How to Avoid Burnout When Working Onboard: A Guide for Captains & Chef/Hostess Teams
Ahoy, seafarers!
Navigating the pristine waters aboard a luxurious sailing yacht can be the adventure of a lifetime.
However, the demands of yachting life can sometimes leave you feeling more like you’re lost at sea rather than sailing smoothly – have you ever experienced the dreaded burnout?
While much advice may feel like common sense, it can be easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of a busy boat life. Fear not! Here’s your ultimate guide to avoiding burnout, crafted especially for Captains and Chef/Hostess teams on sailing yachts up to 24 meters.
Only got 2 minutes? Here’s this post in a nutshell:
Manage your time meticulously, if you can plan something, do so! Keep your boat even tidier than you think it needs to be, eat nutritious meals when you’re exhausted, don’t spend all your salary on partying when you’ve finally got some downtime, prioritise your mental wellbeing through rituals and routines, and talk with your crewmates: chances are, they may be feeling the same way you are.
Time Management & Planning: Your Compass to Smooth Sailing
Well-planned, well-managed timings can help maintain or bolster your mental health, in a job that requires you to be most things to most people, most of the time.
Plan Three Days Ahead
Think of planning as your mental navigational chart. The secret to staying afloat amidst chaos is to plan at least three days in advance. This means preparing meals & menu planning, discussing and agreeing where to stock up on provisions, organising activities, making reservations for onshore dinners and anticipating guests’ needs before they arise. A little foresight can save you from the stress of last-minute scrambles. Learn from your previous experiences and keep notes
– do you need to complete everything on changeover/turnaround day or can your changeover/turnaround day actually begin 3 days in advance?
Tackle Tasks Immediately
The temptation to procrastinate is strong, and especially in a busy yacht schedule, but don’t let it anchor you down. Instead, adopt a proactive approach. See a task? Get it done straight away. This habit keeps your workload manageable and your mind free from unnecessary clutter. Plan in your downtime: so you know you’ve got a break coming up. But don’t hang about: after your allocated 15 minutes sitting staring into space, it’s time to hop up. Those lines aren’t going to coil themselves and you’ve got standards to keep!
Always Have a Plan A, B, and C
Flexibility is the name of the game. Yachting life is unpredictable, so having multiple plans in place ensures you’re ready for whatever comes your way. If Plan A falls through, no worries—just pivot to Plan B or C. Or D. We all know the weather doesn’t play the same game we do; so be prepared and make sure that everyone on your crew knows things might change at the last second.
Write Everything Down
Your brain is a busy hub of activity, and it’s easy to forget things amidst the hustle and bustle. Keep a notebook or a digital app handy to jot down tasks, ideas and reminders. This simple habit will help clear your mind and keep you organized. Jot down what’s worked and what hasn’t worked for your guests or owners – it keeps you looking professional, and feeling mentally decluttered.
erin’s golden nugget:
wherever you’re sailing, do your homework on local and national public holidays & festivals. Are supermarkets open on Sundays? Do they close during certain hours in the summer? Write it all down and get those dates in the calendar.
Not only will this prep you for any closures, but you’ll also have some fun local trivia to share with your guests. there’s nothing worse than making a dash to shore for provisions and finding everything shut tight.
Stay ahead of the game and impress your guests with your insider knowledge.
Keep Your Space Shipshape
Declutter Regularly
A tidy ship is a happy ship. Despite the tight quarters, make it a point to keep your space and crew cabin clean and orderly. Get rid of unnecessary items and avoid hoarding. A clean environment promotes better rest and a clearer mind, crucial for peak performance. Plus, on board yachts, every nook and cranny might be an access point to something important – so keeping those clear is vital.
if you can’t stow it, throw it!
Maintain a Spotless Yacht
Keeping the yacht clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for the crews well-being and efficiency. Make cleanliness a daily priority. Regularly clean common areas, lockers, cupboards, drawers and the galley to ensure a healthy environment. This reduces stress and prevents small issues from becoming big problems because you can spot changes, leaks, stress fractures, broken equipment – you name it, straight away.
Organise Efficiently
An organised yacht runs smoothly. Ensure that every item has its designated place and that everything is stored & stowed securely. This not only makes it easier to find things when you need them but also enhances safety by reducing clutter and preventing accidents. If you could send someone to your yacht and tell them exactly where to find every item, you’re doing a terrific job.
Fuel Your Body Right
Nutrition is Key
Think of your body as the yacht’s engine—it needs proper fuel to run efficiently. Ensure you’re eating balanced meals, rich in nutrients, to keep your energy levels up. This is vital both on and off charter. Remember, frequent drinking and partying can leave you more drained than rejuvenated, so save the wild nights for special occasions – which is by no means to say don’t blow off steam! It’s important to have fun as well as work, but pick your time wisely. Is it a ‘school night’ – is there a chance the boss might come out? Pick your moment, have fun, and remember you’re always representing your yacht, so don’t do anything that could compromise your safety or position.
Adhere to Rest Hours
By law, whenever you are onboard, you’re entitled to rest hours—take them seriously! While it can be challenging to stick to a strict schedule with guests on board, it’s crucial for your well-being.
Lack of sleep is a leading cause of mistakes and injuries.
If you’re a Captain, make sure not all crew members are up until the wee hours; a rotating schedule can help everyone get the rest they need. A yacht’s Captain is liable should anything go wrong under their watch and if the authorities can see your rest hours are out of whack, they will be held responsible.
