Marine-Grade Leadership

Why Superyachts Need An Operational Anchor 

Steady on the bridge, upbeat on deck, and relaxed guests — Just another day at the helm for a superyacht COO.

Today, we speak with Sarah Egan, Chief Operating Officer of SeaOO, she gives us a real-life glimpse into what it takes to run a superyacht.

What exactly does a Superyacht COO do? Isn’t managing a yacht just about the captain keeping things running smoothly?

SeaOO: That’s an essential part; captains are the top of the command hierarchy when a yacht goes to sea and are responsible for all lives aboard. But superyachts are complex ecosystems, and yacht operations go far deeper than getting the boat to an exotic destination, polishing the stainless steel and throwing glamorous parties. The ultimate goal is to deliver incredible experiences for owners and guests. In Australia’s growing superyacht market, it's about lifting the standard of operational excellence.

Think of the C.O.O. as a problem-solver, strategist, and calm head in a storm… sometimes literally. 

 Operational excellence sounds like corporate jargon. How does that really apply to superyachts?

SeaOO: You’re right, it does get thrown around a lot. But for a superyacht COO, it’s the difference between a yacht that feels like a six-star floating resort and one that feels like it’s one overdue invoice or chipped glass away from chaos. 

Operational excellence requires considered decisions; a measured pace and consistent outcomes delivered without the noise.

A crew that knows its roles, where compliance isn’t an afterthought, budgets are realistic (and respected), and unexpected drama—like a generator failing mid-charter—is met with preparation, not panic.

 Have you actually dealt with that kind of thing?

SeaOO: Oh, yes. Every day brings a unique set of challenges. Picture this: a charter group ready to head ashore, and suddenly, one of the tenders won’t start. That’s the kind of moment no owner wants to hear about. Because a robust preventative maintenance schedule was in place, the crisis was a five-minute hiccup instead of a reputation-burning disaster. That’s the heartbeat of superyacht operational excellence: making problems disappear before they spoil an experience. 

 That makes sense. But I imagine owners in the superyacht Australia scene might think, “Do I really need a COO as well as a Captain?”  

SeaOO: Totally fair question. I’ve had yacht owners say, “We’ve kept things going without a COO before.” And yes, you might. But let me put it this way—it’s like managing a luxury hotel… with engines. Would you run a hotel without an operations manager? Probably not.

Owners may not see the fires being put out daily, but trust me, the blend of compliance regulation, crew management, and financial oversight is an iceberg of complexity. Without an operations manager, most of that iceberg stays hidden—until your hull scrapes across it.

 So, what’s the biggest challenge you’ve seen owners face?

SeaOO: Crew management. Hands down. The superyacht crews in Australia are talented and hardworking, but they’re human—they get tired, burnt out, and need leaders who understand the challenges they face. High turnover is an issue; with every departure, owners lose not just a trusted team member but also the time and money invested in their training.

That’s why having clearly documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) is a game-changer—it helps new crew step in smoothly, easing transitions and keeping standards consistent. Everyone knows where they should be and what they should be doing. It's all part of the healthy, sustainable ecosystem. Let’s face it, when the chef is happy and the engineer is on point, that’s worth its weight in pure gold for charters.

 Sounds like part therapist, part financial controller, part strategist.

SeaOO: Exactly—and part weather forecaster, money bag, and occasionally human coffee machine. (Trust me, 16-hour days on charter, need caffeine!) But all jokes aside, a COO keeps everything on an even keel by preserving an investment, ensuring operational excellence, and striving for that seamless guest experience.

 If I were a superyacht owner, what should I look for in the right management consultant?

SeaOO: Look for someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. You want a specialist who can navigate regulations, streamline procedures, manage budgets without losing sight of luxury, and can switch between business strategist and crew problem-solver in a heartbeat. They understand the pressure, build the structure and deliver solutions before challenges spiral out of control.

 You make it sound like having a COO consultant is less of a luxury and more of a safety net.

SeaOO: Exactly. Owners and captains both say that hiring a superyacht manager freed them from daily firefighting. Owners can enjoy their yacht the way it was intended, and captains are free to focus on what they do best without administrative headaches. 

 So… last question: if this all works so well, what’s your favourite part of being a Superyacht COO?

SeaOO: Honestly? Seeing an owner totally relax. There’s a quiet moment when they realise every detail is working seamlessly, with the crew active and happy, the yacht feels effortless, and no one’s calling them about issues, logistics, or meltdowns. It’s like the ocean itself finally exhaled. And yes, that is when I allow myself a second espresso.