Reflecting on 2025: Lessons and Highlights from the Yachting Community

As the year draws to a close, it’s only natural to take a step back and reflect — not just on where we’ve been, but on how far we’ve come. The yachting industry in 2025 was shaped by powerful moments of learning, connection, and collective growth, and the superyacht crew at its heart continued to remind us what resilience and passion truly look like.

For ACREW, this year was a celebration of community. Each event, workshop, and collaboration reaffirmed why we do what we do: to support crew, strengthen industry relationships, and create spaces where people can learn, grow, and feel truly valued. Here’s a look back at some of the standout moments that defined our year.

A Year of Events That Brought the Industry Together

Chef Competition – Palma 

We kicked off the season with one of our most delicious events, the annual ACREW Chef Competition in Palma. Creativity was high, nerves were higher, and the chefs once again reminded us how much talent is working behind the scenes on board.

Superyacht Technology Show – Barcelona 

In March, we partnered with the Superyacht Technology Show to give esteemed Captains exclusive access to their Industry Guest Passes, complete with VIP entry, hotel stays, and direct insight into the latest tech shaping our industry. It was a rare chance for Captains to connect with innovators in a meaningful way, and a reminder of how important it is to keep learning as the industry evolves.

Palm Beach International Boat Show – YATCO Lounge

Our time in Palm Beach was all about connection. Between hosted lunches, private meeting tables, and evening networking events, it became a place for the industry to slow down, connect, and build relationships against the backdrop of Palm Beach’s stunning views. It was one of those events where introductions turned into ideas, and ideas into future partnerships!

Palma International Boat Show – Crew Lounge

Back in Palma, the Crew Lounge once again became a lively hub for learning and connection. Across four days, crew joined us for hands-on workshops, career-focused sessions, and plenty of social moments. It was the perfect balance of professional development and community fun, reminding us how powerful it is when crew come together to grow, share, and enjoy the industry they’re part of.

ACREW & IMM Business Lounge – Monaco Yacht Show

In Monaco, our Business Lounge at La Rascasse offered a calm, welcoming space amidst the buzz of the show. It’s known as a meeting point where business members and sponsors can connect, hold productive conversations, and take a breather from the show. With relaxed networking areas, private terraces, and grab-and-go lunches for crew, it was a reminder of how valuable it is to create spaces where business and community can come together naturally.

Crew Awards 2025 – Ibiza 

We closed our events calendar with the annual Crew Awards, an unforgettable night in Ibiza celebrating excellence across the superyacht industry. Honouring the individuals and teams who go above and beyond is something we are incredibly proud of. 

What 2025 Taught Us as a Community

All of our events, whether tailored to crew or businesses, centred around one mission: bringing the yachting community together. Through technical seminars, skills training, and conversations around important topics like mental health at sea, we saw firsthand how much the industry is evolving. The appetite for education, wellbeing, and genuine human connection has never been stronger.

This year reminded us that supporting crew isn’t optional — it’s essential. Their expertise, adaptability, and dedication are the reason this industry exists at all.

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our Partners

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, and friends. Your belief in our mission, and in the importance of crew welfare, ensured we could create spaces where people feel empowered, inspired, and celebrated.

To everyone who stood beside us in 2025: a big thank you from the ACREW team for recognising the value of community and for helping us move the industry forward, one event at a time.

As we step into a new year, we’re carrying with us the lessons, momentum, and memories of 2025. Together, we’ve strengthened connections, sparked ideas, and built a more supportive landscape for the next generation of superyacht crew.

Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and celebrating the incredible people who make the yachting industry what it is!