is tattoo yachts still in business

What Happened to Tattoo Yachts

For many years, Tattoo Yachts was a well-known and respected name in the yacht industry. The company was known for producing high-quality, custom-built yachts that were in high demand among sailing enthusiasts. However, in recent years, Tattoo Yachts seems to have disappeared from the market, leaving many people wondering what happened to the once-thriving company. In this article, we will explore the rise and fall of Tattoo Yachts and try to understand what led to the company’s apparent downfall.

Credit: www.bwyachts.com

Table of Contents

The Rise of Tattoo Yachts

Tattoo Yachts was founded in the early 2000s by a team of experienced sailing enthusiasts and boat builders. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing top-of-the-line yachts that were not only beautiful but also highly functional and seaworthy. Tattoo Yachts offered a range of customizations and personalizations, allowing customers to create the yacht of their dreams.

One of the reasons for Tattoo Yachts’ early success was its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The company’s yachts were built to the highest standards, using the best materials and the latest technology. This attention to detail made Tattoo Yachts stand out in a crowded market and attracted a loyal customer base.

The Decline of Tattoo Yachts

Despite its initial success, Tattoo Yachts began to face challenges in the mid-2010s. There were several factors that contributed to the company’s decline, including changes in consumer preferences, increased competition, and internal struggles.

Changes In Consumer Preferences

One of the main factors that led to Tattoo Yachts’ decline was a shift in consumer preferences. As the market evolved, there was a growing demand for smaller, more affordable yachts that were easy to operate and maintain. Tattoo Yachts, with its focus on custom-built luxury yachts, struggled to adapt to this change in demand and lost a significant portion of its customer base.

Increased Competition

Another challenge that Tattoo Yachts faced was increased competition from both traditional yacht builders and new entrants into the market. As the yacht industry grew more crowded, Tattoo Yachts found it difficult to compete with other companies that were offering similar products at lower prices. This increased competition put pressure on Tattoo Yachts’ profit margins and made it harder for the company to sustain its operations.

Internal Struggles

In addition to external challenges, Tattoo Yachts also faced internal struggles that contributed to its decline. There were reports of management issues, production delays, and financial difficulties within the company, which ultimately eroded its reputation and led to a loss of trust among customers and suppliers.

The Future of Tattoo Yachts

While the decline of Tattoo Yachts has been unfortunate, there is still hope for the company’s future. In recent years, there have been reports of potential partnerships and restructuring efforts aimed at reviving the brand and restoring its former glory. Additionally, there is still a dedicated community of Tattoo Yachts owners and enthusiasts who remain loyal to the brand and hope to see it make a comeback.

It remains to be seen whether Tattoo Yachts will be able to overcome the challenges it has faced and reclaim its position as a leading yacht manufacturer. However, the company’s legacy and reputation for quality and craftsmanship may provide a foundation for its revival.

Frequently Asked Questions For What Happened To Tattoo Yachts

What caused the downfall of tattoo yachts.

Tattoo Yachts faced financial challenges due to market saturation and changing consumer trends.

How Did Tattoo Yachts Deal With Competition?

Tattoo Yachts struggled to compete with emerging yacht brands and innovative designs.

What Are The Implications For Tattoo Yachts Customers?

Customers may experience challenges with warranties, servicing, and finding replacement parts for their Tattoo Yachts.

Is There A Future For Tattoo Yachts Owners?

Owners can explore aftermarket services and niche communities for support and maintenance of their Tattoo Yachts.

In conclusion, the story of Tattoo Yachts serves as a cautionary tale for companies in the luxury goods industry. Despite its early success and strong brand identity, Tattoo Yachts ultimately succumbed to a combination of external and internal pressures. The decline of Tattoo Yachts highlights the importance of staying attuned to changing consumer preferences, maintaining a strong competitive edge, and addressing any internal issues that may arise.

While the future of Tattoo Yachts remains uncertain, the company’s legacy as a top-quality yacht builder lives on in the memories of its customers and the sailing community. Whether Tattoo Yachts can once again rise to prominence in the yacht industry is a question that only time will answer.

