Tips for selecting a good yacht crew

The competence of the crew on board is an essential criterion in the success of a sailing trip. Indeed, no matter how luxurious and refined the yacht, its appearance alone cannot make the trip memorable. More than that, you need a competent, professional crew on board. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right crew for your yacht charter.

Call in the professionals

The easiest way to get the best results is to call on professionals to select the yacht’s crew. Indeed, there are yacht crew agency which generally take charge of defining the profile desired by owners and launching a recruitment process based on these requests.

They do this in collaboration with the owner and follow his instructions to the letter. Using such a solution is an excellent way of saving time and ultimately getting the crew you want.

Defining the yacht owner’s needs and expectations

If, for whatever reason, you wish to select your crew in person, it is advisable to start your search by clearly defining your needs and expectations. To do this, it’s a good idea to think about the different activities that will be carried out on the yacht.

There are two cases here. If you plan to charter your yacht, it’s important to think about the expectations of other charterers. All these points should be taken into account in your requirements.

You also need to think about the services your passengers will need, and the size of the group. Will they be able to communicate with the crew ? These are just some of the questions you’ll need to answer. Once this initial profile has been determined, you’ll have a clearer idea of your needs and can launch the search proper.

Establish a grid of required experience and qualifications

When it comes to recruiting a yacht crew, you need to think about the qualifications and experience of each member. This will enable you to accurately select the best profile during the selection process. What’s more, these points are a way of verifying a crew’s potential.

That’s why it’s so important to check the credentials of each candidate. Ask how long they’ve worked in the yachting industry and on yachts similar to yours. As a general rule, certifications such as chef de bord certificate, chef de cuisine certificate or marine licenses are also important indicators of the candidate’s level of skill and professionalism.

Check references and recommendations

To find a good, competent crew, don’t hesitate to ask questions about references given and recommendations received. It’s even a good idea to contact former customers to find out more about the crew’s working methods, their service skills and their ability to respond to specific requests. References and recommendations give a clear idea of what you can expect from the crew.

Consider chemistry and compatibility

Without compatibility with your yacht’s crew, it will be extremely difficult to enjoy your outings at sea. That’s why it’s essential to choose people with whom you’ll be able to talk smoothly from the very first meeting. A good crew should be attentive, responsive and able to understand your personal preferences.

To conclude, the experience of a sea voyage aboard your yacht is conditioned by the selection of a good crew. So it’s crucial to choose a competent crew who can meet your needs and those of your guests.