How to Decide When Choosing Motor or Sail Yachts?
Setting Sail or Powering Ahead: A Yacht Chef's Guide to Choosing.
If you’re pondering the age-old question of whether you should be working on a sail yacht or a motor yacht, you’re in good company. I’ve had the privilege of working on a variety of vessels in the yachting industry, including dive boats ranging from 23m to 35m, a sailing catamaran measuring 16m, a small luxury motor yacht at 30m, a massive explorer yacht spanning 63m, a racing sloop sail yacht of 37m, and now, a grand luxury motor yacht stretching 61m. I’ve had a taste of almost every type of yacht out there.
“First Super Yacht Gig on the 30m M/Y EnCore, Anchored near Fiji’s Iconic Monuriki Island – Circa 2015.”
The Yachting Dilemma
Now, the age-old question is, which type of yacht is better or more suitable for your goals in this industry? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as each type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Let me share some of my experiences to help you decide. Keep in mind that all yachts are different, and experiences can vary widely.
Sailing into Yachting
It all started with an email I received one afternoon from an Australian crew agent. They asked if I’d be interested in joining a 30m motor yacht as a sole chef/first mate. At that time, I wasn’t satisfied with where I was in life, and I was looking for a change. Without hesitation, I got on the phone with the captain that very day to discuss when I could start. I sent over my CV and whatever food photos I had, which, to be honest, were few and far between. I learned a valuable lesson the hard way – document everything!
A Journey to New Caledonia
A few days later, I found myself on a flight from Western Australia to the pristine waters of the South Pacific, specifically the French territorial island of New Caledonia. This yacht would become not only a turning point in my career but also where I met my partner, Sabrina. I’ll save the tales of couples getting jobs on yachts and ‘screwing the crew’ for another post. Our journey took us to some of the most remote and breathtaking destinations, including Fiji, Vanuatu, New Zealand, Australia, and, of course, New Caledonia. This was almost unheard of for a yacht of this size, and I was fortunate to have a boss who shared my passion for exploring the world rather than staying tied to a marina to be seen.
Life Aboard a Small Yacht
Once the guests stepped aboard, we were off, regardless of the hour. We’d make our way to our first anchorage and wake up in a tropical paradise. Our crew of three became like family, and on such a small vessel, there wasn’t much of a separate crew area. My role onboard was a combination of sole chef and deckhand, with the workload almost evenly split. As I mentioned in my previous post, having my dive master and deck experience proved invaluable for this position.
The Joys and Challenges
During charters, I primarily took on the role of chef but also pitched in on deck whenever I had spare moments, whether it was helping with fishing operations, diving, washdowns, or shuttling guests to and from shore. On non-charter days, I focused mainly on deck duties, as preparing meals for just three of us didn’t require much time. These were some of the most challenging yet rewarding days in yachting. Despite the small size of the yacht, it taught me the importance of teamwork and how every crew member’s role contributes to the overall success. After three years, it took a toll on my body, and I decided to take a break from yachting to embark on the next adventure.
Exploring the World of Motor Yachts
Sabrina and I received an intriguing call from our friend Sandra, who was the Chief Stewardess at the time. She asked if we would be interested in a temporary one-month gig on a 63m motor yacht in the stunning setting of Fiji. This yacht was no ordinary vessel; it was the remarkable M/Y SuRi, one of the most incredible explorer yachts in the industry.
Motor Yacht Luxuries
It was my first experience with a large motor yacht, complete with a sous chef and a provisioning bill that could make your jaw drop – a staggering $20,000. M/Y SuRi boasted a crew of 23, including a helicopter pilot, dive master, kite instructor, and even a pilot for a two-seater foldable seaplane. The galley on this yacht was a chef’s dream come true; it featured a generous walk-in coolroom/freezer and a dry goods area that resembled a full-sized grocery store, unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was a stark contrast to M/Y EnCore, which had a kitchen equipped to home kitchen standards.
“Crew enjoying the toys on M/Y SuRi anchored in Fiji.”
Sailing vs. Motor Yachts
Working on a large yacht exposed me to the perks of being a chef in this setting: big budgets, ample storage, a spacious galley, substantial earnings, and a sous chef to assist with crew meals. Everything seemed fantastic. However, there was a drawback. During a 10-day charter, I found myself confined indoors, never venturing outside except when the boss insisted that I try out the seaplane! In my opinion, it was one of the best investments for an explorer vessel. I did miss the freedom to explore beyond the confines of the galley, but it was an entirely different experience.
Sailing Adventures Continue
After a brief hiatus from yachting, Captain Andy stumbled upon our profiles on LinkedIn and extended an enticing offer – a couples position on the 37m high-performance S/Y Bliss. This elegant vessel was crafted in New Zealand by Yachting Developments
Windward to New Adventures
It was a sight to behold. My role was that of the Sole Chef, with occasional deck duties, although not nearly as extensive as what I had to juggle on EnCore, given the expanded crew complement of five.