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Tattoo 26 Production to Cease?

• Thread starter dlandersson
• Start date Jan 8, 2015
• Macgregor Owner Forums
• Ask A Macgregor Owner

dlandersson

Business question: If you 'outgrow' a facility (logically assuming demand outstrips your ability to supply) why would you stop production while you looked for a new location??  

Jackdaw said: Business question: If you 'outgrow' a facility (logically assuming demand outstrips your ability to supply) why would you stop production while you looked for a new location?? Click to expand

Kermit said: Maybe they outgrew their warehouse space. :-| Click to expand

Tattoo Yachts is relocating as we have outgrown our facility. We will be out of production until we have our new location set up. In the interim we will be completing the Tattoo 22. We pulled the first Tattoo 22 hull and deck out of the molds last week and they look even better than we had hoped. A number of our dealers have Tattoo 26 Power Sailers available in stock, so we have set up a new page “ Where can I get a Tattoo 26? ” Stay tuned for updates. Happy 2015 from all of us at Tattoo Yachts! Click to expand

Did Roger has a daughter named Laura? It might seem that the company is still in the "family".  

Sumner said: Sounds like they are having the 'right kind or problems'.... Click to expand

Jackdaw said: Hmm. I wonder if the people in the shop who got laid off support this notion of a 'right kind of problem'. Click to expand

Hmm. I wonder if the people in the shop who got laid off support this notion of a 'right kind of problem'. Click to expand

walt said: funny.. people got laid off and then rehired.. and as far as I can tell.. this is all made up right here in this thread.. Click to expand

Jackdaw said: They stopped production. What do YOU think they did with the workers that now have nothing to do? Click to expand

Knowing the salary scale for Macgregor employees, Im sure they all had second jobs landscaping or cleaning hotel rooms anyway.  

Tattoo Yachts is relocating as we have outgrown our facility. We will be out of production until we have our new location set up. Click to expand

Doc_holiday

Someone has to pack up and relocate the tooling and molds. I can assure you management is not doing that. Really though if they can work out of current inventory and they return with higher production they can still provide orders. Stopping production to "look" for a facility is odd. I mean stopping production to move is one thing but stopping to just look is silly. I mean what if it takes 3 years to "find" a new facility? My gut tell me sales are not what they expected or there is a problem financially and someone is behind on their building lease but as mentioned. This is all gossip anyway.  

We can go to Cuba. Na na na boo boo.  

justsomeguy

I heard the Russians were coming...  

They may have already built enough to exceed demand for the next year or two.  

Calif. Ted said: They may have already built enough to exceed demand for the next year or two. Click to expand

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• Miscellaneous
• What Happened to Tattoo Yachts: A Comprehensive Dive into Boating Legacy

The enigmatic transition and evolution of Tattoo Yachts hold a captivating narrative that not only reflects on the brand itself but echoes through the modern yachting industry. This tale encompasses ambitious beginnings, strategic transitions, and the relentless pursuit of crafting the quintessential yacht.

Key Takeaways

• Tattoo Yachts emerged from the legacy of MacGregor Yachts , marking a new era in the yachting industry.
• The innovative Tattoo 22 and Tattoo 26 models showcased a blend of comfort, speed, and style, encapsulating the brand's vision.
• Relocation to a new facility marked a pivotal phase, showcasing growth yet bringing about production challenges.
• The market perception and enduring legacy of Tattoo Yachts provide a glimpse into its impactful journey in the boating realm.

Background of Tattoo Yachts

Connection with macgregor yachts, early successes and challenges, development of tattoo 22, relocation to a new facility, current production status, market perception, legacy and contribution to the boating industry, when was tattoo yachts founded, why did tattoo yachts relocate their facility, what is the relationship between macgregor and tattoo yachts, what models were produced by tattoo yachts, and what is their current production status, introduction to tattoo yachts.

