Mental Health at Sea: The Unspoken Weight Yacht Crew Carry

There’s no denying the yachting industry offers excitement, adventure, and the kind of Instagram-worthy lifestyle most people only dream of. But behind the uniform, the ocean views, and the service smiles, there’s a reality that often goes unspoken: mental health challenges are quietly impacting yacht crew, more now than ever before.

The Reality Crew Don’t Talk About

Missed birthdays. Skipped weddings. Not making it home for funerals. Working 16-hour days with barely a moment to breathe—let alone process emotions. The high-pressure environment of yachting is unique, and so are its stressors.

In 2025, the conversation around mental health has thankfully grown louder, but the stigma hasn’t disappeared. Too many crew still suffer in silence, pushing through exhaustion, anxiety, and depression because “that’s just yacht life.”

Glen Taylor and his partner at Superyacht Fitness are working to change that.

Fitness as a Path to Mental Health

Superyacht Fitness isn’t just about getting stronger or fitter. It’s about feeling better, coping better, and reclaiming some control in a lifestyle where your time, your sleep, and even your meals aren’t always your own.

A 2024 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry confirmed that people who exercise regularly experience up to 43% fewer days of poor mental health than those who don’t. And the benefits aren’t limited to intense workouts—even light movement like stretching, walking, or bodyweight circuits helps.

Superyacht Fitness brings that movement onboard and online, helping crew reframe exercise as a tool for mental resilience—not just aesthetics. Learn more at superyachtfitness.com.

5 Mental Health Tips for Yacht Crew (That Actually Help)

1. Move, Even a Little
A 15-minute stretch or walk before guests wake up can reduce cortisol (your stress hormone) and boost mood and focus.

2. Talk to Someone (Yes, Really)
Whether it’s a crewmate, a mentor, or a professional, opening up helps. Confidential resources like Yacht Crew Help offer support 24/7.

3. Create Micro-Moments of Calm
Even 90 seconds of deep breathing or gratitude practice in the crew mess or laundry room can reset your nervous system.

4. Set Boundaries Where You Can
Say no when it's reasonable. You don’t have to take on every extra task. Protecting your energy is protecting your performance.

5. Use Downtime Wisely
Instead of doomscrolling or partying through your time off, do something restorative—sleep, stretch, call a friend, or journal.

Resources for Crew Struggling with Mental Health

If you're not okay, you’re not alone. These organizations provide real help from people who understand life at sea:

• Yacht Crew Help by ISWAN (International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network)
  Free, 24/7 confidential support for all yacht crew.
  Phone: +44 (0)20 7323 2737
  Email: help@seafarerhelp.org
  Website: https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org

• Yachtie Minds Matter (Founded by Captain Kelly Gordon)
  A dedicated mental health support initiative for yacht crew, offering awareness, community, and tools to support emotional well-being.
  Website: https://yachtiemindsmatter.org

• The Crew Coach
  Professional online counselling specifically for yacht crew, led by trained therapists who understand the industry.
  Website: https://thecrewcoach.com/online-counselling/counselling/

Final Thought: Take Care of the Human First

Being crew means serving others. But you can’t pour champagne from an empty glass—or energy from a burnt-out body. It’s okay to admit you’re struggling. It’s okay to need help. And it’s absolutely okay to put your health first.

Thanks to advocates like Glen Taylor, Captain Kelly Gordon, and Yacht Crew Help, the industry is finally starting to see that well-being isn’t optional—it’s essential. Because at the end of the day, no job, no trip, and no guest experience is more important than the human behind the uniform.

If this article hits home, take one small step today—for yourself, for your future, and for your health. You’re worth it.