*disclaimer: this blog series is a truthful toned blog with a comedic twist written by an ex-yachtie with an intention to make you smile, whilst being informed of your first step into the industry.  

So, you've decided to join the glamorous world of yachting! You've got your STCW tucked under your arm, your ENG1 declaring you're fit as a fiddle, and a shiny new CrewPass background check that says you're not actually an international person of mystery (despite what your dating profile might suggest). Now you're ready to dive into the French Riviera's yachting capital – Antibes!

First things first

Getting to Antibes without emptying your savings account (you'll need that for "networking"). Flying into Nice? Here's your first lesson in yachtie resourcefulness – skip that €80 taxi ride and hop on the bus for a mere €10. Your future emergency sunnies will thank you for the extra cash.

Now, let's talk about where you'll rest your weary head after long days of dockwalking and pretending to know the difference between port and starboard (it's left and right... or is it right and left?).

The Famous Crew Houses:

- Grapevine Crew House (The OG of crew accommodation)

- Debbie's Crew House

- Glamorgan

- Bohobo

The approximate damage:

- Shared Room: €220/week

- Private Room: €260/week

And here’s the beauty of crew houses: they work on a week-by-week basis. So, you’re not locked into a long-term lease. It’s like your last situationship—no commitment, but late-night talks about life and plenty of belly laughs.  Can't snag a crew house spot? Airbnbs run €20-90 per night. Just be prepared for the authentic experience of sharing a twin bed with a stranger who swears they were holding your socks, not smelling them.

Let's get real about your monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: €230/week

• Food: €350/week (Yes, those French baguettes add up)

• "Networking" (wink wink): €120/week

• Travel: €25/week

• Total Monthly Damage: €1,500  (or R29,014.41 for our South African friends—yes, that’s a full month salary back home, and yes my bru that absolutely is not lekker)

Survival Tips from CrewPass

• Start a crew house dinner club (€5 buy-in, endless possibilities)

• Master the art of the "slightly bruised but still good" produce section

• Learn to love instant noodles (but dress them up with fancy French cheese to feel posh)

• Get yourself a baguette, some Dairylea and just submit to the carb life

• Stick to beer over fancy cocktails (your wallet and morning self will thank you)

• Get a monthly train pass (cheaper than daily tickets and makes you look like you know what you're doing)

• Walk everywhere (those boat shoes need breaking in anyway)

Dockwalking Hot Tips

If you are dockwalking, do NOT NOT NOT go up to a boat between 10-10:30 or 12-1, there is no way on earth that you will be appreciated for doing this. Rock up around the marina around 8AM, and be ready for a last minute call onboard.

If the boat has chairs out or a fancy mat, you see the crew looking smart and polished, all standing around DO NOT APPROACH. They have guests onboard and frankly it's embarrassing for everyone involved if you even make eye contact with anyone here.

Keep It Professional:

• Don't be the person who corners every captain and crew when they’re out. (they can smell your desperation, Dave, and it's real icky)

• Build genuine relationships with everyone you meet (yachting is smaller than you think, it's like your childhood town & word spreads)

• Clean up after yourself in Airbnb's you rent (your host might be your future captain's cousin- and they’ll remember)

• Be humble (leave your ego at customs)

• Thank your recruiters (flowers after landing a job go a long way)

• Don't "network wink wink" with your crew house mates (drama travels faster than the speed you'll soon be working at)

 Invest in Yourself:

• Get that CrewPass verification (captains love pre-vetted crew)

• Take extra courses (the more certificates, the merrier)

• Learn basic French while you're there (ordering coffee in French makes you 27% more sophisticated)

With smart planning and these insider tips, you can trim that €1,500 monthly budget to €1,200. That's enough savings for either:

• 24 cocktails

• 120 baguettes

• 1 semi-decent pair of boat shoes

• A small piece of your dignity back after that night out in The Blue Lady

Remember, everyone in yachting started somewhere, usually right here in Antibes, probably just as confused as you are now. And yes, it's port on the left, starboard on the right. Write it on your hand if you need to – we won't judge (much). Keep your vibes vibing, and drop us a line when you're ready to get your background and documents verified.

Author: Amelia Hilton Pierce

Amelia Hilton Pierce is a coach and former yachtie with a BSc in Psychology (Counselling). After nearly a decade at sea, she transitioned ashore and now helps others navigate this shift, offering guidance on everything from career transitions to building connections on land. You can read more about her work at Shoresidecoaching.com.