In 2004, the boating landscape witnessed the birth of a brand aimed at redefining the yachting experience. Tattoo Yachts , founded by Edwin Vandermark, emerged with a vision that transcended the conventional boating paradigms. Vandermark, a passionate sailor, envisioned a yacht that was a symbol of elegance, speed, and functionality. His dream was to challenge the status quo and present the market with yachts that were not only visually appealing but highly efficient and comfortable.

• Vision of Tattoo Yachts : The brand's essence was encapsulated in its pursuit of merging comfort , speed , and style . The dream was to build yachts that resonated with both aesthetic and functional appeal, carving a unique niche in the market.
• Founder's Background : Edwin Vandermark, a sailor at heart, embodied the essence of innovation and passion, which were the cornerstones of Tattoo Yachts' ethos.

The year 2013 marked a significant epoch in the chronicles of Tattoo Yachts. As Roger MacGregor of MacGregor Yachts stepped into retirement, a new horizon beckoned for the yachts' legacy he had built over decades. The torch was passed to Laura MacGregor Sharp, Roger's daughter, who incorporated Tattoo Yachts in Stuart, Florida, heralding a new era of yachting innovation.

• Transition Dynamics : The transition was more than just a change of guard. It was the infusion of fresh energy and perspectives while standing on the shoulders of a giant in the industry. Tattoo Yachts inherited a rich heritage, a robust dealer network, and a well-established parts supply chain from MacGregor.
• Tattoo 26 : A notable highlight was the creation of Tattoo 26 , a boat model that was essentially a rebranded and slightly modified version of the MacGregor 26M. This model served as a bridge connecting the illustrious past with an ambitious future.

The meticulous blend of preserving the core essence of MacGregor while injecting fresh ideologies of Tattoo marked a balanced approach towards catering to a loyal clientele while attracting new enthusiasts.

Evolution and Challenges

The journey from MacGregor to Tattoo was laden with both challenges and triumphs. The geographical and operational transition was a colossal task, yet it was executed with a vision of long-term growth and sustainability.

• Factory Relocation : The closure of the Costa Mesa factory and the shift to Florida was a logistical marathon. This move, although necessary for expansion, brought about a six-month interruption to boat availability, posing challenges both to the dealers and the market.
• Production Dynamics : The inception of Tattoo 26 production marked a crucial milestone. It was a testament to the brand's resilience and commitment to continue the legacy of MacGregor while carving out its own identity.

As the dust settled on the transition, the focus shifted towards innovation and market expansion. The development of Tattoo 22 was a bold step towards redefining compact yachting luxury and performance.

• Design Innovations : Tattoo 22 was envisioned as a compact yet powerful yacht, embodying the core principles of comfort, speed, and style. The meticulous design aimed at offering a unique boating experience, marking a significant stride in Tattoo Yachts' journey.

Relocation and Current Status

The ambition to continually evolve and accommodate growing operational demands propelled Tattoo Yachts towards relocating to a new facility. This move, although demanding, was a necessary stride towards fostering a conducive environment for innovation and expansion.

• Outgrowing Initial Facility : The growth trajectory of Tattoo Yachts necessitated a larger facility to accommodate escalating production demands and foster further innovation.
• Impact on Production : The relocation had a temporary impact on production, halting the manufacturing of new boats until the new facility was set up. However, this period saw the brand focusing on completing the Tattoo 22 model, thus embodying a spirit of progress amidst change.

With the new facility, a fresh chapter commenced for Tattoo Yachts. The brand now had the capacity and resources to focus on the development and perfection of the Tattoo 22 model, which was a reflection of its commitment to bringing innovative designs to the market.

• Halting Tattoo 26 Production : The strategic decision to halt the production of Tattoo 26 and channel resources towards the Tattoo 22 model showcased a forward-thinking approach.
• Anticipated Resumption : There's an air of anticipation regarding when full-scale production would resume and what new designs might be unveiled. The market is keenly watching for updates, reflecting a sustained interest in the brand's offerings.

