Burgess Yacht Crew

In this festive‑season special, we’re joined by Gemma Hulbert - former Chief Stew and founder of The Yacht Stew Academy - for an honest, warm and insightful look at what December really feels like onboard a superyacht. From decorations and traditions to the realities of long hours and being far from home, Gemma shares stories from nearly a decade at sea and the creative ways crew keep morale high during one of the busiest times of the year.

Key Topics:

✔ How different-sized yachts approach festive planning✔ The role of interior crew (and even “celebrations officers”) in bringing seasonal cheer onboard

✔ Managing varied cultural traditions and guests who may not celebrate the holidays✔ The emotional side of working away from family — and the importance of connection✔ The most memorable crew Christmases Gemma experienced, including themed parties, cabin decorating competitions, and even a reindeer‑themed forklift

✔ Tips for crew spending their first festive season at sea

✔ A look into Gemma’s work with The Yacht Stew Academy and the training, mentorship and community it provides

Find out more about The Yacht Stew Academy here.

Follow the Yacht Stew Academy @theyachtstewacademyFollow @burgessyachtcrew

In this episode of the Burgess Crew Podcast, host Georgina Menheneott is joined by Lauren Wardley, founder of Ethical Yachtwear, and Loren Curry, Interior Manager at REV Ocean, to explore how crew uniform choices impact our oceans.

From extending the life of your kit and repairing instead of replacing, to choosing fabrics that respect marine ecosystems, this conversation is packed with practical steps every yacht can take. Discover how small changes onboard can create a ripple effect across the industry - and why sustainability isn’t just about the environment, but also about people.

Key Topics:

✔ Why fast fashion is the second biggest polluter

✔ Practical tips for sustainable uniform management

✔ Repair culture and procurement strategies

✔ The human impact behind sustainability

✔ How yachts can lead the way in ocean protection

Follow Ethical Yachtwear on Instagram @ethicalyachtwear

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

In this episode, we’re joined by Toni Frost from Safer Waves, a charity dedicated to providing confidential support to seafarers who’ve experienced sexual harassment or abuse while working at sea.

We dive into a crucial topic affecting crew culture across the industry: what happens when someone witnesses inappropriate behaviour onboard - and why speaking up truly matters. Whether it’s a comment that crosses the line or something more serious, knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

Toni shares practical, compassionate advice for crew members on how to intervene safely and respectfully. One key tool she introduces is the 5 D’s method - a simple, effective framework for bystander intervention that anyone can use.

Find out more about Safer Waves here.

Follow Safer Waves on Instagram - @safer_waves

Follow us - @burgessyachtcrew

In this episode we're thrilled to be joined by Sam Stewart, founder of the Relief Crew Foundation.

Relief Crew is a brilliant initiative that connects the yachting industry’s skills, resources, and influence with humanitarian projects around the world. They create purpose-driven volunteering adventures for yacht crew, giving them the chance to use their talents in meaningful ways - and offer yacht owners a trusted, values-led outlet for philanthropy.

In this episode, Sam talks about how the foundation came to life, the impact it’s already making, and how the wider yachting community can get involved in creating real, positive change.

Find out more about Relief Crew Foundation here

Follow Relief Crew Foundation on Instagram @reliefcrewfoundation

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

In this episode, we’re joined by Daniel Smith, founder of NeurodiversAtSea and a maritime professional with over a decade of experience in commercial shipping.

Daniel - who is autistic - shares his personal journey and explains why supporting neurodivergent crew is so important.

We discuss:

• What neurodiversity really means in the maritime world

• Common myths and misconceptions about neurodivergent individuals

• The importance of creating space for different minds and approaches at sea

  
  

Whether you’re in recruitment, management, or working on deck, this is an insightful conversation that highlights the value of different ways of thinking and how we can all play a role in building a more inclusive yachting environment.

You can find out more about NeurodiversAtSea here.

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtscrew

Getting your first job in yachting can feel exciting - but not all opportunities are what they seem.

In this episode, we speak with Laura Beard, Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager at ISWAN, about the darker side of yacht crew recruitment.

From spotting red flags to setting boundaries and avoiding scams, we break down essential advice from ISWAN’s Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew guide. If you’re new to the industry or mentoring someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

You can access ISWAN's Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew guide here.

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

Follow ISWAN on Instagram @iswan_org

As part of our drug awareness campaign, we’re diving into the surprising world of over the counter medications and wellness products.

We’re joined by Dr. José Restolho, a technical adviser and forensic expert from Eurofins, who helps us uncover what’s really hiding behind those innocent-looking labels.

From sleeping tablets and CBD oils to diet pills and the latest ‘miracle’ supplements trending on social media, José breaks down how even the legal stuff can fail us on a drug test.

We chat about what crew can do to stay sharp, safe, and in the know, and why its so important to understand what you are taking, even when its apparently being promoted by wellness influencers. It’s eye-opening, practical, and just might save you from a very awkward conversation with your Captain.

Follow Eurofins on Instagram @eurofinsglobal

Follow us @burgessyachtcrew

In this episode of the Burgess Crew Podcast, we're joined by Karen Murphy - also known as 'The Crew Counsellor'.

With over two decades of experience working on board and now supporting crew as a qualified counsellor, Karen shares powerful insights into how unresolved issues from life before yachting - such as people-pleasing, anxiety, low self-esteem, and past trauma - can be triggered by the pressures of yacht life.

We explore why the close quarters, high-stress environment of yachting can cause certain struggles to surface, how to recognise the signs, and what steps crew can take to build emotional resilience and seek support.

From practical tools like journaling and reflective exercises, to the importance of crew culture and mental health training, this episode is a valuable listen for anyone working at sea.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Connect with Karen: LinkedIn – The Crew Counsellor

• Yacht Crew Help: www.yachtcrewhelp.org

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

At Burgess, we believe that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility and that means it isn’t just about cutting-edge technology – its the daily choices we make on board every single day. That’s why we’ve created the Sustainable Seas Handbook, a practical guide designed to help yacht crew minimise their environmental impact and adopt best practices that make a real difference.

To celebrate the launch of the Sustainable Seas Handbook, we’ve brought together Burgess experts Georgina Menheneott, Ryan Green, Lorraine Hanrahan, and Harry Chapman for a special podcast episode.

They dive into the journey behind Sustainable Seas, what sets it apart, and why practical onboard changes are just as crucial as technical solutions. Plus, they discuss how crew feedback has helped shape the programme - and how it will continue to evolve as more yachts get involved.

Listen to discover how we’re working together to create a meaningful shift in yachting’s environmental approach - and how you can be part of it 🌱⚓

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Welcome to a special International Women’s Day episode of the Burgess Crew Podcast! In this episode, we’re joined by Andrea Tagliaferro, journalist, content creator, and founder of Yacht Femme - a platform dedicated to celebrating and connecting women in the yachting industry.

 Andrea has built a powerful community where women can support and uplift each other throughout their careers. She has interviewed some of the most inspiring women in yachting, launched the Women in Yachting Awards, and runs regular forums that foster important conversations in the industry.

 In this episode, we dive into:
🚀 Imposter syndrome and how to overcome it
🏆 The importance of reflecting on our wins
🌍 Why Andrea felt driven to create a platform for women in yachting

 It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Andrea—she’s a true powerhouse, and this conversation is full of valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in and celebrate International Women’s Day with us!

Find out more about Yacht Femme here.

Follow Yacht Femme on Instagram @yachtfemme

Follow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew