The show is filmed for only six weeks because of the high-cost of chartering the yacht. Unfortunately, crew have said the seven or eight week mark of working a charter is when yachties really let loose.
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There is no guarantee of full-time employment. If you're looking for year-round employment with regular hours, then think carefully before becoming a yacht crew member. Most jobs are temporary - six weeks here, two weeks there - and you may find yourself with down time (and bills to pay) between jobs.
Whether the yacht is chartered or privately owned will all contribute to your monthly pay packet; your basic salary will be the same whether you work on a charter yacht or a private boat, though on a charter, you will generally receive tips; this usually around 10% of your monthly salary, or it can range between €1,500 ...
Off-seasonNot all yachts will make the seasonal crossing to warmer climates — some will stay in the area throughout the year for maintenance or shipyard periods. This is the period when there are generally no guests on board, and yachts often operate with less crew.
The average age of customer that trains with Flying Fish who intends to start a career on a yacht is between 22 and 35 years old. However, if you're under this age do not be put off!
Guests pay for the charterThe charter guests you see on the show are genuine charter guests. They pay their own money to secure a space within the six weeks of filming time each season. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to charter any of the superyachts featured in the series.
While most guests on the show are generous with their tips, there was one instance where the crew received no tip at all. In their very first charter back in 2013, the crew had to report illegal drug use by the guests, resulting in their removal from the yacht and no tip.
But, none of this comes easy. Working in the yacht industry takes hard work and dedication but comes with some massive payoffs. If you're interested in other travel jobs in hospitality, look into becoming an overland tour guide.
But the mega bucks go to the top dogs, Captain Lee and Captain Sandy, who on a 185-foot superyacht make between $150-$210,000 a year. Then you have to add on the tips, reportedly average at around $15,000 per person for about six weeks of work.
Kitty is a shared cash-box from which all the running expenses are covered. All the money not used is split equally and returned to the crew at the end of the trip. Additional costs highly depend on the way you and your crew want to spend the trip.