Mediterranean vs Caribbean: A Guide to the Yachting Seasons

Where and when should you look for yacht work? A breakdown of the two main seasons, their hubs, and how crew follow the sun year-round.

Yachting runs on two main seasons that let crew work almost year-round by following the sun. Understanding them helps you time your job search perfectly. The Mediterranean season The Med season runs roughly May to September. It is the busiest period, with the largest fleet and the most jobs. The key hubs are Antibes in the South of France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Itineraries cover the French and Italian Rivieras, Spain, Greece and Croatia. The Caribbean season The Caribbean season runs roughly November to April. Fort Lauderdale in Florida is the main gateway and refit hub, with yachts cruising the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, St Barths and Antigua. It is the place to be in the northern winter. The shoulder seasons Between the two, yachts make transatlantic crossings and undergo refits. This is when crossings, deliveries and refit day work appear, and when crew often switch boats. How crew follow the sun Many crew work the Med in summer and the Caribbean in winter, staying employed all year and seeing both sides of the world. Others base around a single season. Timing your arrival in a hub just before the season starts gives you the best shot at work. Plan your year Decide which season to target first, arrive early, and get your certifications and CV ready beforehand. Our team can help you plan a year-round yachting calendar.