West Palm Beach, Florida

CULTURE OF LOCATION

Ah, the life of a yacht stewardess! It’s a whirlwind of luxury, adventure, and just the right amount of unpredictability. And West Palm Beach? Well, it’s the perfect place to call home between charters. Picture this: sun-soaked days, a vibrant downtown, and a touch of elegance everywhere you turn. It’s not just where I work, but where I unwind, network, and enjoy life off the boat.

 

Why Palm Beach?

 

People say you should surround yourself with the kind of life you want. Well, billionaires seem like a good start! The waterfront mansions, luxury cars, manicured shrubbery, and perfectly dressed purse dogs strolling past you in designer garb – it’s like living in a glossy magazine.

 

Growing up in New Jersey, I always imagined Florida as a place where people with stock market wins go to enjoy their golden years. Little did I know, I’d be working here, rubbing elbows with some of the richest people on the planet.

According to The Palm Beach Post, this city is home to at least 58 Forbes billionaires. And let’s be real – billionaires love their yachts. Even now, I get a bit starstruck by the sheer wealth floating around this place. It’s hard not to! And there’s no sign of growth slowing down anytime soon.

 

Fun fact: I went to college here many years ago and yachting felt like some secret society. I thought nothing could be fancier than a cruise ship, but oh, how wrong I was! Today’s yachts are like floating palaces, with everything from gyms to spas to theaters, and even helicopter pads. We’ve come a long way.

SCHOOLS, AGENCIES, AND ADVICE

Finding Those Coveted Yacht Crew Jobs

Palm Beach isn’t the easiest stop for greenies to break into the industry, but it’s not impossible. There’s a sense of camaraderie that comes with starting out. I remember my early days chatting with fellow greenies at bars, trading tips, and swapping leads on jobs.

 

But once you’ve been in the industry for a few years, Palm Beach offers a more sustainable, laid-back vibe compared to the fast-paced hustle of Fort Lauderdale. There are also a lot of great opportunities to work land base if you so choose.

 

The yachting mecca of Palm Beach has all the amenities – stunning beaches, upscale restaurants, and lively bars – but with a calmer, more sophisticated pace.

 

While Palm Beach does not have marine schools that offer STCW to speak of, this is a great place to begin your career once you’ve landed that coveted first job.

West Palm Beach from the Perspective of a Yacht Owner

The first step is gaining relevant certifications, such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and ENG1 (a medical certificate), both of which are essential for crew positions. I always advise aspiring crew members to spend time networking in yacht-centric areas like the marinas and crew houses in West Palm Beach. Attending yacht shows or simply introducing yourself to captains or current crew members is a great way to start.

 

Persistence is key—dockwalking, where you visit marinas and hand out your CV to captains, can sometimes lead to day work and a foot in the door that can turn into a long-term position. Yacht owners routinely look for individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, attention to detail – and probably most of all – a passion for the lifestyle. Qualities that are just as important as experience.

Resources for Yachties in Palm Beach

In this town, you never know who you may run into. You may meet that one person who will supply you with your next job lead, or a fellow yachtie crew member where you can swap leads and experiences, or go out networking together. I’ve dedicated the rest of this post to resources and places where you’ll likely run into folks in the maritime industry who can help you break into the biz!

PLACES TO STAY

Prominent Hotels in Palm Beach:

When yacht owners want to do business or splurge on a night in, the fancier Palm Beach hotels tend to see a lot of action. You’d do well to periodically frequent the bars or lobbies of these properties: The Ben (autograph collection), Canopy by Hilton, Residence Inn by Marriott, Casa Grandview WPB, The Breakers, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, The Four Seasons, The Colony Hotel & Cabana Club, and Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa.

Crew Agencies and Housing:

Crew agencies are sort of a mixed bag; I never had much luck with them. But it doesn’t hurt to sign up for their services, as they can assist in job placement. The key to starting out is optimizing all the resources you have available.

 

A few resources to consider are: Cotton Crew, Palm Beach Yachts International, Yachtie World, Wise (online account for yacht crew), YOA Yacht Crew Services, and My Crew Kit.

 

During those times when I can't stay on the boat, for example, during a boatyard repair or other unforeseen circumstance, we typically use Airbnb. Otherwise, some other options in Palm Beach are Cotton Management and Artisan Crew Houses.

Palm Beach Marinas (where the action happens!):

Let’s talk for a moment about the marinas in Palm Beach. It’s where the action happens and where you should definitely hang out and network. And it doesn’t hurt to have your CV on hand, you never know when you’re going to find a captain who’s hiring.

 

Palm Harbor Marina in West Palm offers premier docking facilities for luxury yachts, featuring state-of-the-art amenities, deep-water access, and proximity to downtown shopping and dining. Riviera Beach Marina Village, just north of Palm Beach, is a vibrant waterfront destination with modern marina services, waterfront dining, and access to the nearby Peanut Island, making it an excellent spot for yacht owners to dock.

 

Other marinas: Town of Palm Beach and Safe Harbor Rybovich.

BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND YACHT PROVISIONS IN PALM BEACH

Once you decide to base yourself in Palm Beach, having regular hangouts is key to networking and getting your name out there.

Camelot is a stylish, members-only bar inspired by the Kennedy era, offering a unique, upscale lounge atmosphere with craft cocktails in Palm Beach. The Loft is a chic, intimate nightclub offering craft cocktails and a curated menu of small plates in an elevated setting perfect for a sophisticated night out. Treehouse Rooftop Bar, perched atop the Canopy Hotel, boasts panoramic views of downtown Palm Beach, serving tropical-inspired cocktails and light bites in a laid-back, open-air setting.

123 Datura is a lively downtown bar and grill with a casual vibe, offering creative drinks and a menu of elevated pub fare. Okeechobee Steakhouse, a Palm Beach institution since 1947, is known for its premium, aged steaks and classic, old-school dining experience.

WELLNESS, SPAS, AND THINGS TO DO ON CREW DAYS OFF

We all need to rest and recharge during our downtime, and having spent my fair share of time around Palm Beach, catching a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or enjoying a peaceful afternoon at Mounts Botanical Garden are great ways to pass the time.

 

Other places to check out: Green Market, Clematis by Night, Lost Weekend on Clematis, West Palm Beach Escape Rooms(great for team building!), City Place, and the Palm Beach Zoo.

 

Fitness/Salon/Spas: Fitness Hub on Clematis, Treehouse (yoga), The Yoga Society, CrossFit Squad, F45 WPB, Top Star Hair Salon, and Olivia Stephens Salon & Spa.

TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY, AND TRAVEL

 

 

Transportation around Palm Beach: Uber, WPB Scooter, and Brightline (high-speed rail).

 

Palm Beach Maritime Doctors: Dr. R. Greer IV and Dr. J DeNobriga (Boynton Beach).

ONLINE SUPPORT

To expand your reach even further, these online resources are very much worth checking out:

Daywork123.com, Crew4yachts.com, and Yachting International Radio.

CONCLUSION

In West Palm Beach, I’ve found the perfect balance between work and play. Whether I’m docked at a marina, enjoying downtime downtown, or preparing for my next adventure, it’s always a place I love coming back to. Here’s to the next chapter, both on the water and off!