Crew Safety, Hiring Truth and Accountability in Yachting with Captain Mark McDowell | UNCENSORED

Yacht design is more than aesthetics. It defines how a yacht is experienced, lived in, and remembered.In this episode of Captain’s Chat, Captain Liam Devlin sits down with Patrick Knowles, founder of Patrick Knowles Designs and Yacht Life Brands, to explore yacht design at the highest level of luxury.This conversation breaks down how superyacht interiors are created through material selection, proportion, and narrative, and why true yacht design is about cohesion, not decoration. From the design thinking behind Unbridled to the discipline required to manage complex interior builds, Patrick Knowles explains what separates high-end yacht interiors from everything else in the market.The discussion also explores the evolution of luxury in yachting, including bespoke experiences such as curated caviar offerings through Yacht Life Brands, and how modern yacht owners expect more than just a vessel. They expect a complete lifestyle.🌐 Patrick Knowles Designs https://patrickknowlesdesigns.com🌐 Yacht Life Brands https://yachtlifebrands.comIf you are interested in yacht design, superyacht interiors, luxury yachts, and the business of yachting, this episode delivers a clear and authoritative perspective from one of the most recognised names in the industry.🎙️ Captain’s Chat hosted by Captain Liam Devlin 🎙️ Featuring Patrick Knowles, President, Patrick Knowles DesignsPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

What does it take to build the world’s most iconic superyachts?In this episode, former Feadship CEO Dick van Lent shares a rare inside look at superyacht shipbuilding at the highest level.With decades of experience at Royal Van Lent Shipyard, part of the Feadship group, this conversation explores the reality of yacht construction, engineering precision, and the legacy behind one of the most respected names in global yachting.From scaling superyacht builds beyond 100 metres to maintaining quality across a growing fleet, this is a grounded discussion on what defines excellence in yacht shipbuilding today.The conversation also moves into the infrastructure required to support modern superyachts, including refits, workforce development, and the long-term demands of operating at the top end of the yacht industry.Innovation remains central.From hydrogen-powered yacht concepts to future materials and design, this episode looks at how superyacht builders are shaping the next generation of yacht construction.At its core, this is a conversation about people, precision, and the standards that continue to define the global superyacht industry.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ If you need serious metalwork done right, from precision yacht fabrication to dependable, real-world solutions, Engineered Yacht Solutions is the team to call. Visit: https://eyswelding.com📺 Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

What is success really, and why do so many people still feel unfulfilled even when they achieve it?In this episode of Self Care, Geraldine Hardy explores the true definition of success, self trust, and why external validation will never create lasting confidence or fulfilment.This is a grounded, honest conversation about personal growth, mindset, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of building internal alignment rather than relying on approval from others. It challenges common ideas around success, money, and self worth, while offering a clear perspective on how to make decisions based on clarity, not fear.If success is being driven by the need to be seen, heard, or validated, then it is built on something that will not hold. This episode focuses on shifting that foundation inward.This episode explores: • What success really means beyond status and approval • Why external validation will never be enough • How to build self trust and internal confidence • Letting go of other people’s opinions and expectations • The balance between money, spirituality, and self worth • Making decisions based on alignment, not fear • Why your journey does not need to be understood by others • Strengthening resilience when facing doubt or criticism • Learning to listen inward instead of outward • Defining success on your own terms🌿 Explore Geraldine’s Self-Care Programs Practical self-care grounded in nervous system regulation, emotional integration, energetic awareness and sustainable wellbeing.Programs include: • Embodied Awareness • Self-Care Foundations • Burnout Prevention and Recovery • Founder Performance and Resilience • 1:1 Online Coaching🔗 Website: https://geraldinehardy.com 📲 Instagram: @_geraldinehardy | @_alignwithinPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

