Episode 111: Inside the Superyacht World: Megayacht Purser Erin Pickering on Yacht Life, Below Deck & Steven Spielberg

What is it really like to work aboard some of the world’s largest and most luxurious superyachts?

My guest, Erin Pickering, knows firsthand.

Erin began her career in the media world in Australia, but quickly realised that spending the rest of her twenties behind a desk wasn't for her. So she did something rather brave — she boarded a one-way flight to Europe and set out to find herself a job in yachting.

She secured her first position aboard a 35-metre Sunseeker, beginning a career that would take her through the ranks of the superyacht industry and ultimately to the role of Purser aboard Steven Spielberg's megayacht.

But behind the glamour of the superyacht world lies a very different reality.

In this conversation, Erin and I talk about the isolation and intensity of working aboard yachts, the extraordinary standards expected of crew and what actually happens behind the scenes when you're looking after some of the wealthiest people in the world.

We also delve into what happened when COVID hit the superyacht industry. For Erin, what was supposed to be a 10-day schedule became 110 days, creating a whole new set of logistical, operational and very human challenges.

And, of course, I had to ask: Is working on a superyacht actually anything like Bravo's Below Deck?

Having reached the pinnacle of her yachting career, Erin eventually made the decision to leave life onboard, return to Australia and establish her own business, Holystone. We talk about making that transition and ask an interesting question: when you've spent your career surrounded by extraordinary wealth and luxury, what does success look like for you personally?

For anyone thinking about a career in yachting or superyachts, this episode offers some valuable advice and a realistic look at the challenges involved — but also captures just how exciting, adventurous and rewarding this extraordinary industry can be.

For more information on Erin's Business go to:

https://www.holystone.au/

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