The reality beyond Below Deck

We are pleased to announce that Superyacht Reality, the Professional Yachting Association’s new awareness initiative, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, officially launches on 19 January 2026 with our first global campaign: Real Life On Board.

The campaign invites professional yacht crew to share authentic photos and short videos that reflect the everyday reality of working on board – the skills, teamwork, routine and moments that define a career at sea.

Superyacht Reality has been created to address public misunderstanding of the yachting industry by presenting an accurate, balanced and human view of professional life on board. 

The project aims to showcase the professionalism, skill and responsibility that underpin modern yachting; highlight positive initiatives and best practices across the sector and promote yachting as a legitimate, rewarding career path, helping to attract the next generation of crew.

Content selected through this campaign will be actively shared with yachting media and communications outlets, and – importantly – promoted to mainstream media, including newspapers and broadcast channels. The primary audience extends beyond the industry itself to include the general public, educators, decision-makers and influencers, ensuring that the realities of professional yachting are seen and understood more widely. 

Superyacht Reality is not about perfect shots, expensive equipment or professional-level production.

The competition is open to all professional yacht crew across all departments and all levels of experience. Submissions are judged on authenticity, relevance and storytelling.

• Smartphone photos and videos are welcome

• Everyday moments matter: routine tasks, teamwork, quiet scenes, real working life

• You do not need to be a photographer, videographer or content creator to take part

• Content showing real work and genuine moments on board is prioritised over staged imagery

The first weekly theme launches on Instagram on 19 January and focuses on sunrises and sunsets at sea – those quiet moments that frame the working day and are familiar to crew across all departments.

Weekly Instagram themes will continue throughout the campaign, each accompanied by giveaways and crew features on Instagram.

The main Superyacht Reality competition is entered exclusively via the PYA website.

Only submissions received through the official online submission form, and in full compliance with the Terms & Conditions, will be eligible to win the main prizes.

Submissions will be considered for the following awards:

1.    Best Photo – Life On Board

2.    Best Video – Work & Skill

3.    The Superyacht Reality Award – Most Authentic Moment

Please note: Participation in weekly Instagram themes is encouraged for visibility and giveaways, but only website submissions are eligible for the main prizes. Entrants are strongly advised to read the Terms & Conditions carefully before submitting.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our Flagship Sponsors, whose support makes this campaign possible and demonstrates their commitment to professional yacht crew development and wellbeing.

Together, they are providing the following prizes:

• A full day of Leadership Training, valued at £1,800, provided by Impact Crew

• IAMI GUEST Certified Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing Training, valued at €1,920, provided by Phoenix Superyacht Training

• €1,000 training credit, redeemable across any course, provided by Maritime MT

• One-year subscription to the Academy Online, valued at €550, provided by Hill Robinson

Superyacht Reality is about realistic career awareness, responsible recruitment and a more accurate public understanding of professional yachting. Selected photos and videos may be featured across PYA platforms, the Superyacht Reality website, and future outreach and educational campaigns.

Further details on how to enter, weekly themes, terms and conditions, and content usage permissions will be available via our website and Instagram channels.

We look forward to sharing your real-life moments on board.

Profile links

Hill Robinson

Impact Crew Ltd

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