Season‘s End
Yachting Culture #25/1057.
Season’s End: A Message from the Galley
By Chef Raffie
I’m Tired. I’m Exhausted. I’m Still Here.
To every crew member, chef, stew, deckhand, and soul barely holding on—
Right now, I’m standing somewhere between faith and fatigue.
My body aches. My heart is heavy. My future feels uncertain.
But I still have God. I still have hope.
And I’m finally saying this out loud:
I am not okay. And that’s okay.
This industry has a way of breaking you down quietly.
You give everything—your sleep, your health, your sanity—
All for someone else’s luxury holiday, or that perfect Instagram plate.
And when you’re hurting, the response is always the same:
“Push through.”
“Tough it out.”
“Take a shot and keep going.”
I’ve done that. For years.
But now I know better:
There is no medal for dying with your clogs on.
To every chef hiding pain behind a smile,
To every stew faking energy in the laundry room,
To every deckhand swallowing exhaustion just to avoid being replaced—
You are not weak. You are human.
🛳️ To captains, owners, brokers:
If you’re going to call us “family,” then protect us like one.
That means real support—therapy, time off, grace—not just bonuses.
🙏 To everyone in this industry:
If you’re breaking, speak.
If you’re tired, rest.
If you’re drowning, ask for help.
Before it’s too late.
I’m choosing healing. Choosing honesty.
Choosing not to become another silent statistic.
And if you’re reading this?
You can, too.
God, have mercy on those who serve.
And may we all remember:
We are worthy of being served, too.
The season is almost over. Hold on.
—Chef Raffie
#YachtingMentalHealth #HospitalityBurnout #ChefLife #CrewCare #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #FaithOverFatigue #AskForHelp #NotAnotherStatistic #HealingIsCourage