YACHTLAUNCH

It's not a gap year. It's a career.

Visas, crew flights and one-to-one mentorship for anyone entering or moving up in yachting, from crew who've done the job.

Next step: a quick WhatsApp chat with Cam or a member of the team. No 20-question forms.

Choose the support you need

Start with one service, or bring us the whole journey.

Better prepared. Better informed. Better positioned.

The green and inexperienced crew are the future of the yachting industry. Without them, the industry doesn't exist. We should be giving back, and putting as much effort into them as we put into experienced, employed crew.

We're not a recruitment agency. We don't promise jobs or visa approvals. We make sure you arrive prepared.

Explore our services

Cam Baker, founder of Yachtlaunch, talking to camera

“It's work, and it's hard work, and it's long work. But it's rewarding.”

Cam Baker, founder and mentor. About 12 years in professional yachting, including as Chief Officer.

Honest about cost. Cam will tell you which “mandatory” courses you actually need, and which you don't.

A desk that never sleeps. Flights through Martin Wheeler's 12-person team, 35 years in marine travel, 24/7.

Read the transcript

My name is Cam Baker. The thinking behind Yachtlaunch is to make the process easier for the person trying to break into the industry. I know that when I started there was no one there that was able to tell me what to do. I knew that I had to go to yacht school. After yacht school, I had no idea what to do. I didn't know how to get a visa. I didn't know where I was going and I didn't know what I was going into.

Three main services are visa assistance in the application, the booking and issuing of marine fare flights, and mentorship to help you map out your career journey towards whatever position it is you want to become.

Yachtlaunch is here to hold your hand through the entire process, submit all of your documents on your behalf, proof check your documents, and make sure that they are abiding to the set of standards that the embassy or consulate require to issue a visa.

I wish someone had told me that it's not a gap year and it's not a holiday. That it's an actual career, not what you see on Instagram. It's work, and it's hard work, and it's long work, but it's rewarding.

It's not a necessity to go through an agent, or to come through Yachtlaunch for that matter. It is possible to do it on your own. However, through my experience, it was a lot more expensive to do it on my own and it took me a lot longer. So I wish I'd had someone there to help me through the process, to help me with my visa application, to hold my hand, and to help me figure out where I was going.

Crew who've launched with us

Straight from Instagram, in their own words.

“Their knowledge of the game and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that everything was being taken care of properly.”
@little_greg_Schengen visa and flights
Read Greg's full review

“I would highly recommend Cameron and Kate from YachtLaunch for their exceptional service and professionalism. I was faced with a very tight timeframe to obtain a Schengen visa, arrange flights, and get all the necessary documentation in order. From the very beginning, Cam and Kate went above and beyond to make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible. They assisted me with preparing all the required documentation, guided me through each step of the visa application process, and helped arrange flights to the appointment within very limited time. Despite the time pressure, they remained professional, efficient, responsive and incredibly helpful throughout. What really stood out to me was their willingness to go the extra mile and their ability to handle everything calmly and professionally, even under the pressure from my situation. Their knowledge of the game and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that everything was being taken care of properly. A huge thank you to them both for making what could have been a very stressful situation straightforward and manageable. I genuinely appreciate the effort and efficiency they put into assisting me, and I would have no hesitation in recommending YachtLaunch to anyone needing assistance with visas, travel arrangements and the overall process surrounding the travel requirements for a yachtie. Excellent service, from start to finish.”

“Using them saved me on money, time and headaches.”
@keaganunderwaterSchengen visa
Read Keagan's full review

“A huge shoutout to @yachtlaunch for helping me secure my Schengen visa! The team was incredibly professional, organised and helpful throughout the entire process, making everything so easy and stress-free. They guided me through every step, answered all my questions and helped me get my visa without any issues and in record time! Using them saved me on money, time and headaches. Thank you for making the whole process so seamless! Could not recommend enough.”

“What initially seemed like an almost unachievable process was made clear and became super manageable.”
Emma HVisas and training
Read Emma's full review

“I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I received from this team. They were thorough, reliable, and incredibly knowledgeable when it came to gathering all the necessary documentation, navigating visa applications, and understanding the right channels for yachting training and qualifications. What initially seemed like an almost unachievable process was made clear and became super manageable thanks to their expertise and dedication. Yachtlaunch's guidance put me on the right path and gave me the confidence and preparation I needed to take the next steps, ultimately leading me to securing my first job in the yachting industry. I would recommend them without hesitation and feel very fortunate to know I have access to such a diligent, experienced, and supportive crew. I'm truly grateful for everything they've done to help me get started on this journey.”

Working alongside

PYT DurbanOfficial MCA training partner
VeslSimConnectivity for crew
Bond ExcelHome loans

Meet our partners

How it works

  1. Say hello on WhatsApp

    Tell us where you are and what you need.

  2. Discovery call

    A call on Teams to map out your next steps.

  3. Personal support

    Direct WhatsApp and phone access to the team.

  4. Updates as it happens

    Booking and application updates land in your inbox.

Questions, answered straight

Still unsure? Ask us on WhatsApp

Is Yachtlaunch a recruitment agency?

No. We don't place crew or promise anyone a job. We give you practical, personalised support with visas, flights, mentorship, CVs and training, so you're better prepared, better informed and better positioned to pursue opportunities in the industry yourself.

Can you guarantee my visa?

No. Yachtlaunch provides visa application support and guidance but does not guarantee visa approval. All visa decisions remain solely with the relevant embassy, consulate or immigration authority. What we can do is help you prepare a clear, complete application and get ready for your appointment or interview.

Do I have to use an agent to get into yachting?

No. As Cam says, it is possible to do it on your own. When he started out, though, doing it alone cost him a lot more and took a lot longer. Yachtlaunch is the help he wishes he'd had: someone experienced to guide you through visas, flights and your first steps.

How does it work once I enquire?

We start with a chat on WhatsApp. Then we set up a discovery call on Microsoft Teams to understand where you are and what you need. From there you have direct WhatsApp and phone contact with the team, and we keep you updated on any bookings by email.

Do I send my passport through the website?

No. Please don't send passport copies or ID documents through the website. Once we've reviewed your enquiry, we'll email you exactly which documents we need and how to send them securely. We only ask for what your application needs, and we keep it only as long as we need it.

How many people does Cam mentor?

Cam mentors up to 10 people a month, one to one, so everyone he works with gets real time and attention. If you'd like to be one of them, get in touch.

Who is PYT Durban?

PYT Durban is our official MCA training partner school. Yachtlaunch is not a training provider itself: we help you understand the MCA training pathway and which courses you actually need, and PYT Durban delivers the training.

Get in touch, mate.

Tell us where you are and we'll help you work out the next step.