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Yachting Culture .25/1068. By Chef Tom Voigt.

FREELANCE Chefs VS. LONGEVITY Chefs – The SEAL 6 of Life and Yachting

Brothers and Sisters Beyond the Comfort Zone
During high season, we’re the heroes of the galley. The industry relies on us. But we’re not always treated like real top chefs.
– For Chef Tiago Balsini – R.I.P.
By Chef Tom Voigt

If I could rewind the clock 15 years, I might’ve stayed on board.
A permanent chef. Fleet Chef de Cuisine, good package, steady paycheck, same boss, same preferences and room to be creative with my sous vide stick collection, with a real BBQ, nitrogen tank, the whole wonders of this universe. 

But I wouldn’t have known my daughter.
I wouldn’t have those memories of her crying every March as I packed my bags.
Charter season. Galley madness. The battlefield.

Like so many of my brothers and sisters, I made a different call.
We left the safe jobs and walked straight into the fire.
We became freelance chefs.
Mercenaries.
Fixers.
Part Bourdain, part Bottura, part Ana Roš – with a dash of MI6 and James Bond.

When a boat goes sideways, sure, the alarm goes out.
To agencies. WhatsApp groups. Everyone scrambles.
And suddenly it’s a feeding frenzy.
Everyone who’s ever cooked for Grandma sends in a CV and photos of their Sunday roast.

But then someone makes the real call.
They don’t want just anyone.
They want someone who’s seen chaos, cleaned it up, and left it better.
They want us.
The quiet ones who come in when others walk out – and somehow pull off miracles overnight.

We show up with zero onboarding, zero sleep, and half a suitcase of knives and hope.
No welcome. No handover. Often not even a bed.
Just broken pans. Blunt knives. A fridge at +12°C.
A galley that smells like neglect and deep fryer trauma.

We smile, we unpack, we work.
Not because we owe anyone anything.
But because that’s who we are.
That’s what we do.

My freelance brothers and sisters are not Plan B.
We’re the strike team when things go wrong.
We show up when the permanent chef needs to fly home because the girlfriend’s/boyfriends leaving,
or grandma passed,
or the sketchy architect in Fiji took off with the deposit for his new beach house.

We’re there when stress takes over.
When alcohol, burnout, or life itself messes with the food.
When nobody remembers how to plate a damn steak.

We hop on planes, buses, ferries – donkeys if we have to – just to fix the mess.
We don’t ask questions.
We get the job done.
And then we’re gone.

Our résumés are long.
Too long for HR.
Too scattered for recruiters.
Too real for this industry’s fake stability complex.

But every line tells a story.
Of holding things together when others ran.
Of cleaning up disasters, not causing them.
Of showing up, again and again.

And still – we get labeled:
“Unstable. Uncommitted. Risky.”

Truth is, we’re the stable ones.
We’re the calm in the storm.
We don’t need warm-ups.
We fix, we cook, we carry the load.
And when it’s done – we roll out, clean and quiet, invoice in hand.

To our permanent brothers and sisters – we see you.
You keep systems running.
You train, organize, manage.
You know exactly how the boss wants his watermelon sliced.

You’re the reason yachts don’t implode weekly.
But when they do –
it’s us you call.

We live off improvisation.
Off turning half a zucchini, three limes, and a jar of tahini into an eight-person lunch with plating worthy of a lifestyle shoot.

We don’t get insurance.
We don’t get loyalty perks.
We barely get sleep.

But we keep what matters:
Pride.
Skill.
Love for the work.

We are many.
Men. Women. Old dogs. Young firecrackers.
Chefs with kids, dogs, bills, and a home we miss but rarely see.
We didn’t fail. We just chose freedom.
We’re not flaky. We’re sharp.
Not disposable. We’re essential.

Sometimes we dream of landing a permanent post.
A real contract.
A fridge that holds a steady 41°F, not Caribbean 54.
A team that doesn’t leave mid-charter.

But until then – and maybe forever – we keep moving.
Sleeping light.
Watching for distress flares.

And at the end of a long day – after 17 hours on our feet, 2 hours of broken sleep, and zero applause –
we lie down in a stranger’s bunk, using a towel as a pillow, and think:
“That was close. But we nailed it.”

For you.
For us.
For the madness we call this industry.
For what really matters.

For Tiago.
For my brothers and sisters.
For the ones who cook with an empty fridge, a dying battery, and a full soul.

With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1067.

Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com

By Erica Lay

Encounters with orcas off the Iberian Peninsula have gone from rare curiosities to nerve-jangling realities for sailors cruising the region — and for yachts crossing the Atlantic through the Gibraltar Strait into the Mediterranean.

According to the Cruising Association, over the past five years, 15 members of a resident orca pod have been targeting yachts and causing varying levels of damage, including sinking six vessels. While scientists continue to puzzle over the whales’ motivations, there’s one thing most skippers agree on: better safe than rudderless.

Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk.

1. Know Before You Go

Check the latest incident reports and navigation warnings. The GTOA (Atlantic Orca Working Group) updates maps showing recent interactions, and the GT Orca app makes route planning easier. The Facebook group Orca Attack Reports (76,000+ members) is another good source of real-time sightings.

2. Alter Your Course

If orcas are spotted nearby, change your route immediately. Steer perpendicular to their path, slow to under 5 knots, and disengage autopilot. Stay closer to shore in shallower waters if possible.

3. Go Radio Silent

Turn off depth sounders and echo-sounders. There’s speculation these pings may attract orcas. While unproven, many sailors who’ve passed without incident sailed in “stealth mode.”

4. Don’t Feed the Drama

Stay calm, stay out of sight, and avoid noise or interaction. Don’t wave, shout, or try for a selfie. If possible, discreetly record dorsal fins for identification.

5. Avoid Sailing Solo

If possible, sail with a buddy boat or flotilla. Orcas appear less likely to approach groups of yachts.

6. Consider Reinforcements

Some skippers fit protective cages over rudders or use decoy rudders. These DIY solutions vary in success, but they show how seriously the risk is taken.

7. In the Event of Interaction

Wait it out. If you don’t feel bumps and the orcas move on, check steering and continue at a safe speed. If steering is lost, call the coastguard and request a tow.

8. Report Everything

If you have an encounter, file an Orca Iberica Reporting Form. More data helps scientists understand and address the behaviour.

9. Don’t Try to Outswim Them

You won’t win. Keep your pace slow and steady, follow the guidelines, and let the authorities handle it if you lose steering.

For now, the best defence is awareness, preparation, and calm execution. Until we fully understand these behaviours, respond with respect and reason — they may target your rudder, but you don’t have to lose your sense of direction.

Resources:

• GTOA: orcaiberica.org
• Cruising Association: theca.org.uk/orcas
• ORCA Reporting: orcaiberica.org/reports

With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1042.

Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com

Double Feature for Summer: Who Needs St Tropez? Mallorca Is the Billionaire Playground Now

Forget the Côte d’Azur—if 2025’s nautical guest list is anything to go by, Mallorca has officially snatched the tiara. While the usual superyacht hordes jostle for space in the South of France, our little Balearic rock has quietly become the anchorage of choice for tech titans, film moguls, royalty, reclusive billionaires, and the kind of floating toys that come with helidecks, support vessels, and at least one mast you can zipline off—if you fancied it.

Despite the noise about overtourism and protest signs calling for breathing room, the kabillionaires keep coming. Let’s be honest—they’re probably not fighting for towel space at Illetas or scrambling for a dodgy Airbnb in Magaluf. When your holiday home floats, has its own highly trained crew, and costs more per day to run than most people earn in a year, you tend to exist above all that.

Spotted in Palma: The Billionaire Line-Up

David Geffen – M/Y Rising Sun

A 138m Lürssen that looks like it could host the UN, Glastonbury, and a minor space programme—simultaneously. With a movie theatre, basketball court (that’s also a helipad), and A-list guests like DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, and Oprah, Rising Sun is the ultimate floating flex. If this yacht could talk, it’d purr: “Do you even billionaire, bro?”

Steven Spielberg – M/Y Seven Seas I

Delivered in 2023 by Oceanco, this 109m sequel to Spielberg’s original yacht stars twin pools, a spa, underwater lounge, and yes, a cinema. Recently anchored off Andratx with Capshaw, Day-Lewis, and Rebecca Miller on board. Blockbuster Tuesday, anyone?

Jeff Bezos – S/Y Koru & M/Y Abeona

When Bezos buys a boat, he builds an empire. Koru—127m of poetic sailboat tech—is flanked by Abeona, her support vessel. Anchored discreetly yet unmistakably in Palma. Expect sails, wooden masts, and tech fit for a Bond villain’s honeymoon.

