Last week, the second Marine Jobs ‘Superyacht Career Night’ was hosted. Held at Southport Yacht Club on the Gold Coast, the marine career event attracted over one hundred people, most of whom were interested in discovering more details about embarking on a career in the superyacht industry. Attendees also included current and ex-superyacht captains and crew, parents, recruiters, as well as government and marine association representatives.
Corina Wilson, Superyachts 153; Sarah Toxward, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard; and Mercedes Ireland, Champion Crew & Concierge were all smiles discussing Marine Jobs and the industry with potential gap year crew. Superyacht Career Night, Gold Coast, December 2022.
Superyacht Australia CEO, David Good presented the background and key statistics on the overall superyacht industry, both globally and in Australia, emphasising the current and future demand for crew from Captains and engineers to deckhands and stewards. He also covered the difference between owner and charter vessels, plus some of the most popular luxury destinations superyachts visit from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean during their summer and winter seasons.
“Joining the superyacht industry not only allows crew to travel the world and experience some of the most amazing destinations as crew members but you are also getting paid to do it!” said Good, adding “Even if you only crew during your gap year after school, you will have gained significant working experience for your next role, particularly in the marine industry where well-paid jobs are readily available.”
David Good, CEO, Superyachts Australia presenting the superyacht industry to the attendees, Superyacht Career Night, Gold Coast, December 2022
Maddie Spencer, Events Manager, Superyacht Australia, followed with a presentation breaking down the cross-section and specifics of crew roles aboard a superyacht, referencing for the younger attendees that some existing experience and basic qualifications can be very useful. Also covered were the required qualification courses – all available in Australia – to take before securing a crew position.
Good, introduced ex-superyacht crew Sarah Toxward, Dockmaster, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard; Corina Wilson, Director, Superyachts 153; and Peter Hill, Director, Hill Maritime and all briefly summarise their long-term careers onboard superyachts but also demonstrating for all three that once ashore, they continue to still work actively within the industry.
Peter Cook, currently co-captain of a 55m Benetti superyacht presently based in Tahiti had the room entertained with his humorous stories of starting with crabbing on Moreton Bay, becoming a deckhand on the Coochiemudlo ferry as his pathway to the superyacht industry and circumnavigating the world four times on various yachts.
Jade Fitzpatrick, Coastal Yachting Recruitment supporting Marine Jobs, Superyacht Career Night, Gold Coast, December 2022
Once the presentations concluded, it was time for the majority of the young adults in attendance to network and mingle with other ex-superyacht crew and recruiters who were present and were in hot demand. Recruiters attending the event included Janita Allwright, Yachtsman International; Jade Fitzpatrick, Coastal Yachting Recruitment; Peter Hill, Hill Maritime; and Mercedes Ireland, Champion Crewing & Concierge.
It’s no surprise that the event finished two hours after the presentation sessions demonstrating the thirst for more knowledge on ‘how to get onboard’ in the superyacht industry and into the Australian marine industry overall.
Adam Chanter, Maritime Industry Skills Advisor, Marine Jobs, said, “It was exciting to witness firsthand the increased capability of our Marine Jobs team with our first ‘Superyacht Career Night’ event on the Gold Coast. We are excited for future collaborations with our industry and government partners as we undertake activities nationally that aim to address this skills crisis issue for the sector. Next up is Fremantle and Cairns in March 2023.”
Keen attendees listening to every word from Captain Peter Cook after the presentations. Superyacht Career Night, Gold Coast, December 2022
Other industry representatives who joined the career event were Tamara Hurst, Senior Economic Development Officer SE Queensland, Department of State Development; Shane Thomson, DESBT; Michael Date, Manager Business Support (Qld), Boating Industry Association; Stephen Joyce, Coordinator Business and Investment, City of Gold Coast and other City of Gold Coast Representatives.
Further Marine Jobs and Superyacht Career events are planned for 2023, including regional NSW, Regional Qld, and WA. Visit Superyacht Australia’s website ‘Events’ for more details.
‘Packed House’ Attendees at the Superyacht Career Night, Gold Coast December 2022
