Hugo Ortega is no stranger to reinvention. Once a successful engineer in the U.S., he found himself unfulfilled despite a stable job and a long-term girlfriend. “I didn’t like the job that I had. I didn’t like the degree that I had just finished doing,” Ortega shared. Feeling burdened by his lifestyle, he made a life-altering decision to leave everything behind and embark on a backpacking journey around the world.
Eight months into this adventure, a serendipitous encounter with a South African yacht deckhand at a hostel in Myanmar redirected Ortega’s path. “I was considering working in a bar, continuing to backpack, or teaching English in China,” he recalled, “but none of that seemed as appealing as his job.” After traveling together for three months, Ortega met more yacht industry professionals who ignited a passion within him. “Even without any boating experience, I felt I could do this.”
Today, Ortega is a seasoned superyacht captain with over a decade in the industry, including a noteworthy appearance on Bravo’s reality series “Below Deck,” which showcases the glamorous and challenging life aboard luxury yachts. Contrary to common misconceptions, he insists that a formal maritime background isn’t a prerequisite for success in this field. “What matters most is a willingness to learn and a hospitality-driven personality,” he explained, highlighting the importance of being personable, as nearly every crew member interacts with guests.
Ortega’s journey began with a modest salary of $36,000 a year as a deckhand. Now, as a captain, he earns $10,000 monthly, plus tips, which can significantly boost earnings, especially during peak seasons when tips can amount to double or triple regular pay. Despite earning over $100,000 as an engineer, Ortega notes that his living expenses were drastically reduced while at sea, as he wasn’t burdened with costs like housing or transportation.
However, he emphasizes that the allure of life aboard yachts can be misleading. “While it sounds glamorous, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows,” Ortega warned. The job demands long hours and can lead to significant time away from friends and family, particularly during special occasions.
With a commitment to giving back, Ortega now runs “Superyacht Sunday School,” a mentoring program designed to prepare aspiring yachties with insights from his own experiences. Since launching the course in 2022, over 90% of his students have secured jobs in the yachting industry. The entry-level salaries range from $3,000 to $4,500 monthly, dependent on the yacht’s size and location. However, individuals with specialized skills, like chefs, often enjoy higher starting wages.
Despite the challenges, Ortega believes that a career on the water can be rewarding for those feeling trapped in unfulfilling lives. “Life is short, and I want to see as much as I can,” he declared, encouraging others to pursue their dreams if they find themselves dissatisfied.
As the yachting landscape diversifies, Ortega emphasizes that both talent and character matter more than conforming to an ideal image. More young professionals are entering the field with unique backgrounds, further challenging stereotypes about the industry. “It’s continuing to change,” he said, reflecting on the evolving nature of yacht crews.
As the world of yachting continues to expand and adapt, Ortega serves as both a mentor and an inspiration for those ready to take the plunge into this dynamic career.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/26/below-decks-hugo-ortego-on-quitting-his-job-and-working-on-yachts.html
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Publish Date: 2025-08-26 12:06:00
