On Monday, April 2^nd, an adventurous group of professionals from within the Yachting Industry came together in Ft. Lauderdale to network, build collaborations and evaluate a new program for yacht crew.

The event was hosted by the American Yacht Institute and Crew Synergy, a training and consulting company thats bringing their unique form of teambuilding to yachting companies, captains and crew.

Kicking off the day at Birch State Park, participants rolled up their sleeves and worked together through a series of exercises designed to build trust, camaraderie and loyalty. The program, titled ‘Crew Spirit’ and designed by Crew Synergy, challenged them to think and act as a cohesive team.

Lara Jo Houghting, a charter fleet manager for Northrop & Johnson, remarked that “this is a fresh concept in the yachting industry – there is definitely a market within the larger megayachts”, adding this process will increase trust, respect and communication among crew “and with the owner.”

Kristen Cavallini-Soothill, president of the American Yacht Institute, said “This program makes the captain’s job easier and enhance the yacht owner/guest experience aboard. This is exactly what the industry needs.”

Vanessa Stuart, administrator for the International Superyacht Society and one of several AYI instructors present, added that “We all need to rely on each other to make it really work. This program gets everyone working together in a fun way.”

Rupert Connor, president of the Luxury Yacht Group, was very supportive of the program, saying that it “absolutely” builds mutual respect and “develops trust within a very short period of time.”

Stacy Geddis, co-founder of Crew4Crew, said “This is a great example of how an industry that can be quite competitive can work together for the greater good. This program will definitely improve industry and crew relationships.”

Unanimously Agree

Every one of the participants unanimously agreed that the program was fun (with exclamations including very, 100%, and absolutely), and that it increases trust, communication, camaraderie and loyalty. They were unanimous in their agreement that the program will do the same for other businesses and for crew.

Joe Noonan, founder of Crew Synergy, was pleased. “There’s over 100 years of on-board yacht experience in this group. There are several former captains and chief stews, and five are current business owners. The fact that they unanimously agree this program will increase productivity, performance and longevity in the industry is the best endorsement we could ask for."

Noonan, with 15 years experience in working with executives of some of the world’s largest corporations, is sympathetic to the challenges owners and captains face. “Captains are being increasingly challenged by crew issues, and owners want to see familiar faces when they come aboard. These programs are a fun and easy way to get your crew working in totally new levels of synergy, resulting in less turnover and a higher standard of performance.”

Crew Synergy offers three programs; a half-to full day ‘Crew Spirit’ event, a two-day ‘Crew Synergy’ program, and a yearlong ‘Crew Mastery’ course, all for the discerning owner who wants their crew to be at the peak of their performance.

“Just as we tune up our motors to improve performance, so we invest training in our crew to advance their capabilities. Whether you want to increase crew camaraderie and teamwork before a trip, or you want to challenge your already dynamite crew to excel even further, our programs raise the bar and get your crew thinking and acting out of the box, which means improved service for you.”

Based in Ft. Lauderdale, Crew Synergy takes their programs on the road and overseas. “We come to your present port of call, and while we typically run our seminars at an area hotel, we can also run them right on your aft deck.”

Given the portability and success of Crew Synergy’s programs, owners and captains everywhere have an exciting new resource in bringing their crew to the top of their game.

         Participating Organizations Include:

American Yachting Institute

Crew4Crew

Crew Synergy

Crew Quarters

International Superyacht Society

Luxury Yacht Group

Northrop & Johnson

The Triton

WorkForce One