In this episode I talk with Alice Baker and Courtney Te Whiu - two great Kiwi mates who worked their way into the world of boat crew and luxury superyachts having the time of their life in dream destinations.

With 12+ years of combined experience, and all the what to-do’s and what not-to do’s, they founded the New Zealand Superyacht Academy with internationally recognised courses to kick-start graduate’s superyacht careers.

Listen in to get all the goss on what it takes to find work onboard, perks of the job, what a captain’s looking for in crew, and how much it’s really like ‘Below Deck’.

Travel, fun, money and a whole lot of hard work – find out how it started for these two, and what you’ll get from joining the superyacht academy.

If you’re keen to link in with a network of incredible supportive boaties exploring the world on superyachts – get in contact with Alice and Courtney

Connect via Instagram @nzsuperyachtacademy

and visit New Zealand Superyacht Academy

Connect with Saltwater Journal @saltwater_journal

Website: ⁠Saltwater Journal

EPISODE NOTES | New Zealand Superyacht Academy

1:10 Early days

2:35 Starting out as crew

5:41 Dockwalking

7:40 The allure of boating

9:30 Surprises of the industry

13:20 Guest & owner experiences

16:40 Prepared for any scenario

17:15 Crew culture

17:50 Below Deck

18:56 Personality & skills

21:00 Perks of the job

23:50 Opportunities

24:11 Age & career

27:15 Roles onboard

27:08 The Academy 

31:00 Community support

32:23 Internationally recognised courses

33:30 Specialist industry leaders

36:44 STCW

38:41 Student success

41:00 Caviar

43:21 Wealth management

46:32 Yachting & parenthood

48:51 Where to sign up