The Female Yacht Crew Safety Survey is one of the most important initiatives currently shaping conversations around women’s safety in the yachting industry.In this episode of Captain’s Chat, Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Cherise Reedman, Founder of Yacht Pearls of Wisdom and host of Superyacht Laundry, to explore why this survey was created, what it aims to uncover, and why participation from female yacht crew is critical.This is a direct look at the realities many women face on board, including reporting gaps, power imbalance, isolation at sea, and the challenges that arise when incidents occur. The discussion also highlights the need for stronger onboarding, better support systems, and greater accountability across the industry.The survey is anonymous and designed to provide clear, actionable data that can help drive meaningful change.Take the survey here: https://survey.medusaproject.co.uk/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnK1X9Szgvp3SNJn-f2SSOWcVkLRrSkLekXTaJrGPnY6yq01-AUxiIo1Lu8Us_aem_a5km-O6lcS7ZlEcGF7933QIn this episode: • Female yacht crew safety and industry-wide challenges • Reporting systems and gaps in yachting • Isolation and onboard working conditions • Power imbalance between crew and leadership • Repeat offenders and accountability • Support systems after incidents • Why data collection is critical for changeThis episode is relevant for yacht crew, captains, management companies, and anyone involved in the global yachting industry.

Women in maritime leadership, career progression, and diversity in the maritime industry remain critical topics as the sector looks toward the future.In this episode of Women in Maritime, host Julia Gosling speaks with Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder of MaritimeSheEO and Director at Sitara Shipping, about building pathways for women in maritime and supporting the next generation of leaders across the global shipping industry.MaritimeSheEO, now active in over 70 countries, focuses on empowering women in maritime through mentorship, leadership accelerator programmes, and community support. The conversation explores the gap between junior and senior roles, and why more structured support is needed to help women progress into leadership positions.This episode also addresses key challenges in the maritime industry, including safety at sea, workplace culture, harassment, and the importance of enforcing existing regulations. Alongside this, Sanjam highlights the role of confidence, self-belief, and visibility in helping women build long-term careers in shipping and maritime.Backed by research demonstrating a strong link between diversity and improved business performance, innovation, and profitability, this discussion reinforces why gender diversity in maritime is not only an equity issue but a business imperative.Topics covered include:  Women in maritime careers and leadership development   MaritimeSheEO and global mentorship networks   Diversity in the shipping industry and business performance   Safety, harassment, and workplace culture at sea   Career progression from junior roles to leadership   The future of maritime recruitment and workforce challenges  This is a clear and grounded discussion on the realities of working in maritime today, and what the industry must do to build a stronger, more inclusive future.🎙️ Guest: Sanjam Sahi Gupta, Founder, MaritimeSheEO | Director, Sitara Shipping🎙️Host: Julia Gosling🌐 MaritimeSheEO: https://maritimesheeo.comPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Pregnancy at sea is one of the least understood realities in the yachting industry—and one of the most financially and legally risky for crew.In this episode of The Wellbeing Project, Karine Rayson (The Crew Coach) sits down with Sandra Jordaan (The Yacht Purser) to break down what actually happens when a crew member falls pregnant while working onboard a yacht.From Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEA) and MLC compliance to insurance gaps, medical costs, and job security, this conversation exposes the hard truth: many yacht crew have little to no protection unless they have planned ahead.This is essential listening for anyone working in yachting, considering a career at sea, or responsible for crew welfare.🔎 What’s Covered:• What to do if you fall pregnant while working on a yacht • How SEA contracts determine your rights as crew • Why maternity protection is often missing in yachting • The reality of medical costs for crew in the United States • When insurance applies—and when it doesn’t • The role and limitations of Nautilus and crew support services • Can yacht crew be dismissed for pregnancy? • What MLC regulations do and do not cover • The financial risks most crew never consider⚠️ Key Insight:If pregnancy is not covered in your contract or insurance, there may be no entitlement to pay, protection, or support.👤 Guest:Sandra Jordaan – The Yacht Purser https://www.theyachtpurser.com🎙️ Host:Karine Rayson – The Crew Coachhttps://www.thecrewcoach.comPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Yacht tender loss is a growing risk in the superyacht industry, especially as larger tenders and chase boats are towed over long distances at sea.In this episode of The Crew Car, Captain James Battey, Founder of the Yacht Workers Council, speaks with Deborah Fry, Director of Yacht Trace, about real-time tender monitoring systems designed to prevent loss, improve safety, and give captains full visibility while underway.This conversation breaks down the critical difference between basic tracking systems and full monitoring solutions, including real-time data on bilge levels, battery status, pitch, roll, and geofencing between the mothership and tender.With increasing pressure from insurers and underwriters to reduce risk, this episode explores how new marine technology is shaping safer operations across the superyacht sector.It also dives into broader industry challenges including miscommunication, resistance to new technology, crew-led decision making, and the need for better education and transparency in yachting.For captains, engineers, yacht managers, and owners, this episode provides practical insight into how to protect high-value assets and avoid preventable losses at sea.🔑 Key Topics Covered• Yacht tender monitoring vs basic tracking systems • Real-time marine safety and onboard data visibility • Preventing tender loss during tow • Bilge, battery, pitch and roll monitoring explained • RF communication and global coverage at sea • Insurance requirements and risk reduction • Cost vs value in marine safety technology • Industry resistance and misinformation in yachting • Crew feedback and real-world product development • A real 4,000 nautical mile tow success storyPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news👤 FeaturingCaptain James Battey Founder – Yacht Workers Council https://yachtworkerscouncil.comDeborah Fry Director – Yacht Trace https://yachttrace.com

