From heads and beds to boardrooms and business plans, meet the former crew channeling high-seas savvy into entrepreneurial ventures ashore...
Believe it or not, there comes a point when traveling the world on a superyacht while earning a tax-free salary loses its luster — whether it’s fielding one too many capricious guest requests or endlessly polishing surfaces that gleam spotlessly already.
Those transitioning from sea to shore face a common dilemma: what to do next? While the allure of salary and lifestyle make it decidedly harder to leave, the ones who decisively break away tend to explore sectors within the industry such as brokerage, recruitment and management. Though in recent years, an increasing number of former crew have taken a bolder route, leveraging their onboard earnings and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit to launch their own business ventures ashore.
The seed of an idea
Many crew-turned-entrepreneurs find that their business ideas are sparked while working on board — perhaps during a long passage or a spirited conversation in a local bar. After all, crew are uniquely positioned to identify solutions to operational issues or pain points on board. At least that was the case for Ciara Farrow, a former purser and founder of Sevenstar, who turned her frustration with managing challenging preferences into a digitized solution by developing preference and provisioning software.
For others, it was about being able to identify a gap in the market. Edward Thomas, a former bosun, found himself with some free time during an extended shipyard period and it was during this time he founded Gym Marine, specializing in bespoke superyacht gyms and custom equipment. Similarly, Ashley Hare, a former chief officer and co-founder of Off the Deck, left the industry to develop a golfing simulator for yachts after finding traditional mats to be an uninspired effort for those looking to tee off from the swim platform.
A balancing act
Starting a business from scratch is no easy feat and the reality is the path is long and challenging, which deters many from taking the plunge. Former stew Lauren Wardley launched her sustainable crew wear business, Ethical Yacht Wear, five years ago but began the process while she was still working on board. “I used to work on board eight to five and then six to midnight on the business,” she says. Her dedication to building the brand took a lot of self-discipline.
Gabriella Richardson from Yachting Ventures, a company that facilitates yachting industry startups, notes that beginning as a side hustle — like Yachting Ventures itself — can allow founders to test the water and gauge the feasibility of an idea. This one-foot-in, one-foot-out mentality can also help founders in the developing stage. The rise of rotational positions can help; for instance a rotational officer role for Ashley at Off the Deck gave him time to develop the business while keeping paid work secure.
Former deckhand Jared Watney began his journey by sharing his crew experiences on YouTube: “I started with documenting 30 straight days of what it is like to live and work at sea as crew, and the rest is history.” While working on board, he dedicated his free time to this creative outlet, exploring how he could merge his talent behind the camera with his existing role to elevate the industry. This effort eventually culminated in the launch of Ocean Air Media, a content creation agency he established after leaving crew life behind, effectively transforming a hobby into a successful career.
Of course, transitioning from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship isn’t without its challenges. One particular struggle for Lauren was switching from being part of a crew of 14 to working alone or with her small remote team. Jared echoes the loneliness of running and scaling a business, adding to the long work hours and stress that builds.
In the early days, founders are usually flying solo and wearing all the hats: chief executive officer, project manager, accountant, business development and marketing. “I had no knowledge of how to start a business from product development, accounting and investment rounds,” admits Ashley. He explains how finding compatible partners with different skill sets and knowledge is key to growing a business. Jared was doing four people’s jobs before he hired more: “I chose to scale only when I had excess work and not before.”
Time is also a vital ingredient, and as Ciara explains, “I learned quickly that building great products that truly help takes time.” And then there’s the financial side of things. Gabriella says that investing in your company’s future likely means taking a lower salary for the first three to five years. She emphasizes the importance of the long game, focusing on networking and raising profiles.
Money matters
Undoubtedly, finances represent one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs. The inevitable adjustment period from a yachting income to a bootstrap startup is eye-opening for many.
Although various grants are available for startups, the application process can be lengthy. Gabriella suggests that while some startups require more capital than others, crew should look at savings and use that to kick-start the journey rather than relying on grants and loans. “It is hard when you have that carrot dangled in front of you, but you have to be committed to leaving life on board; you cannot expect investment unless you have all the skin in the game,” she advises.
Entrepreneurship is not budget friendly and may require moving back home, holding down another job while building up the company or adjusting your lifestyle. The resounding reflection from most crew who have moved ashore is that they would have saved more for a bigger buffer. Although if the business idea comes at a stage when you are ready to leave, it can be easier said than done, Ciara adds. “I didn’t know I would be a business owner, but if I did, I would have definitely saved 100 percent more of my yacht salary before exiting.”
Edward is proud that Gym Marine is totally bootstrapped — that is, self-financed. Although to do so, he held a sales job, selling gym equipment to homes, upon leaving his bosun position. While the steady income was a clear advantage, it also allowed him to learn more about the gym and fitness industry.
All the entrepreneurs underscore the importance of putting financial foundations in place while still on board, as the journey is a slow process. Former stew Michelle Lowe started the Sisterhood community to foster supportive networks for women, particularly those entering the world of business. “So many leave and think they will make money immediately, but it doesn’t happen like that. Time goes fast, but money goes faster.”
Attitude of aptitude
One underlying theme running through these stories is the attitude fostered through working on board. Resilience and resourcefulness, two skills quoted as essential in entrepreneurship, are what most crew have in excess. Combining a strong work ethic, adaptability and problem-solving ability can help set up a solid foundation for crew members looking to start a business.
Many crew members who have transitioned to life ashore are grateful for how their experiences prepared them for the challenges of entrepreneurship. Like yachting, this new path isn’t without its problems. Edward recognizes that the skills he gained as crew continue to serve him well today as he navigates various new challenges. “If someone tells me something isn’t possible, I am like a dog with a bone and will find the most creative ways to overcome it,” he says. As Gym Marine expands, Edward hires ex-crew who not only bring an established network but also embody the strong work ethic characteristic of those who have worked at sea.
The early days
The freedom and autonomy of being your own boss after years of following owner or HOD orders is a major driving factor that pulls crew towards building a business. But, as Jared explains, the hardest part is the beginning phases, getting the first paying clients and impressing them. “Once you have experience and a portfolio, things start to flow,” he says. Because of this, many recommend laying the groundwork before leaving the industry. Getting your name out there and getting some growth is what Lauren suggests, “Once your infrastructure is in place, take the leap; if you are passionate, it will grow.”
Finding guidance and mentors to help is priceless, and having positive voices to confirm you’re on the right path is reassuring for anyone’s entrepreneurial journey. Edward adds, “Ten years later, I still regularly call others to talk through things; having external perspectives is invaluable.” Jared agrees that mentorship is a huge factor in Ocean Air Media’s success, helping navigate through challenges to “learn and listen.”
Another common theme for those going out alone, no matter the timeframe, is the importance of support systems and communities. Ciara explains how being part of Yachting Ventures has “been the biggest help.” Informal communities in the building business process also help. “I have ex-yachtie friends now that I didn’t have before based on our similar entrepreneurship journeys,” Lauren says.
The crew-to-business owner transformation is certainly no Cinderella story, but with passion, perseverance and a solid plan, you can build a successful shoreside career on your own terms. And as the industry continues to evolve and more rotational positions allow for work-life balance and consideration of exit strategies, crew can step off the passerelle and not look back.
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