Market Perception and Legacy

In a competitive market landscape, the perception and positioning of Tattoo Yachts are vital in understanding its impact and legacy. The brand, through its designs and operational strategies, has carved a niche that resonates with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

• Market Positioning : Tattoo Yachts positioned itself as a brand that embodies both tradition and modernity, catering to a diverse clientele.
• Comparison with Competitors : The transition from MacGregor to Tattoo symbolizes a brand's evolution while retaining core values, setting it apart in a competitive market.

The narrative of Tattoo Yachts is more than just about a brand; it's about the legacy and enduring contribution to the boating industry.

• Legacy of Innovation : Tattoo Yachts carried forward the legacy of MacGregor Yachts , blending it with fresh innovation to meet modern-day boating aspirations.
• Support for MacGregor and Tattoo Owners : The sustained support and parts supply for both MacGregor and Tattoo yacht owners demonstrate a long-term commitment to customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Tattoo Yachts embarked on its voyage in the boating industry in 2004. Founded by Edwin Vandermark, the brand was conceived with a vision to merge comfort, speed, and style in yacht design.

Tattoo Yachts relocated their facility due to outgrowing their initial premises. The relocation was a strategic move to accommodate escalating production demands and to foster further innovation.

The legacy of MacGregor Yachts transitioned to Tattoo Yachts in 2013 when Roger MacGregor retired. His daughter, Laura MacGregor Sharp, incorporated Tattoo Yachts in Stuart, Florida, inheriting MacGregor's dealer network and parts supply chain, thus marking a new chapter in the yachting industry.

Tattoo Yachts initially carried forward the production of Tattoo 26 , a model based on MacGregor 26M design. The focus later shifted to the development of Tattoo 22 , an embodiment of the brand's innovative spirit. Production of Tattoo 26 was halted to channel resources towards perfecting Tattoo 22.

Andrei Octavian Danciulescu

I am Andrei, an enthusiast of tattoos and their deep meaning. My fascination with this form of body art has led me to explore various cultures and styles, making me a true aficionado. My goal is to connect with readers and convey the passion I feel for this world full of stories and art.

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MacGregor Halts SoCal Production of 26 Sailboat

Byline: Ambrosia Brody

COSTA MESA — After 50 years of building the MacGregor 26 — the trailerable sailboat that gave many boaters their entry into sailing — MacGregor Yacht Co. founder Roger MacGregor has ceased production of the craft and has turned his attention to the construction of custom-built 70-foot MacGregors.

The last MacGregor 26 came off the production line on April 24, signifying the end of an era for the best-selling sailboat. However, the MacGregor name live on with the production of the MacGregor 70-footers, Roger MacGregor’s daughter, Laura MacGregor Sharp, assured The Log .

“My parents have not retired: They are unstoppable,” Sharp said. “They will still be (at the plant); the shop will just have a smaller footprint, because they are leasing out most of the factory.”

In the early 1960s, Roger MacGregor opened his boat-building facility in Costa Mesa after leaving a job at Ford Motor Co. to pursue a career in boat building. He built the company into a thriving business based on a college project he began while attending Stanford Graduate School of Business to earn his MBA. There, he built the business and designed the boat, as part of a college course.

He’s been going strong ever since.

One of the region’s longest-operating boat builders, MacGregor has built approximately 45,000 boats in its boatyard, located on Placentia Avenue in Costa Mesa. But it was time to end the long run, Roger MacGregor said.

“It was just a decision based on the fact that it is retirement time,” MacGregor said. “Plus, they put a huge retirement home behind our molding shop.”

The new three-story retirement facility that was built directly behind the plant’s mold shop made for an incompatible relationship. MacGregor said he believed the smells associated with fiberglass boat-building would bother the new neighbors.

“That’s one of the reasons that we thought about sending the whole production to Florida,” Roger MacGregor said. “It really gave me the incentive to get the whole fiberglass operation out of here.”

“It was time to do something different,” said MacGregor, who runs the business with his wife, Mary Lou.

He sold the 26-foot MacGregor molds to his daughter and her husband, Paul Sharp, several months ago. The couple had been the MacGregor overseas distributors since 1990.

They moved away from the area a few months ago, relocating to Stuart, Fla. — a city they said is reminiscent of the “old” Costa Mesa. There, the couple established Tattoo Yachts.

Tattoo Yachts will produce a Tattoo 26-footer along the same lines of a MacGregor 26, and a new Tattoo 22-foot motorsailer. Built of epoxy and foam core, the Tattoo 22 will be light enough to tow, will sail quickly on the water and will achieve speeds up to 20 knots under power, Laura MacGregor Sharp said.

Tattoo yachts will be sold by many of the current MacGregor dealers, both in the United States and overseas, Sharp said. The move to Florida will put the company closer to offshore shipping clients in Europe and South America.

Sharp estimated the first 26-foot Tattoo sailboat will be launched May 15. They hope to fill the market formerly occupied by the MacGregor 26.

“It is almost impossible to open a new manufacturing plant in California, where the governmental regulations make it very difficult — and it’s become very expensive,” Sharp said. “We wanted a real marine environment, and Florida is very similar to the way Costa Mesa was in the 1960s, where there are a lot of boats and marine supply chains available.” A Different Era             In the 1960s and 1970s, Costa Mesa was home to a huge sailboat-building industry. Cal, Ranger, Islander, Columbia and many smaller companies manufactured their vessels here.

MacGregor said he remembers a time when at least seven boat manufacturers were located on Placentia Avenue alone, cranking out sailboats and new product lines.

“I think more sailboats were built here than anywhere else in the world,” he said. “I am the only one left.”

Many of those companies sold out to bigger companies or folded over time. Roger MacGregor attributes his company’s success to keeping prices low and concentrating on one line, rather than building many different models.

“A lot of my competitors had eight to nine boats in their line, and they never really concentrated on getting really efficient in building any one of them,” he said. He estimates that they came out with one new model every seven years.

“Just concentrating on one model was a godsend to us,”  MacGregor said.

Plus, he had good dealers, he said. With at least 30 dealers selling MacGregors, and one-third of the production being sold overseas, the line had approximately 20 dealers around the world selling the vessels.

Duncan McIntosh — publisher of The Log Newspaper, Sea Magazine, Boating World and Editor & Publisher ; and producer of the Newport Boat Show and Lido Yacht Expo — was one of the first MacGregor dealers when he opened a yacht dealership in Redondo Beach’s King Harbor in 1967. He stopped selling the brand a few years later after he moved his company to Long Beach, where Stan Miller Yachts was the MacGregor dealer for the area.

“What sticks in my mind is that I had never heard of the boat — a customer told me about this great trailerable boat he’d seen,” McIntosh recalled. “I was interested enough to hunt Roger down in Costa Mesa, where they were pulling a part out of a mold when I walked in.”

In McIntosh’s estimation, MacGregor predated today’s new wave of entrepreneurs whose success germinated while attending college, such as Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google. More than 40 years after his college start-up was launched, MacGregor’s company is still going, McIntosh said.

Barry Wood, a sales representative with Heritage Yachts, was a MacGregor dealer in the early 1960s, while working at H&S Yachts in Newport Beach. He estimates that he sold at least three MacGregors a month to clients looking to get into boating.             “He saturated the market,” Wood said.

The MacGregor 26’s low price, coupled with its versatility, boosted its popularity in Southern California, Woods said. “We had a real slip problem in Newport Beach. The slips were very expensive — and people wanted to get into boating, but did not want to spend thousands a month just on rent,” he said.

Clients appreciated that the boat could be kept on a trailer in their driveway or in an RV storage lot — a much less expensive alternative to keeping it in a boat slip. Being able to trailer the boat to various harbors for the weekend was another plus, he added.

With the 26-foot molds now in Florida, MacGregor said he looks forward to pouring his time into producing four to five custom-built 70-footers a year.

“It is a lot more fun to build big boats, by far, so we are concentrating on that,” he said. “There are no emissions or odors coming out of the plant (because of the epoxy construction), so there are no problems with our neighbors. We have given up all of our ‘pollution rights’ and will run a really tidy operation back there.”

Although he has retired the MacGregor 26s, MacGregor said he has no intention to officially retire from building boats.

“I’m never going to retire,” he said — adding, “It sounds terrible.”

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2 thoughts on “ MacGregor Halts SoCal Production of 26 Sailboat ”

I bought a Mc Gregor 26 S in 1992. The boat has been much stronger that the trailer that I need to replace right now/ yesterday. The sailboat has been a good boat for me

I need help with knowing my boat history. Boat MACR2437M84A 689 trailer 116BB12A1DC001713 honda 75 BF75L1501967

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For New or Used Boat Sales: [email protected]

For Parts and Accessories: [email protected]

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We have sold our last Tattoo 26, but BWY remains the world leader in parts, accessories and support for all Tattoo and MacGregor boats.

Building on the history of the MacGregor 26 powersailer, the most successful trailerable cruising boats of the last 2 decades, the Tattoo 26 was built during 2013 and 2014.  While many of the basic specifications and dimensions are similar to the MacGregor 26M there is a long list of updates and improvements including:

• New Bright, Airy, and Neutral Interior Color Scheme, Personalize With Nearly Any Colors
• Upgraded Interior Cushions
• Great New Table With Storage
• Pressure Water System with Rigid Tank
• New Flexible Head Door
• Efficient LED Lighting
• Cool New BWY Accessories
• Upgraded Trailer, NO Painted Parts
• New Sturdier Steering Pedestal
• Improved Gas Locker Hatches
• Upgraded Sails
• Upgraded Sailing Hardware
• Upgraded Sheet Winches
• New Dark Blue Exterior Trim
• Improved Fit & Finish

For general specifications as well as information on trailering, rigging, sailing and motoring visit our MacGregor 26M pages .

Tattoo 26 Photo Galleries

The Tattoo 26 On The Water

Interior With Brown Accents

Tattoo Yachts has ended production of the 26, and is currently not producing any new boats. They continue to develop their new Tattoo 22, we will post any new information about it’s development and possible future production.  

Click Here To See Details On A Great Pre- Owned 2014 Tattoo 26!!

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Phone:   206- 282- 4261

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Are Superyacht Crew With Tattoos Still Less Likely To Find Work?

Many recruitment posts traditionally have stated ‘no-visible tattoos’, but with attitudes towards body art shifting worldwide, is it still true that superyacht crew with tattoos are less likely to find permanent work?

To answer the commonly asked question ‘can you work on a superyacht with tattoos?’, we reached out to tattooed crew members and seasoned recruiters to discover the current stance on body art within the industry. 

The yachting industry only continues to grow in popularity, with many newcomers flocking to yachting hubs in hopes of landing their first yachting job (Below Deck has a lot to answer for), but what is the likelihood of permanent employment for visibly tattooed hopefuls?

Origin of the sailor tattoo

Seafarer tattoos are believed to have originated in Polynesia and were brought to the West by Captain James Cook in the 1700s. Traditionally, tattoos served as markers of a sailor’s travels, indicating his beliefs, his role aboard the ship and his superstitions.

The tradition of tattooing continued to spread throughout the world’s Navies – bored seafarers would tattoo mementos of their travels to pass the time during long voyages. Other amusing tattoo trends emerged during the Second World War when the inking of a rooster and pig on each foot was popular, it was thought to prevent sailors from drowning. 

Today, the culture surrounding marine industries has changed and a more ‘professional’ appearance is now considered more important. Perhaps this is especially true when considering the yachting industry, an industry that places a high value on discretion, image, and sleekness.

However, with many crew transitioning from commercial seafaring backgrounds where tattoos are likely to be less of an issue onboard, do tattooed crew struggle to find permanent positions on board private vessels? 

“I’m finding that more often than not the experience is the clincher, and a great [crew member] won’t be turned down for an inoffensive tattoo”

Erica Lay started her recruitment career in 2007, working for The Crew Network . She moved on to YCO in 2008 before leaving at the end of 2012 to open her boutique agency EL CREW CO . For those of you who may be questioning ‘can yacht crew have tattoos?’, Lay may have some answers.

Lay has noticed that when it comes to recruiting tattooed crew, it depends largely on the position: “Over the years I’ve generally had no issues placing engineers and chefs with tattoos, the problem seems to be more prevalent with client-facing roles such as interior and deck roles”

The now managing director of EL CREW CO feels that as general attitudes towards tattoos are changing within society, larger more visible tattoos are becoming more accepted: “Tattoos [were once] reserved for military personnel, gang members, and prisoners. Tattoos have gone from crude basic inkings to works of art that often tell a very personal story”, Lay elaborates.

As for a shift in attitude towards tattoos within the industry, Lay believes that experience is now of higher priority: “For senior positions, I’m finding that more often than not the experience is the clincher, and a great chief stew won’t be turned down for an inoffensive tattoo. Chefs with tattoos aren’t an issue, nor are engineers. I’ve even worked with some sailing yacht owners who expect tattoos on their crew, as in their eyes it demonstrates a ‘real sailor’.”

WATCH: Talking Crew Mental Health With Seas The Mind

“the attitude has changed, those who did not really ‘like’ [tattoos] in the past have learnt to accept them”.

Maria Carnicelli, who has recruited crew for The Crew Network for three years, believes one reason for the ‘no visible tattoo’ request could be because of charter clients: [On charter yachts] the nationality of clients varies, and there is no certainty that they are ok with tattoos. I believe that in this case the no tattoo policy is set in stone just to avoid creating any potential discontent of the client”

Like Lay, Carnicelli does however believe that due to the shifting worldwide acceptability of visible tattoos, the yachting industry is following suit:

“People with tattoos used to be compared to non-serious people, or people with bad habits. Now that at least 60% of the worldwide population has at least one tattoo. The attitude has changed and those who in the past did not really ‘like’ tattoos have learnt to accept them. As usual, this is something that relies on the culture and the age of the Owner.”

“At no point have I been affected by the fact I have visible tattoos. Sadly I’m aware this is not the case for all tattooed crew”

Christian Deakin, Chief Officer onboard a 42-metre motor yacht, agrees that there has been a noticeable shift in attitude in recent years: “I remember looking at particular Facebook groups and recruitment websites before I joined the industry, and seeing that at least 50% of the posts said ‘No visible tattoos’, and thinking perhaps this is an industry I won’t be able to become a part of”. 

Deakin has several tattoos, both visible in uniform and concealed. The pieces that are visible in uniform include a fully tattooed forearm and a 3/4 sleeve on his right arm, as well as a small ankle tattoo. 

Whilst Deakin believes he has been fortunate that his tattoos have not prevented him from finding work, he understands this may not always be the case: “I have done quite well at working my way up the ladder and at no point have I been affected by the fact I have visible tattoos. Sadly I’m aware this is not the case for all tattooed crew”

‘Finding the right boat’

Most seem to agree that for heavily tattooed folk, it has historically been a case of ‘finding the right boat’, with owners that are perhaps more open-minded. Perhaps then, it is the introduction of a new generation of yacht-owner that is set to be the catalyst for a change in attitude. Deakin echoes this: “In my opinion times have changed, the mentality has changed worldwide not just in yachting. now everywhere you look you see people with tattoos. A lot of the new generation yacht owners have tattoos, so they are unlikely to say that their crew shouldn’t have them”.

Alexandra Post, who has worked on her current vessel for the last two years, explains how she had repeatedly been turned down by boats due to tattoos: “I had many interviews with promising outcomes, only to have opportunities fall through as a result of my visible tattoos. I went through emotional rollercoasters continuously and ended up working in a bar close to a marina. I befriended a local, only later to learn that he was a yacht captain. He eventually hired me and gave me a chance to prove my work ethic”

Post suggests that the yachting industry may not have previously accepted tattoos due to the concept of ‘purity’: “ I think people’s opinion, in terms of upper-class industries, is that of ‘purity’. People with tattoos are often judged immediately based on their visible ink”.

