Capt. Hugo Ortega started his career as a Materials Engineer after graduating from the University of Florida. From his early years in an immigrant household, Hugo learned the value of adaptability and perseverance—traits that would later guide his career path. In 2014, after working for 2yrs as an Oil & Gas Engineer, Hugo took a life-changing backpacking trip through Southeast Asia where he met his first “Yachtie.”
This encounter inspired a shift from engineering to navigating vessels up to 90 meters. Over the next 9 years, Hugo invested heavily in his licenses and certifications, reaching the position of Captain. In 2022, Hugo founded Superyacht Sunday School, a platform aimed at developing new and experienced Yacht Crew.
Driven by his own challenging experiences, including working on less-than-ideal boats and dealing with difficult crew members, Hugo established a coaching program to prevent others from facing similar hardships. He recognized the need for a deeper understanding of what life on a Yacht entails—the expected duties, the unexpected challenges, and the best ways to handle various situations onboard. Hugo’s initiative aims to demystify the Yachting world, which has often been shrouded in secrecy and dominated by a cycle of recurring problems.
Superyacht Sunday School is more than a training program; it’s a movement to revolutionize the Yachting Industry. By educating the next generation of Yacht Crew, Hugo seeks to end the need to “reinvent the wheel” with each new crew member that enters. His program offers courses that cover essential topics such as safety procedures, mandatory certifications, effective CV preparation, networking strategies, and understanding job offers and employment agreements.
Hugo’s commitment extends beyond mere instruction. He infuses his courses with real-life insights and direct mentorship, guiding new crew through their initial steps into the industry and helping experienced crew advance their careers. This personalized coaching ensures that each participant is not just prepared for the job but is also aware of their rights and potential in the industry.
Superyacht Sunday School has significantly impacted the lives of hundreds of Yacht Crew. By raising the industry standard and providing crew with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, Hugo is dedicated to resolving the industry’s ongoing issues and making the Yachting environment a safer and more rewarding place.
