In our “People of the Sea” column, we had the pleasure of talking with Carmen Andreea Preda, the founder of Capsea Yachting, about what it is like to navigate the world of millionaires, what are the lessons learned and what advice she has for those who want to take this step in their career.
Sailing from aboard to shore, Carmen Preda – the founder of Capsea Yachting
With extensive experience in the yacht industry, Carmen Preda has held multiple roles on various superyachts and cruise ships.
Today, she successfully runs a business of her own, which provides yacht crew training services, CV consultancy, eBooks dedicated to the superyacht industry, recruitment and placement, chartering and much more.
From stewardess to crew chief
Carmen started working in the yachting industry in 2009, making her debut on a superyacht as a stewardess and massage therapist.
Subsequently, she held a number of roles, including deckhand, head stewardess, to spa manager and even personal butler for a royal family.
The latter offered him a unique experience, even having its own guest cabin. He has also dealt with yachts under construction, in international shipyards, worked on board both in the galley and as a skipper on sailboats and catamarans.
In her career on board, Carmen has worked on boats of all sizes, from 35 meters to superyachts over 100 meters.
It has also been involved in the launch of impressive new constructions of 126 and 147 meters LOA. “I have traveled all over the world and had the privilege of working on renowned yachts, such as O’mega, Duke Town, Casta Diva, Ti’a Moana, Nina J, Maryah, Topaz, Naia, Sima, World is Not Enough, Lucky Me and Altitude,” says Carmen.
His experience was not limited to yachts, working for a period on two cruise ships, within the SPA.
The decision to leave superyachting and the first steps on land
Although she loved life on board, Carmen felt the call to build her own business.
“The main reason I left the industry was the desire to start my own business. I wanted to help yacht crews with trainings, recruit and organize trips. At the same time, I wanted to organize my personal life, because on board it is often difficult to find a balance between work and these,” Carmen reveals.
Capsea Yachting, a business born from ambition and passion
Carmen admits that she didn’t have a well-defined exit plan before leaving yachting.
“There weren’t many resources to guide me through this transition. But I started to capitalize on my knowledge and experience, thinking about how I could turn it into a business. Although some friends laughed at my idea, I was ambitious and trusted myself. Now, I’m happy that I’ve been able to inspire people who have worked with me and who are now opening their own businesses or continuing to work on superyachts.”
Currently, Carmen runs Capsea Yachting, where every day is different.
“At Capsea Yachting, the daily routine is a mix of work, health and time spent on my hobbies. My schedule is flexible, with no fixed working hours. For example, recently, I was contacted by an international company for an urgent yachting event – such situations are part of my life. I also maintain close contact with all my learners, providing them with support when they need it. It is a varied job, full of challenges and very satisfying”, points out our speaker.
The transition from onboard to dry: the good, the bad and the difficulties
For Carmen, the greatest joy of the transition was the opportunity to open her own business. However, he admits that he misses the days spent on yachts, even though he has the opportunity to visit various boats frequently.
“I think it’s time for others to spend their time on yachts now. It’s better this way” , Carmen tells us.
He then revealed that one of the biggest challenges was to develop his business strategy in a country where the superyacht industry is almost non-existent.
“In Romania, we don’t have a superyacht industry. We only have small boats or large cargo and cruise ships. But we have good news – a new marina is under development and will be ready soon,” she explains.
When it comes to the future, Carmen sees many opportunities.
“I’m thinking about various career options – maybe working in a crew agency, on new construction projects in a shipyard or in an office as a yacht broker. But, for now, I am focusing on the development of Capsea Yachting, trying to grow and offer new services”, Carmen, reveals her future plans.
Carmen hopes to see positive changes in the industry, especially in terms of crew salaries and investment in education:
“Salaries have not increased enough in recent years and I think it is time to see a change in all departments on board. Education is also essential. Without it, it’s hard to advance in your career. I believe that a solid education can make a difference on a CV and set you apart from others.”
But, for now, for a junior position on board as an auxiliary staff, earnings of 12,000 -14,000 euros per month can be reached, as a salary, plus tips, on a charter yacht. And as the experience grows, and other challenges come, obviously the amounts are also consistently appreciated.
Sounds tempting? Carmen is waiting for you at Capsea Yachting to guide you with all the necessary steps to enter the super yachting industry and live unique experiences with the richest people in the world.
Success seen through the eyes of Carmen Preda
For Carmen, success is not measured in money, but in the positive impact on people’s lives.
“Changing lives for the better is my successful idea. When you make a difference in people’s lives, financial success follows by itself. Also, for me, success means being happy, healthy and doing what you love,” she tells us.
Tips for crew members thinking about life after yachting
At the end, we asked her to offer some advice to those who, like her, decide to give up life at sea and move towards activities on land.
“First, take an online personality and career test. These tests can help you discover what you’re good at and which career suits you best. Second, don’t be afraid to explore new options and follow your passions. And, last but not least, be open to change and remain committed to your work,” was his message. Accompanied by the invitation to use his services.
Comentați?