YachtTalk episode 7: Life on board

The seventh episode of Heesen’s YachtTalk kicked off 2021 by divulging some of the secrets behind creating the ultimate onboard experience for superyacht owners and guests. The topics include quality crew training, recruiting with diversity and how to create inviting environments to entice Millennials to step aboard. On the panel were Edouard de Maillé of the yacht management agency EDMAR International, Erik Smit, trainer with Luxury Hospitality Management, and experienced chief stewardess Deborah Viger. Selecting the ultimate crew When it comes to onboard diversity, Smit says “the essence of crew is personality”. Edouard de Maillé agrees. He believes diversity should be viewed as an asset and has seen an increase in owners who are keen to hire all cultures. Viger highlights that each and every yacht has a different owner, a different onboard programme, and that there is not one fixed way of running a yacht or recruiting. “Some people do want personality in their crew, and some people don’t mind tattoos, but I don’t think either one is culture specific,” she says.

Smit believes the best starting point when selecting crew is to identify each individual’s talent. “By focusing on where someone’s talent lies, you can highlight where they can give the most value. Then as a team you can perform at your best,” he says. In support of this view, Smit has devised a personality test that identifies eight main character types, from the creator to the supporter, to best identify where their talents lie.

“Identifying the strengths in a team will help to make it cohesive and will help to highlight where the gaps are when you come to recruit new crew members. The key to success is to let people do what they do best.” Erik Smit

This Superyacht Guide item is an original editorial summary based on the official Heesen Yachts news release.

Image source: Heesen Yachts official news release.