Mark Zuckerberg – M/Y Launchpad & Wingman

The newest yacht nerd on the block, Zuck’s 119m Feadship docked at Club de Mar this season. Support vessel Wingman included, of course. Complete with helipad, tech lab, cinema, and whatever else three Threads users require at sea.

Sergey Brin – M/Y Dragonfly

A stealthy 142m Lürssen—quiet, efficient, private. Think Do Not Disturb mode on water. Rumoured to be the longest US-owned superyacht, with twin helipads, multiple pools, and Brin’s signature vanishing act. Blink and you’ll miss her. But you won’t.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe – M/Y Hampshire II

The 78.5m Feadship for billionaires who can’t sit still. Basketball court, zipline, underwater wine cellar, English bar, and engine room with Ferrari-red walls. If Red Bull built yachts, this would be it.

Qatar Royal Family – M/Y Al Lusail

A 123m Lürssen that arrived with the quiet confidence of someone who owns entire football leagues. Sleek, futuristic, and brimming with security. Not here for attention, but grabbing all of it.

Charles Dunstone – M/Y Shemara

Vintage glamour reborn. Originally launched in 1938, restored to glory by the TalkTalk founder. Less tech, more taste. Less dazzle, more duchess. Mallorca’s classiest grand dame on water.

Bill Gates – M/Y Wayfinder

Bill’s “support” vessel is 68m of modest genius. Designed to carry gear for his elusive €550m hydrogen Feadship Breakthrough. Rarely spotted, always understated. Classic Gates—zero glitter, all intellect.

So, What Have We Learned?

While the locals are protesting rent hikes and €16 sangrias, the superyachts glide in, silently burning through fuel bills that could bankroll a village fiesta—twice.

From Geffen’s A-list mothership to Bezos’ tech schooner, Mallorca is where the ultra-wealthy come to flaunt it—without looking like they’re flaunting it. It’s not flashy like Monaco or cliquey like Capri. It’s just cool. Effortlessly.

So let them drop anchor, fire up their helis, and admire our mountains.

Mallorca, darling, you’ve never looked so expensive.

With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1023.

Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com

Svea exemplifies the ongoing relevance and allure of the J Class yachts, proving that these

vessels are not just relics of the past but dynamic participants in contemporary sailing.

SVEA (2017) – J Class Series

Svea, the latest addition to the legendary J Class fleet, is a stunning fusion of historical inspiration and cutting-edge craftsmanship. Launched in 2017, Svea is the newest J Class yacht, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1930s while incorporating the technology and materials of the modern era.

As with all the Js, Svea has a backstory worth telling.

Her journey began with a design by renowned Swedish naval architect Tore Holm, who originally drafted the plans in the late 1930s. But with the outbreak of World War II, the yacht was never built during his lifetime. The original drawings were rediscovered decades later, sparking renewed interest in bringing Holm’s vision to life.

Bringing Svea to Life

A dedicated team of enthusiasts set out to build Svea in a way that honoured Holm’s original design while integrating modern techniques. Hoek Design Naval Architects, specialists in classic yacht design and restoration, refined the lines to meet the strict standards of the J Class Association and maximise racing performance.

Construction began at Claasen Shipyards in Holland. But midway through the build, the owner unexpectedly pulled out, leaving the team with a partially completed hull and an urgent need to find a new backer.

Fortunately, a new owner stepped in—a passionate sailor who had been inspired by sailing aboard Endeavour and Rainbow, and watching the J Class race at regattas. He wanted Svea completed in time for the 2017 America’s Cup Superyacht Cup and J Class Regatta in Bermuda, giving the yard just 14 months to go from a bare hull to a fully race-ready yacht.

The project was completed by Vitters Shipyard, who collaborated with Claasen. Design tweaks included a reimagined cockpit to improve visibility and control for the helmsman.

Design & Construction

Svea’s hull was built by Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw, a Dutch shipyard known for its aluminium expertise. The use of lightweight aluminium was key to creating a structure that is both strong and fast.

At 44 metres, Svea is the longest J Class yacht ever built. Her sleek profile and powerful sail plan give her a commanding presence on the water. The rigging is made from high-modulus carbon fibre, combining strength with weight savings. Her sails, crafted from state-of-the-art composite materials, maximise both performance and durability.

Svea was launched to widespread anticipation and quickly proved herself on the racecourse. Her speed, agility, and graceful lines earned her an enthusiastic welcome into the J Class fleet.

