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By Johanna Gardener •
Updated: 25 Oct 2024 • 19:37 • 4 minutes read
As more superyachts dock in Spain’s harbours, this article explores the challenges of managing these high-stakes, high-pressure luxury vessels, now the latest must-have property for the wealthy.
If you ve ever strolled past one of Spain s bustling ports, you’ve likely noticed the gleaming superyachts lining the docks. But have you ever wondered what life is truly like aboard one of these floating palaces? Superyachts are growing larger and more extravagant, with onboard amenities far surpassing the simple luxuries of the past. What once may have included a jet ski or a small spa now boasts infinity pools, helicopters, and even mini submarines. And with these added features, the price tags are soaring higher than ever.
Moonrise superyacht bedazzled Málaga s harbour in May, 2004
In May 2024, Malaga’s harbour was docked by one of the most expensive yachts around the world: the Moonrise. This is a private pleasure boat owned by billionaire and philanthropist, Jan Koum, co-founder of Whatsapp. The Ukranian-born owner of the yacht costing $220 million and a further $15million for maintenance costs, was awarded best yacht in 2021 due to its exceptonal characteristics, especially its technical extras. The larger-than-life vessel boasts a length of almost 100 metres and weights a total of 3,945 tonnes. It can sleep 16 passengers and flaunts 8 luxury suites, requiring 32 people to manage it. Not only that, but far from a simple jet ski or spa, it has its very own heliport and a 68-metre catamaran for ferrying supplies.
However, despite this apparent luxury, managing a super yacht is certainly not plain sailing. Most will envisage exotic destinations and elegant stop offs in high-end marinas, after sunbathing on deck with several glasses of the world’s sought after champagne. Behind its paradisical façade, there are layers of responsibility that parallel those of a full time CEO with his own management team and workers. With huge advances in technology, tasks go beyond the everyday. These days, a captain must not only have full working knowledge of steerage, yachting logistics, navigation, helming, journey planning and crew management, but also of new technology on board which is always changing.
Why do superyachts always look so blindingly white?
Running a mind-bogglingly enormous super yacht, such as the Moonrise requires patience and precision. Most captains are conscientious creatures, take pride in their vessel, and as the adage goes, like to keep a tight ship. Maintenance is key and must be managed and examined regularly. One thing always remains the same: it must be clean. All yachts and super yachts needs washing down meticulously. Hosing, scrubbing, surface-washing, surface-drying you name it! Important: there should be no smudges or smears. White means white and surfaces should be shimmering.
Part of the discipline is also avoiding unnecessary risks at all costs. Risk assessment is imperative. All safety accessories including life boats should be serviced regularly and on board and off-board activities need to follow safety protocols. As we all know, the seas and oceans are far from predictable. A captain must never abandon a sinking ship and super yachts are no different. In emergency and crisis situations, true leadership marks the difference between a captain and the owner of a super yacht!
Even in sunny Spain, the weather can be turbulent and it is a captain’s job to adapt his vessel accordingly. From the purely superficial tasks such as covering up outdoor furniture and keeping the vessel as dry as possible, to planning scheduled repairs and maintenance including structural, mechanical and decorative work for low season periods before it launches into the height of high season.
Managing a superyacht can land you in jail if management slips
Many people don’t realise that a captain’s work is quite literally never done. Aside from yacht-related responsibilities, further accountability lurks behind the scenes. Before docking, captains must communicate with shore-based authorities due to licensing and permits. Legally, record-keeping or book keeping is a must. This not only includes recording watercraft checks to keep the yacht seaworthy, but also managerial duties related to the yacht’s personnel. There is increasingly more paperwork to be completed and signed, as well as stricter legal benchmarks. Be aware that putting a wrong foot forward can lead to serious allegations being made. Having a yacht is sometimes a toss up between a luxury life of sailing freedom to several months behind bars and in debt. The downsides of exploration involve the minefield of country-dependent maritime regulations and flag state requirements. Not to mention finances. Annual maintenance budgets can reach multiple millions of pounds and that’s before refuelling!
What about the millionaire guests on board your superyacht?
There are certain costs that go beyond the obvious when it comes to superyachts. While we often associate these luxury vessels with the mega-rich, the reality behind the scenes is far more complex. A superyacht captain must uphold a certain status to meet the expectations of their elite clientele, and this comes at a price—both financially and mentally. Life aboard can be incredibly high-pressure, especially with demanding charter guests who expect nothing short of perfection. It’s the captain’s job not only to satisfy these high-paying guests but also to ensure that the crew maintains a positive, professional demeanor. The atmosphere on board must exude the carefree, luxurious vibe that yachting promises, but behind that façade is a balancing act of managing both staff and guest expectations.
So, next time we breeze past the otherworldly line of super yachts lining our Spanish harbours, remember that life aboard, from auxiliary staff to the captain requires supreme commitment and discipline. The eclectic mix of managing a huge vessel, its innards and the staff that run it, as well as external logistics translates into a role that is far from straightforward. A superyacht may cost hundreds of millions, but without skill, responsibility, and dedication, those millions could sink beneath the waves in an instant.
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Written by
Johanna Gardener
Originally from Manchester, UK and with a degree in English with Modern Foreign Languages, she has been a permanent resident in Spain for the past 12 years. Many of these years, she has spent working as a secondary school teacher, as well as in journalism, editing and marketing. She currently lives in the historic centre of Malaga, where she enjoys writing, walking and animals.
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