The latest Dockwalk September issue is now out, bringing you relevant content for all on board from entry level to senior positions from our stable of expert writers of both current and former crew.
Traditionally, the September content includes Dockwalk’s Salary Survey, one of the most requested issues of the year. This marks the 22nd year of the survey, and the 11th year of Dockwalk’s online component, which solicits real-time salary feedback from captains and crew to provide an in-depth, inside look at superyacht crew compensation.
Since its inaugural issue in 1999, the Salary Survey has grown and changed to reflect the challenges the yachting industry has faced. This year, as COVID-19 made its mark around the world, the industry has been tested and crew agents maintain that job seekers need to be realistic as they look for work.
As Liam Dobbin, managing director of crew agency wilsonhalligan in the UK, spelled out in the feature, “Statistics show around half of the yachts made some kind of change due to COVID-19 — either reduced to skeleton crew, changed salaries, [or] leave length, for example. Being flexible to what is around is the key. Things will improve but will be in line with the economies and at a slow pace initially.” Get more insight from the agents, the latest on the industry, and the all-important salary data in “Getting Back Afloat” on page 19.
Former crewmember Sara Ventiera also tackles the complications of buying international real estate as crew. Finding a home — whether an investment or not — can be a challenge when you’re working on the water.
Capt. Mike French considers what options a captain has when looking to advance their career and take a step up the ladder — this can sometimes mean a jump to a larger size vessel. But how easy is that for captains to do?
In our New Launch, Capt. Paul Bickley shares his perspective on the build of Amels’ 68-meter M/Y Neninka, while in news, industry experts divulge the changes they’re implementing after COVID-19, and we chat to former bosun Anna Petchell on the new business she’s building to help crew exit yachting when they’re ready to make the move ashore.
Also in this issue are interviews with Chief Engineer Ian Smith, who is currently aboard a 130-meter motor yacht, Sous Chef Roxy Simpson of M/Y Amaryllis, and Deckhand Megan Venter.
All this and our usual monthly columns for the engineer, chef, stew, and deckhand can be found in the September issue of Dockwalk.