“Sailing yacht Bliss with her code zero out at the Super Yacht Cup in Mallorca“
Cooking with a Twist
What I cherished most was the absence of multitasking pressures and the chance to immerse myself in dedicated cooking once again. Cooking it was, but there was a twist – everything was on a noticeable angle! The boss and crew were avid sailors, seizing every opportunity to set sail. While this added an exciting dimension to life on board, it posed a unique challenge for the chef. It’s a lifestyle not suited for everyone, as it can be physically demanding, with constant adjustments to compensate for the vessel’s angle during those grueling 16-hour workdays. Yet, it undeniably kept things intriguing, and sail yachts often belong to adventurous souls who thrive on exploration.
A Journey Through Indonesia
Our journey with S/Y Bliss commenced in the far reaches of Indonesia. The yacht had been cruising Southeast Asia for the past three years and was nearing the conclusion of its voyage before returning to Europe, a six-week journey I’d love to delve into in another article. But before we embarked on that adventure, we indulged in the treasures this region had to offer. Raja Ampat – remember that name! To this day, it remains one of the most breathtaking places I’ve had the privilege of exploring. I’ll just leave this video here for you to see for yourself…
A Break and a New Beginning
So here we are, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, taking a much-needed holiday in a house just a couple of miles from where M/Y Arience is moored in West Palm Beach, Florida. It’s finally given me the time to put these thoughts to paper, reflecting on our yachting journey during the chaos of 2020.
The Journey Continues
Our positions in the yachting world have come to us through various avenues – yacht agencies, word of mouth, online platforms, and even one of the most fascinating stories that led us to our current job.
Meeting Captain Dean
As I toiled away on the deck of S/Y Bliss in Palma De Mallorca during what felt like the longest shipyard period of my life, I couldn’t help but find it challenging and, at times, monotonous. Shipyard periods can be a soul-draining experience for a chef on smaller vessels, as you’re often expected to lend a hand with the less glamorous tasks.
A Fortuitous Encounter
Then, out of the blue, I heard an Aussie voice echoing in almost the same tone as what you’d expect from your father if you did something wrong – “Can I see the chef!” I responded, “Yes, that’s me,” and walked over to the dock. A brief conversation with Dean, the Captain, followed. He mentioned that he had two captain position interviews lined up in America on a 60m and a 75m yacht. If he secured one of these positions, he wanted Sabrina and me to join as the second Stew and Head Chef, respectively. Dean had been following me on Instagram and admired my culinary style. A week later, we received the call – he had landed the job on the 60m yacht. Shortly after, we found ourselves flying over to West Palm Beach, Florida.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Looking back, I can’t help but think how fortuitous it all was and how it came at precisely the right moment. We were both ready for the next step in our careers, and I shudder to think what might have happened if this opportunity hadn’t presented itself. I’m eager to share more about our unique journey on Arience and how, as a crew and yacht, we ventured into the world of social media, offering a glimpse of life aboard a super yacht of this scale and complexity.
Motor vs. Sail - Which Is Better?
So, after hearing about my varied experiences on different types and sizes of yachts, you may be wondering which one is best for you. Here’s a summary to help you decide:
Choosing Your Yacht Size
- Sole Chef/Deck/Stew (25 – 35m): You might find yourself assisting in various roles throughout the vessel, which can take away from your cooking.
- Sole Chef (35 – 45m): Typically, your focus will be on preparing meals for both the crew and guests, with some occasional deck duties.
- Sole Chef (45 – 55m): This range is often referred to as the ‘chef killer’ due to the substantial workload. You’ll be cooking for 12 guests and a crew of 10-14, but the hefty salary compensates for the effort.
- Head Chef and Sous Chef (50 – 80m): This is my favorite range. With two chefs in the galley, the workload is manageable, and you’ll still be catering to 12 guests and around 12 – 30 crew.
- Head Chef, Sous Chef, Galley Hand (80 – 170m): The galley becomes much larger, resembling what you’d find on land, and the operation runs quite similarly. This route is ideal for Michelin-trained chefs looking to transition from land-based roles to yachts without the small yacht experience.
Finding Your Path
My personal journey has been a natural progression from smaller sailing yachts to the large motor yachts I’m on today, which is often the path for many yacht chefs.
The Final Choice
So, in the end, which is better – motor or sail? Well, it all boils down to what suits you best and where your heart lies. If you have the luxury of choice, consider your skills, preferences, and career goals. Whether it’s the intimacy of a small sailing yacht or the spaciousness of a large motor yacht, every job in yachting will teach you something valuable and contribute to your future success in this industry.
Choose the yacht that aligns with your passions and aspirations, and remember, your yachting journey is as unique as you are.
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