Maritime law, yacht industry leadership, and professional networking are all critical to long-term success in yachting. But what does that actually look like in practice?In this episode of Yachting USA, Rick Thomas speaks with Erin Ackor, Partner at AeroMarine Law, about her 21-year career in maritime law, her decision to launch a new firm, and the realities of building influence in the superyacht industry.This is a direct, experience-driven conversation that goes beyond theory and into how careers are actually built in yachting.From maritime law and aviation law differences to the role of the International Superyacht Society (ISS), this episode breaks down how professionals create opportunity, build networks, and contribute to the future of the yacht industry.Key topics in this episodeMaritime law in the yachting industry Aviation law vs maritime law differences Launching AeroMarine Law after 21 years Career reinvention in yachting International Superyacht Society ISS leadership Yacht industry networking and business growth ISS Ambassador Program and global industry reach Meet the Fleet initiative and captain feedback Talent shortage in yachting and the Talent Pledge Leadership transition and industry evolution Building credibility and influence in yachting Giving back and long-term career developmentGuest & industry linksAeroMarine Law https://www.aeromarine.lawInternational Superyacht Society (ISS) https://www.superyachtsociety.orgPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SUPPORTED BY Engineered Yacht Solutions ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ If you need serious metalwork done right, from precision yacht fabrication to dependable real-world solutions, Engineered Yacht Solutions delivers. https://eyswelding.com

What does embodiment actually mean, and why does it matter in high-pressure environments like yachting, business, and leadership?In this episode of Self Care, Geraldine Hardy breaks down the difference between understanding self-care and actually living it, exploring how embodiment shapes decision-making, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience across movement, breathwork, and therapeutic practice, Geraldine explains why self-trust, energy protection, and alignment are not optional for those operating in demanding environments where pressure, expectation, and external influence are constant.This is not theory.It is a practical look at how people lose alignment, how outside voices influence direction, and what it takes to stay grounded when building something, transitioning careers, or navigating uncertainty.In this episode: What embodiment really means in daily life Walking your talk under pressure Why self-trust is critical in leadership and decision-making Protecting your energy in high-demand environments Managing external influence and staying focused Navigating doubt, setbacks, and uncertainty Why not everyone will understand your vision The role of alignment in long-term success and wellbeing This episode is for crew, founders, leaders, and professionals who are expected to perform at a high level, while maintaining clarity, resilience, and direction.Because self-care is not about stepping away from pressure.It is about learning how to operate within it.🌿 Explore Geraldine Hardy’s Programs: https://geraldinehardy.com📲 Instagram: @_geraldinehardy | @_alignwithinPrefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news

Crew burnout is one of the most persistent and least addressed challenges in the yachting industry.In this episode of Captain’s Chat, host Captain Liam Devlin speaks with Alex Paterson, founder of Crew Renew, to explore the cycle of burnout that continues to affect yacht crew worldwide.The discussion examines how long hours, sustained pressure, and limited access to meaningful recovery create a pattern that impacts not only individual wellbeing, but also crew retention, performance, and overall vessel operations.Alex Paterson shares how Crew Renew is working to change that by connecting verified crew with trusted, vetted shore-side services, offering access to wellness, recovery, and lifestyle experiences designed to support both mental and physical reset.It also looks at the wider responsibility across the industry, including the role of captains, management companies, and owners in supporting crew wellbeing as part of a sustainable operational model.For an industry built on precision and performance, the condition of the people delivering that standard can no longer be overlooked.🌐 Learn more: https://crewrenew.com📺 Prefer to read? Head to Yachting News on the website. https://www.yachtinginternationalradio.com/yachting-news