For many superyacht pursers, there’s no colleague down the hall to compare notes with. Responsible for everything from budgets and payroll to crew welfare and compliance, they often work independently. Unlike many onboard departments, yacht pursers rarely have a team around them, making it difficult to exchange ideas, discuss regulations or simply connect with someone who understands the unique demands of the role.
Voly, a suite of yacht management products, saw that firsthand during a series of Purser Roundtables. What began as candid conversations among superyacht pursers quickly revealed a shared need: a way to stay connected once the discussions ended. The result was The Purser Exchange, an online and in-person network designed to help pursers build professional connections, share knowledge and support one another beyond the roundtable discussions.
What is The Purser Exchange?
The launch coincides with Voly’s 10th anniversary. Known as a financial management platform for superyacht captains, crew, owners, management companies and family offices, Voly has hosted four Purser Roundtables and welcomed approximately 50 members to The Purser Exchange within just a few weeks of its launch.
“As a company, we work with a lot of pursers and know the role is a critical one to the smooth running of operations on board, yet it’s more common to hear from other roles on board such as captains,” says Rachel Lines, head of brand and partnerships at Voly.
Why superyacht pursers need their own network
In April, Voly brought together a group of yacht pursers for an open, filmed discussion about the realities of the profession. While the conversation explored everything from leadership and crew dynamics to managing superyacht operations, one message came through loud and clear: the isolation that often comes with being the only purser on board.
“This makes bouncing ideas and sharing struggles difficult. The consistent theme at the end of each roundtable was one of joy and relief at meeting people living similar professional lives and being able to have a ‘safe space’ to discuss best practices and solutions,” says Lines.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway came after the discussions ended. Rather than letting the discussions end there, attendees began exchanging contact details so they could stay in touch. That simple moment inspired Voly to create a dedicated space where those conversations could continue year-round.
From roundtables to a thriving purser community
The Purser Exchange began as a LinkedIn group for superyacht pursers supported by monthly virtual events and webinars before evolving into its own dedicated online platform.
Today, members of The Purser Exchange can:
- Connect with fellow superyacht pursers through the community chat
- Revisit Purser Roundtable discussions and webinar recordings
- Access a growing Resource Centre with guidance from Voly and industry experts
- Stay informed on the latest crewing regulations and superyacht industry developments
- Register for upcoming virtual and in-person purser events
One of its most distinctive features is “Purser Recommends”, where members can exchange trusted recommendations for marinas, restaurants, destinations and other useful resources. The growing collection has become what Voly describes as a purser’s Little Black Book.
A community built by superyacht pursers, for superyacht pursers
Rather than focusing on a single topic, The Purser Exchange is designed to reflect the day-to-day realities of the yacht purser role. Discussions range from leadership and crew dynamics to career development, balancing life at sea with family commitments and navigating the evolving responsibilities of today’s purser.
Beyond networking, members have access to ongoing learning opportunities for superyacht pursers throughout the year. Voly hosts webinars featuring industry experts and practical guidance on the issues pursers face most often, helping members stay current as regulations and industry best practices evolve.
While Voly is best known for its yacht financial management platform, The Purser Exchange reflects the company’s broader commitment to supporting the professionals who rely on it every day.
“The creation of The Purser Exchange personifies everything that we stand for at Voly,” says Ian Flanagan, Voly CEO. “We always listen to those on board, whether this is to develop the Voly software, or in this situation, to create and connect a powerful community. What the team has built is nothing short of astonishing and shows just how valuable a real network remains in the industry.”
What’s next for The Purser Exchange?
The Purser Exchange will continue to expand through a mix of online and in-person events for superyacht pursers, designed to keep members connected year-round.
Upcoming highlights include a celebration during the Monaco Yacht Show in partnership with Moët Hennessy, as well as events at The Superyacht Forum and METSTRADE through Voly’s partnership with Crew Voices. The webinar series for yacht pursers will continue to provide opportunities for members to learn, connect and share experiences throughout the year.
As Voly celebrates its 10th anniversary, The Purser Exchange represents more than a new initiative. It’s the result of listening to superyacht pursers, recognising the unique challenges of the role and creating a place where professional connections can continue to grow long after a single event ends.
How to join The Purser Exchange
Entry to The Purser Exchange is reserved exclusively for professional superyacht pursers. Each application is reviewed to ensure applicants meet the community’s entry criteria before access is granted.
Learn more or apply to join The Purser Exchange here.
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