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A New Path: From Engineer to Superyacht Captain
Hugo Ortega, an American with a promising career as an engineer and a long-term relationship, found himself at a crossroads. Despite his stable job and committed partner, he felt unfulfilled. “I didn’t like the job I had. I didn’t like the degree I just finished,” he shared. “I was starting to feel weighed down by everything in my life.” This realization led him to make a drastic decision—to leave behind his job, his relationship, and even his country to embark on a backpacking journey around the world.
Eight months into his travels, a chance encounter with a South African yacht deckhand in a Myanmar hostel changed the course of his life. “I was considering working in a bar or teaching English in China, but none of those options were as appealing as his job,” he said. The two traveled together for three months, during which Ortega met more of the deckhand’s friends who were also yachties. Even without any prior boating experience, he realized this could be his new path.
After over a decade in the yachting industry, Ortega has transitioned from a deckhand to a superyacht captain. His career also brought him into the spotlight through Bravo’s reality TV series Below Deck, offering a glimpse into life aboard luxury yachts.
Common Misconceptions About Yachting Jobs
Many people assume that working on yachts requires expert maritime skills or extensive boating experience. However, Ortega emphasized that the most important qualities are a willingness to learn and a customer service or hospitality mindset. “The main thing is being really willing to learn,” he said. “You need to have a friendly and agreeable personality because almost every worker interacts with guests.”
Ortega also highlighted the importance of being open-minded and humble. “If you’re not someone who is willing to learn, start from the bottom, or feel stupid again, then it’s going to be hard,” he added. He cautioned that while the job may seem glamorous, it isn’t easy. “There’s a lot of crew, but not a lot of good crew,” he noted.
Another misconception is that physical appearance is the only factor in landing a job. While young, good-looking individuals may find jobs faster, Ortega pointed out that the industry is becoming more diverse over time. “It’s continuing to change,” he said.
Challenges of Life at Sea
One of the biggest challenges of the yachting lifestyle is being away from family, especially during holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Ortega has family in the U.S., Singapore, Australia, and the Caribbean, and he often struggles with balancing his time between loved ones and the places he loves—Asia and Europe.
Despite these challenges, Ortega remains passionate about his work and now focuses on mentoring others through his program, Superyacht Sunday School. Launched in 2022, the program offers guidance and training to aspiring yachties. “It’s basically like a brain dump of everything I wish I knew when I started,” he explained. Over 90% of his students have found jobs in the industry, though only 60% remain due to changing interests.
Earnings and Benefits of Yachting
Entry-level crew members can expect monthly salaries ranging from $3,000 to $4,500, depending on the yacht’s size and location. Tips can significantly boost income, especially during peak seasons. For example, some workers can earn double or even triple their regular pay in the summer.
Ortega, who once earned over $100,000 annually as an engineer, noted that expenses are lower at sea. “I wasn’t paying for a car or a house, and I was already traveling for work,” he said. “I was saving everything I made.” Additionally, there are tax benefits to life at sea, making the income feel higher than the numbers suggest.
Currently, Ortega earns $10,000 per month, excluding tips, which can double that amount. Captains of larger yachts, such as those measuring 90 meters, can make up to $30,000 monthly. However, he warned against pursuing the industry solely for financial gain. “If you’re on the fence, realize it’s not all rainbows,” he said.
A Life of Exploration
For those feeling stuck in their current lives, Ortega encourages them to take a leap. “Life is pretty short. I want to see as much as I can,” he said. His journey from an engineer to a superyacht captain is a testament to the possibilities that come with stepping out of one’s comfort zone.