Interior Elegance

Though performance is a priority, Svea’s interior is also a celebration of craftsmanship and comfort. Designed to host both race crew and guests, her interior reflects the tradition of the J Class while introducing a modern touch. Designers Pieter Beeldsnijer and deVosdeVries Design created a space that feels classic yet contemporary—warm woods, elegant lines, and high-end finishes define the guest areas.

The result? A yacht that performs like a racer but lives like a cruiser.

What’s in a Name?

Svea comes from “Moder Svea,” meaning Mother Sweden in Old Norse—a national symbol and female warrior figure since the 1600s. The name is both a nod to her Swedish design heritage and a fitting title for a yacht that cuts such an imposing figure on the water.

Svea is living proof that the J Class yachts are far more than relics of a bygone era. She embodies both the spirit of 1937 and the innovation of today—an elegant warrior, purpose-built to race, cruise, and command attention. In the ever-evolving story of the J Class, Svea is a proud and powerful new chapter.

With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1044.

Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com

Building a Stellar Yacht Crew: Recruitment and Team Dynamics

The success of any superyacht experience hinges significantly on the quality and cohesion of its crew. From seamless operations to exceptional guest service, a stellar yacht crew is the cornerstone of an unforgettable maritime journey. Building such a team requires meticulous recruitment, fostering team dynamics, embracing diversity, and cultivating a positive working environment.

Here’s a practical guide on how to achieve these goals.

Recruitment: Finding the Right Fit

1. Define Roles and Responsibilities

Before starting recruitment, clearly define each crew position. Whether it’s the captain, engineer, chef, or stewardess, understanding what each role requires helps attract the right candidates.

2. Use Professional Networks

Tap into trusted networks and industry-specific platforms. Building good relationships with a few select crew agencies can also be highly effective. Recruitment is time-consuming, and many captains or heads of departments don’t have the bandwidth to manage it properly.

3. Comprehensive Vetting

Thorough background checks, reference verification, and detailed interviews are a must. Practical assessments—like trial days or scenario-based tasks—can reveal how well a candidate fits. Ensure all required certifications and licenses are in place.

4. Emphasise Soft Skills

Technical skills matter, but so do interpersonal ones. Communication, adaptability, and a positive attitude can make or break onboard chemistry. A crew member who works well with others and keeps spirits high is invaluable.

Building Team Dynamics

1. Foster Open Communication

Create a culture where open, honest dialogue is encouraged. Regular briefings and check-ins help keep everyone aligned and provide space for concerns or ideas to surface.

2. Team Building Activities

Organise activities that bring people together—whether onboard or ashore. These can range from structured workshops to informal outings. A crew that knows and trusts each other works better together.

3. Clear Hierarchies and Responsibilities

Avoid confusion and ensure smooth operations with clearly defined roles. Respect the chain of command, but also promote cross-department support and mutual respect.

4. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Disagreements happen. Have clear processes to resolve them quickly and fairly. Conflict management training can empower the team to navigate friction constructively.

Embracing Diversity

1. Diverse Backgrounds

A multicultural crew brings fresh perspectives and enhances the guest experience. Diversity also fuels creativity and problem-solving.

2. Inclusive Culture

Make sure everyone feels valued and safe. Address biases or discriminatory behavior firmly. Celebrate different cultures and encourage mutual learning.

3. Language Skills

Multilingual crew members add value, especially with international guests. Hiring crew with diverse language skills can improve service quality and accessibility.

Cultivating a Positive Working Environment

1. Work-Life Balance

Burnout is real. Rotational schedules and sufficient shore leave help sustain energy and morale. Prioritise rest and downtime whenever possible.

2. Professional Development

Support your crew’s growth. Offer training, certification opportunities, and clear paths for advancement. A crew that sees a future is a crew that stays.

3. Wellness Programs

Physical and mental health should be non-negotiable. Provide healthy meals, encourage exercise, and support mental wellness. A resilient crew is a high-performing crew.

4. Recognition and Rewards

Celebrate effort and achievement—be it with bonuses, promotions, or even just a thank-you. Appreciation fuels loyalty and team spirit.

Final Word

Building a stellar yacht crew is a multifaceted process. It’s about finding the right people, nurturing a strong team culture, respecting individuality, and supporting long-term wellbeing.

Do it right, and you don’t just get efficiency—you get synergy. And that’s what turns a good voyage into a great one.

Any questions? You know where to find me.