Individual and team responsibility comes into play here.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The sun can be unforgiving, especially during peak summer months throughout may sailing hot-spots. Keep those water bottles filled and make sure to replenish electrolytes regularly. Electrolyte sachets & effervescent tabs are available at most pharmacies around the world. Skip the sugary soft drinks; good old H2O is your best mate when it comes to staying hydrated and energised.
We also haven’t met a yachtie who doesn’t love a coffee, but coffee is also dehydrating and should be consumed carefully. For crew, keep an eye on your team mates. Is someone crashing in the heat? Watch each other for the signs of heatstroke, dehydration and exhaustion – and speak up if you’re worried. Better to be loud and safe than quiet and sorry.
Sun Safety First
Alongside hydration, protecting yourself from the sun is essential. Always wear a high-SPF sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day, especially if you’re spending a lot of time on deck.
Don a hat to shield your face and neck from direct sunlight, and wear UV-protective sunglasses to protect your eyes. Remember, sunburn and heatstroke can be serious.
Plan Your Downtime Wisely
Step Away from the Yacht
When you have time off, make the most of it by stepping away from the yacht. Explore local sights, catch up with family and friends via FaceTime, or simply rest and rejuvenate. Planning your downtime ensures you return to the yacht & work refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
Step Away from a Clean Yacht
If you’re stepping away from the yacht and despite not having clients onboard, make sure you’re stepping away from a clean yacht. Don’t leave tasks until you return—get everything done that you possibly can. Simple stuff like throwing a clean set of sheets on your bed for your return can make a big difference. Your future self will thank your past self greatly!
Avoid Burning the Candle at Both Ends
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and demands of yachting life, but remember—you’re not a superhero. Overextending yourself leads to burnout. Balance your time between work, rest, and recreation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Make the Most of Dock Weeks
Dock weeks are your opportunity to get organised and ensure smooth sailing ahead. Use this time wisely by planning out what you need for the week and scheduling maintenance tasks with plenty of time to spare. Stock up on supplies, put everything back in its proper home, conduct thorough checks, address any repairs or issues that need attention and do your research on any upcoming trips to unfamiliar waters. Having a well-organised dock week can make all the difference when you’re back out at sea, reducing stress and last-minute panic.
Helen’s golden nugget:
My universal tip is always do as much as you can while guests are there so you have more time to yourself when they’re not there. I’m talking about all those little jobs that aren’t difficult but could be time consuming. For example, making sure toiletry top ups are done as part of my twice daily heads checks so it is not something additional to do when turning the boat around. Lots of little jobs are far easier to tackle than when they become monster jobs on a tight schedule.
Not on charter: Schedule a date night (especially if working with your partner). If we could squeeze it in we would go and have dinner or lunch at a restaurant we would normally send guests to and pretend for the day. This helped us to chat about things other than the yacht, I didn’t have to cook when not on duty and as an added bonus we could give personal recommendations to guests in the future.
Maintain Professionalism
Keep Professional Boundaries
While it can be easy to slip into “friendly” relationships with clients, maintaining professionalism is key. Clients are on holiday, and you’re at work—they don’t want to hear about personal problems or issues with the yacht, even though sometimes it feels like they care. Stepping over that fine line can lead to different expectations from clients and a distraction to your daily tasks & workload.
Maintaining a professional distance not only ensures client satisfaction but also helps protect your own mental well-being. When you keep work-related stress and personal issues or milestones separate, you create a healthier work environment. This separation allows you to manage your responsibilities more effectively and reduces the emotional burden that can lead to burnout. Remember, professionalism isn’t just about client interactions—it’s a key strategy for preserving your own energy and focus.
Maintain Your Mental Health
Stay Positive
Maintaining a positive mindset can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Practice gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your job and your surroundings. Celebrate small victories and appreciate the unique experiences yachting offers. Chat with your colleagues and maintain a community on board – yachting can be isolating, especially for those a long way from home, or those who are in their first role on board.
Seek Support
Don’t hesitate to seek support if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Talk to your fellow crew members, as they likely understand what you’re going through. Sometimes, just having a chat can lighten the mental load. If necessary, seek professional help. Mental health is as important as physical health.
Engage in Relaxation Techniques
Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine. These practices can help reduce stress and improve your mental clarity and emotional stability.
Check out Natalie of My Drift Wellness here. Natalie has created wellness & yoga programs specifically for yacht crew and yoga exercises & techniques for small spaces like yacht crew cabins!
THEA’S TIP:
My self-care SPOIL-yourself thing was to always have toiletries on board that I wouldn’t necessarily buy for myself on land.
YOU KNOW, THE Expensive stuff, that I love the smell of. It just made me feel 100 times better when everything else felt a bit out of control.
and maintaining a skincare routine (fellas, you too.) being in the sun is hard on your body and if you don’t look after your skin, you end up feeling grotty physically too.
Conclusion: Navigate Your Way to Well-Being
Working on a yacht can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. If you are looking for a long term career in yachting, avoiding burn out is key! By managing your time effectively, keeping your space organised, staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, eating well, ensuring proper rest, making the most of your downtime, and maintaining your mental health, you can sail smoothly without burning out. Remember, a happy crew makes for a happy yacht, so take care of yourself and your teammates.