But Post, now happily employed, also agrees that perhaps attitudes are changing and that perhaps now the onus is rightly on work ethic, and the individual approach of each crew member: “If crew with visible tattoos work just as hard as those that don’t, and can be respectful and presentable, attitudes will change. I believe all people can contribute to the industry, visible tattoos or not”

The verdict

Many within the yachting industry are in agreement that although it has historically been difficult to gain acceptance as a crew member with visible ink, attitudes and connotations around tattoos are changing worldwide. Surely then the yachting industry will follow suit.

In air travel, it appears that body art is already becoming less of an issue for cabin crew. A recent article by Globe Trender revealed that:

“Virgin Atlantic has announced a change in policy regarding tattoos for its uniform wearers and front line staff – becoming the first British airline to allow employees to show their body art”

Perhaps the yachting industry is not so far behind. The influx of a new generation of yacht owners may bring with it an overhaul of old ideals of what is deemed acceptable within the industry.

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Now you may be reading this because you have a tattoo somewhere on your body and youre not entirely sure if it’s going to affect you getting a job on a yacht.

If you have tried to google the ‘Can I work on a yacht with a tattoo’ or read about it on Facebook groups you will find a mixed bag of answers so hopefully I can provide some insight

Firstly, do you have a tattoo? Is it visible? What type of boat are you hoping to work on, sail yacht or motor yacht? Is the tattoo offensive? Are you aiming to be a yacht stewardess? A deckhand? An Engineer?   

There are a lot of factors to consider when you have a tattoo  and you’re trying to get a job onboard. The main one is if it is visible with a uniform on . So for females in the interior thats skort and polo dress for the males on deck thats shorts to the knee and a polo and for engineers you’re quite lucky as tattoos are generally more acceptable as you are more ‘behind the scenes’ not on show to the guests onboard.

If you have a visible tattoo don’t worry it is not the end of your not even started yachting career. Getting your first job in yachting with a tattoo may mean It could take slightly longer to get your first job or you may not be offered a certain role due to management policies or owner preferences however this doesn’t mean there aren’t other boats who don’t mind tattoos. Don’t just give up! 

If you are dockwalking or going for an interview it is best to cover them up by wearing a long sleeve polo or trousers. Remember yachting is always about first impressions and we don;t want a bad one or the judgement which can come from tattoos. 

So you may be wondering should I write on my resume that I have tattoos?

I would say yes and then put visible or not visible. You don’t want to waste anyones time, if it’s an owners preference the chief officer looking to hire has no say in this, he is simply following the rules.  The boat may ask for photos to clarify how visible the tattoo may be and to see it before they offer you a job. This is normal.

Which boats will be more likely to employ crew with tattoos?

It depends on a lot of factors like owner preference, management policiy, but generally speaking smaller yachts under 55m tend to be more relaxed about tattoos. And then there are sailing yachts which tend to be more casual so generally speaking tattoos aren’t as big of an issue as opposed to on larger motor yachts. 

I have also found charter yachts are strict with employing crew without tattoos as they have a variety of guests onboard. 

From my experience working on boats over 60m, the interior and exterior team have not had any visible tattoos. I actually got my small foot tattoo removed as I was conscious of it when I ‘had’ to go swimming with guests, it was not visible until I removed my shoe. I didn’t want it to an issue for future job roles so I just got it removed. Ouch and those machines hurt! However you don’t have to do this, I have a friend on a sailing boat who has dainty tattoos all up her arm, it’s not a problem. And another friend who has smaller arm tattoos and she worked on 55m motor yacht and also on some really fabulous boats! It’s not impossible … however it will definitely be harder  to find work with visible tattoos.  There are more sail yachts willing to take on crew with tattoos than motor yachts. Just make sure that your skills and your work ethic exceeds any issues anyone can have with your tattoos. 

You may have to put in a bit of extra time and effort in securing a position but ultimately there will be a boat which will see beyond your body art and employ you based on the fact you are good at your job and a good candidate

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