUREL, which has not only spa therapists and masseuses but also beauty experts and hairdressers. "It is the norm to now go on a yacht and have a massage, but anything yachts can offer that goes beyond this is a plus," adds Nikola Sferle, IYC charter consultant.
From relaxation to fun and games, today, having a vast toy inventory onboard is an undeniable must, but what about the crew onboard to maximize the experience? "Deck crew have always been proactive in watersports, even helping guests that haven't snorkeled before, but now this adapting more with new toys on the market such as flite-boards, e-foils, etc., the crew must be flexible and have the skills, when a new toy comes out, you have to have it!," explains IYC consultant June Montagne.
The 182'9" (55.7m) GALILEO crew takes watersports to the next level, offering specialized remote diving and surf expeditions to explore uncharted territories. IYC Charter Manager Monisha Benzy Issac notes: "Almost every crew member onboard GALILEO is a qualified diver, offering guided dive adventures in destinations like the Maldives and Timor-Leste. The yacht also specializes in surf charters, with an avid surf crew guiding the guests to the best waves for an unforgettable experience." With this team of passionate outdoor enthusiasts, the crew offers expert guidance and curates the most exciting on-the-water adventures.
Many other deck crews also bring professional-level sporting credentials to the charter experience, as Samantha Rigoli, IYC's crew placement consultant, explains: "I recently placed an e-foil champion on a yacht; despite being relatively new to crewing, his expertise in e-foiling was exactly what the owners were looking for." When hiring for dual deck and watersport roles, she adds: "I prioritize candidates with lifeguarding experience, various instructional backgrounds, etc., or even those who are champions and competitive athletes in the watersport field. Guests love to be taught by champions; it adds something extra special to their experience." This element of instruction is showcased onboard GALILEO, where the crew scouts out the best dive and surf spots catering to all capabilities and can arrange PADI certifications for beginners.
To document this on and under-the-water fun, many crew out there can now professionally capture every element of the trip so guests can remember the unforgettable moments long after they have stepped off the passerelle. In today's digital era, this content creation has become essential not only for guest fulfillment but also for providing valuable visual assets to showcase the yacht itself, amplifying its charter appeal.
Sferle observes: "We now see clients gravitating toward yachts with programs with photographers and content creators onboard so they can have cool material to upload of their vacation." Onboard the 149'11" (45.7m) NORMA JEAN are talented drone pilots who capture the charter experience for guests to take away videos and photos. The yacht is also fully connected with Starlink and a portable Starlink for tender expeditions, which enables guests to stream and upload their vacation live, even from the beach. Alongside these content-focused technologies, having onboard AV/IT experts has also become advantageous. These specialists onboard eliminate the potential need for external contractors, resulting in seamless connectivity and entertainment, avoiding delays that could impact the charter experience.
Another prominent trend in the charter world is multigenerational trips, which have seen a notable uptick in recent years. This has consequently increased the demand for specialized childcare and educational experts onboard charter yachts. "Having additional crew who can entertain and educate the children is a huge benefit," Masourou says.
This rise in multigenerational charter groups has also sparked additional skills, particularly when it comes to more off-the-beaten-track destinations. As Rigoli explains: "For larger yachts and those exploring remote destinations, having qualified medical experts onboard like paramedics and nurses is invaluable. With the endless water sports and activities available, having immediate medical expertise provides peace of mind, especially for families with young children or elderly guests."
Aside from the enhanced safety aspects, when cruising away from yachting hubs, sourcing entertainment can prove challenging, so having a crew onboard that can add to the experience takes it up a notch or two. "Crew bring a distinct edge to a charter, often making or breaking the experience, whether it's a masseuse, yoga and fitness instructors catering to wellness-focused charters, or event specialists and entertainers creating extra special celebrations," adds Benzy Issac.
No matter where the yacht is, professional DJs, musicians, mixologists, and expert chefs all work to provide endless entertainment for onboard events. After a day filled with watersports, relaxation, and culinary excellence, guests can be pampered and prepped for the night ahead, ready for the onboard party. Adding the cherry on top, content creators document the entire experience. "It's these types of things that elevate the whole experience, from pre-party prep to the actual entertainment and documenting it after," adds Sferle.
The evolution in crew capabilities reflects the changing nature of the charter landscape. The competitive advantage is clear: "If a client is looking to choose between two boats with an awesome toy list and similar amenities, the specialized crew gives that competitive edge. I have seen clients pick yachts according to crew profiles," comments Sferle. This sentiment is also echoed by Benzy Issac, who adds: "In such a competitive market, a skilled and passionate crew elevates a yacht from excellent to exceptional."
As the yacht charter market continues to evolve, specialized crew members have become more than just a trend; they are setting new standards in luxury experiences. From morning yoga sessions to afternoon water sports, evening spa treatments while the children are entertained, and nighttime entertainment provided, these multi-talented professionals create incredibly personalized experiences that elevate each moment of a charter. "You have to invest in specialized crew members. As new trends continue and the onboard experience becomes more dynamic, we have to adapt and create this new era in yachting," concludes Masourou.
Beyond enhancing the guest experience, specialized crew members can also offer operational advantages. These multi-skilled individuals contribute to crew longevity and operational efficiency, finding fulfillment in both the primary duties and specialized roles. "Specialised crew typically stay on board longer as they are also nurturing their own interests and hobbies," adds Rigoli. Such stability not only reduces turnover costs but also leads to a more cohesive team dynamic. Having crew members who can step into multiple roles, whether a deckhand as a diving instructor or a stew as a yoga teacher, provides flexibility and ultimately delivers a more integrated and cost-effective operation.
These specialized crew members offer tailored, personalized, and immersive yacht charters, elevating the experience and ensuring the yacht stands out. In today's charter market, It's not just about the yacht but who is there to transform your vacation into an unforgettable one.
Find out more about crew placement and recruitment - https://iyc.com/crew/
This article was featured in issue 13 of HORIZONS magazine. Read the full digital version HERE.