Burgess Yacht Crew

Hosted by Burgess Yachts

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Burgess podcast, the show where we are opening up conversations about life at sea, discussing hot topics within the industry, as well as offering mental health support and promoting wellbeing for yacht crew.

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60 recent

May 20, 202614 min

#63 Cyber Security On Board: Keeping It Simple and Staying Secure

In this episode, Matt Batchelor and Ewan Ferguson from our Compliance team take a practical look at cyber security on board - breaking it down into simple, everyday actions that can make a real difference.From email risks and compromised accounts to passwords, multi‑factor authentication and emerging tools like passkeys, the conversation focuses on how cyber incidents often start with small moments - and how awareness and good habits can help prevent them.The episode highlights the importance of treating digital access with the same level of care as physical onboard safety, and reinforces that effective cyber security doesn’t need to be complicated - but it does require consistency, awareness, and shared responsibility across the crew.Topics CoveredCommon cyber risks on boardEmail security and phishing awarenessPasswords, MFA and passkeysManaging digital access and onboard systemsPractical steps crew can take to stay secureCyber security as part of everyday safety cultureFollow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

April 24, 202625 min

#62 Feeling Good at Sea - Crew Wellbeing, Harassment Awareness and Meaningful Change with Melanie White

In this episode, Lorena is joined once again by Melanie White, founder of Marathon4MentalHealth, to discuss crew wellbeing, harassment awareness, and the practical tools available to support safer, more respectful environments on board.Mel shares insights from her experience as both former yacht crew and a wellbeing advocate, and talks through the updated 2026 edition of the ‘How‑To for Yacht Crew Guide’, created to offer clear, accessible guidance on some of the most challenging aspects of life at sea. The conversation also touches on the new PSSR (Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault) regulations and what they mean in practice for crew and the wider yachting industry.The episode also explores Marathon4MentalHealth, a flexible, month‑long mental health and wellbeing challenge designed specifically for yacht crew — encouraging movement, connection, and access to support that understands life on board, while raising awareness and funds for ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Helpline.It’s an honest, timely conversation about culture, accountability, and the meaningful change taking place across the industry — and the role we all play in supporting one another.🌍 Marathon4MentalHealth: www.marathonformentalhealth.com📷 Instagram: @marathonfor_mentalhealthTake the Women in Yachting: IPS Industry Experiences Survey

March 26, 202634 min

#61 Breaking the Bias on Board (and Ashore!) with Fleur Brewer, Lauren Saltonstall and Ellie Wilson from UKSA

In honour of International Women’s Day earlier this month, we sat down for an honest and wide‑ranging conversation about the realities and opportunities for women entering and progressing through the maritime and superyacht industries.Our guests - Fleur Brewer and Lauren Saltonstall from UKSA, and Ellie Wilson, a recent UKSA graduate - share their very different pathways into maritime, the factors that shaped their journeys, and the shifts they’re seeing across the sector today.Together, we explore the real barriers still facing women at sea: from cabin‑arrangement limitations and unconscious bias in recruitment, to the persistence of stereotypes that push female crew toward interior roles. Fleur brings first‑hand insight into life as the only woman onboard commercial vessels, while Lauren highlights how UKSA’s programmes and alumni network are helping to widen access and support crew long after training. Ellie reflects on the challenges of securing deck positions and the mentors who helped her stay the course.We also discuss the importance of visibility, mentorship, financial access, and the small but meaningful changes — like the introduction of the Scarlet Box - that can make life on board more equitable for everyone.Whether you're starting out, supporting new crew, or simply curious about how maritime careers are evolving, this conversation shines a light on the next wave of professionals and the people helping them get there.

February 25, 202626 min

#60 Inside the Culinary Mind of Yacht Head Chef Jonny Sims

In this episode, we step inside the world of Jonny Sims, Head Chef of M/Y ASANI, whose career has taken him from his grandmother’s Yorkshire kitchen to fine‑dining restaurants in France and now to creating exceptional culinary experiences at sea.Jonny shares how he first fell in love with cooking, the unexpected path that led him into yachting at just nineteen, and the years he spent running his own restaurant before returning to life onboard. He opens up about the creativity, discipline and adaptability required to be a yacht chef - from crafting multi‑cuisine menus and managing 5 a.m. starts, to balancing guest expectations with the wellbeing and nutrition of the crew.We also dive into:The reality of being the sole chef onboardZero‑waste cooking and clever uses for every ingredientThe challenges of sourcing produce in different regionsHis favourite “wow factor” dishes and the wildest ingredients he’s ever been asked to useAdvice for aspiring yacht chefs entering the industryJonny’s honesty, humour, and passion for his craft make this a standout conversation - whether you're a seasoned crew member, a budding chef, or simply a lover of great food and good stories.

January 29, 202634 min

#59 Beyond Life at Sea: Building a Career in Yacht Management with Yacht Manager Lorraine Hanrahan

In this episode, Lorena sits down with Lorraine Hanrahan, Yacht Manager at Burgess, to talk openly about her journey from life on board to a shore‑based career in yacht management.Lorraine shares how she first entered the yachting industry, her time working on board, and the factors that led her to consider coming ashore. Together, we explore what that transition really looks like - from adjusting to structure and routine, to navigating the financial realities of shore life and redefining long‑term career goals.The conversation offers an honest look at what yacht management involves day to day, the skills that transfer from sea to shore, and the importance of building strong relationships with captains, crew, and owners’ representatives. Lorraine also discusses mentorship, changing perceptions around career pathways, and how yacht management has evolved to become more accessible to people from a wider range of backgrounds.This episode is particularly relevant for anyone currently working at sea who may be thinking about what comes next - or simply wants a clearer understanding of life ashore and the opportunities available within yacht management.

December 22, 202532 min

#58 Deck the Hulls: Life at Sea in December with Ex Chief Stew Gemma Hulbert

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 providesFind out more about The Yacht Stew Academy here.Follow the Yacht Stew Academy @theyachtstewacademyFollow @burgessyachtcrew

November 26, 202526 min

#57 The Ripple Effect: How Yacht Uniform Choices Impact Our Oceans with Lauren Wardley and Loren Curry

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 protectionFollow Ethical Yachtwear on Instagram @ethicalyachtwearFollow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

October 16, 202537 min

#56 Notice, Support, Speak: Standing Together Against Harassment with Toni Frost from Safer Waves

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_wavesFollow us - @burgessyachtcrew

September 19, 202535 min

#55 A mission for meaningful change: The story of Relief Crew Foundation with founder Sam Stewart

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 hereFollow Relief Crew Foundation on Instagram @reliefcrewfoundationFollow us on Instagram @burgessyachtcrew

July 18, 202525 min

#54 Neurodiversity: Hiring for Talent, Not Stereotypes with Daniel Smith from NeuroDiversAtSea

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 worldCommon myths and misconceptions about neurodivergent individualsThe importance of creating space for different minds and approaches at seaWhether 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