Where do yachts go in winter?  | Winter Yacht Season Explained 

Traditionally, the yacht season is imagined in the Mediterranean, calm seas and blazing sun. But what happens to yachts and their workers when the weather turns and the Med cools over?  

What To Do Between Yacht Contracts? 

One way ‘yachties’ spend their time during the winter season, is on land. Spending time with family, friends, and pursuing hobbies that were neglected during the working months.  

Docking up is also a perfect opportunity to focus on personal and professional development. Renewing STCW and other seafaring qualifications at maritime training centres like the Maritime Skills Academy or working on interests outside of the maritime industry. 

If you are planning to spend the next few months away from the water, discover insightful tips on how best to spend your time in our recent blog.

Mediterranean Winter Yacht Contracts  

Yacht season in the Mediterranean peaks in April to October. The months where the sun is at its warmest and seas are at their steadiest. 

As unlikely as it may seem, Mediterranean contracts can extend into the winter months. It can be a common occurrence for yachts to keep their summer crew under contract while the yacht is docked and undergoing winter maintenance. Duties may change and accommodation may be rearranged but the general upkeep of the yacht will fall to the crew. 

Some yacht owners may choose to continue voyaging well into the winter months. Requiring a well equipped and prepared crew, to deal with more intense weather conditions. Typically, yachting the Med in winter is a quieter and more relaxed experience because the weather has mellowed and most yachts are turned down for the season. 

Caribbean Winter Yacht Contracts 

Once the Med has chilled over and yacht contracts have come to an end, the majority of yacht owners and crew migrate to the Caribbean for the winter months. Peak season in the Caribbean is November to April, so joining a yacht crew in that area for the winter months is an ideal way to continue working in the industry in the off-season. 

How To Get a Winter Yacht Contract  

The best way to land a contract on board during the winter months, whether that be in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, is to keep your details and documents updated, submitting thorough and high-quality applications for roles that you have relevant experience in. 

If you are struggling with creating an up -to- date and well written CV,  browse through our yacht CV guide, Or read suggestions from our yacht recruitment team for standing out as a yacht candidate.  

By signing up to the Viking Crew website, you will have access to all your personal details, documents and CV in one place. This is the best way to submit high -quality applications quickly.  

Winter Yacht Jobs  

Are you looking for a yacht job over the winter season? Search for our current vacancies and submit an application.  

Alternatively, contact our team to see which positions may suit you.