Etiquette for Private Yachts

What do we need to know when boarding a private mega yacht? The crew may provide specific instructions upon boarding, such as where to place your belongings or how to navigate certain areas of the yacht. Follow their guidance to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

A GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE SEAS

One of my picks for reality TV programs is ‘Below Deck Sailing Yacht’ watching the adventures and misadventures of staff, captain and guests on the picturesque seas such as the Caribbean, Australia and Mediterranean.

By the way captain Captain Sandy Yawn is one of my favourites to watch. ‘Captain Sandy’ as she is known is cool, fair and calm and will use the letter of the yachting code when boundaries have been misused and overstepped. Sailing on her yacht would make me feel safe and at ease at sea! So, what does it mean for us, what do we need to know when boarding a private mega yacht?

Safety First

Listening to the safety briefing is crucial. It really does save lives. Give your captain and crew your full attention at the beginning of your trip to ensure everyone’s safety. Particularly in regard to life jackets, emergency procedures, and handling equipment like tenders or jet skis.

The crew may provide specific instructions upon boarding, such as where to place your belongings or how to navigate certain areas of the yacht. Follow their guidance to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Respect the Yacht’s Spaces

Treat your cabin with care. Keep it tidy and avoid leaving personal items scattered around or your bathroom smeared in brown tanning lotion. Many yachts have limited storage and fluffy white towels, so be mindful of your belongings. Also, any valuables and treasures keep them locked up so there are no issues later.

Respect communal spaces by keeping noise to a minimum, especially if others are resting or enjoying the views. When using amenities like the hot tub or bar, be considerate of others who may wish to use them as well.

Staff cabins and areas are off limits for guests. These are the private quarters of the staff where they work and rest. If you want to see the inner workings of the yacht’s engines, captain cockpit, or kitchens, first request permission before entering.

The company you book through will provide a preference sheet for you to fill out. This allows you to list your likes, dislikes, and planned activities while on board. Planning ahead ensures that your experience is customized to your preferences and maximizes your enjoyment.

Whether you're joining the yacht at the beginning of the trip or returning from a shore excursion, punctuality is crucial. Being late can disrupt planned activities and take time away relaxing from your own schedule. So, If you anticipate being late, inform the crew as soon as possible to allow them to adjust plans accordingly. Remember, these super yachts are booked head to head until autumn-winter season kicks in.

When you board and cross the passerelle (footbridge) or gangway, you’ll find a basket for your shoes. This is because yachts often have beautiful teak wood decks that are highly polished. Black-soled shoes can leave marks and scuff the wood, and any heels can leave indents. Shoes also bring in dirt, dust, gum, and even tar from roads and sidewalks. This is a great opportunity to show off your pedicure, so don’t be shy!

Follow Environmental Guidelines

 

Yachts often travel through pristine marine environments. Avoid throwing anything overboard, including food, and be cautious not to disturb wildlife.

Tipping is customary and shows your appreciation for the crew’s service. It’s best to confirm this with the yacht's charter agreement or the captain. The tip is usually given to the captain at the end of the trip, who then distributes it among the crew.

Show Appreciation to the Crew

On American yachts, service staff are trained to interact with clients, providing a friendly and engaging experience. On European yachts, the service staff will cater to your needs while remaining discreet and quiet. Both styles ensure you receive excellent service tailored to different preferences.

The crew is there to ensure your experience is exceptional. A polite greeting and a smile when you board and throughout your stay go a long way in establishing a positive atmosphere. Avoid treating them as personal attendants outside of their duties and never think because you paying for this trip that you are above the law. As I have seen, Captain Sandy, has had to speak to guests and hosts about extreme behaviours and broken safety rules. Remember the Captain and the team are bound Vessel and Maritime laws.

We have reached the Porto Cheli. On behalf of the crew, we thank you for your company and wish you a pleasant evening.

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi.

www.auersmont.com | +61 466 344 331 | auersmont@gmail.com

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia