Superyachts have recently become a prominent fixture in the boating industry, evolving into a widespread trend. On the Gold Coast, we have seen more superyachts docked at the Broadwater or being serviced at the Coomera Marine Precinct. The surge in the need for crew and captains also reflects how the sector has grown in our region.
With the popularity of the lifestyle, it has become the theme of an American reality television series that launched in 2013, Below Deck. For more than a decade and now on its 13th season, Below Deck has chronicled the lives of the crew members who work and reside aboard a superyacht during charter season.
Since Season 11, Queenslander Kerry Titheradge, fondly known as “Captain Kerry” has been the Below Deck captain of the superyacht, St David, a Benetti 60m (197ft) superyacht with an “impressive sleek, supercar-inspired profile”.
Known for being “personable, charismatic, and hands off with crew members” according to Cher Thomson in ScreenRant in 2024, Captain Kerry is dubbed as the “best captain in the [Below Deck] franchise”. Read on and see why.
BOAT GOLD COAST (BGC): WHY DID YOU BECOME A SUPERYACHT CAPTAIN?
KERRY TITHERADGE (KT): My fascination with superyachts ignited at the age of 18 when I encountered my first yacht—an impressive 40-metre vessel during my early work in Townsville. The crew’s impeccable professionalism and the captain’s commanding presence left an indelible impression on me. Though I was young and enamoured with the adventure, I deferred the opportunity. Fast forward two decades, a serendipitous reunion with that same captain in Fort Lauderdale culminated in me commanding that very yacht in the United States. It’s a journey driven by a lifelong passion for excellence, exploration, and service at the highest level.
BGC: WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
KT: The greatest highlight is the privilege of navigating some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations — places few people will ever experience. Every passage brings a new perspective, whether it’s dropping anchor in a secluded bay, cruising through iconic waterways, or seeing the joy on guests’ faces when they discover a destination for the first time. Those moments are priceless.
BGC: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
KT: One of the greatest challenges is managing a crew made up of different nationalities, backgrounds, and personalities. Each person comes with unique strengths and cultural perspectives, so leadership requires nuance — tailoring communication styles while still holding everyone to the same standard.
Setting clear boundaries is vital, but equally important is respecting individuality. That balance creates trust and consistency onboard. Alongside this comes the responsibility of monitoring mental health — ensuring the crew remain motivated, supported, and focused, especially under pressure. Running a tight ship isn’t just about discipline; it’s about creating a culture of respect and accountability where people know their roles, feel valued, and rise to the occasion together.
Every decision I make carries weight — from manoeuvring through reefs and inlets to weathering storms — the safety of both crew and guests depends on it. Beyond that, the biggest personal challenge is balance. While the job is demanding and all encompassing, I’m also a father. Ensuring I stay present for my children while managing the pressures of command requires discipline, perspective, and constant recalibration.
BGC: WHAT ARE REWARDING ASPECTS OF WORKING FOR ULTRA-HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS?
KT: The most rewarding part is the opportunity to create experiences that are truly unforgettable. These clients expect excellence. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing a family bond over a once-in-a-lifetime experience or watching guests relax completely because they trust everything is handled. At the end of the day, it’s not about luxury for its own sake — it’s about crafting memories that stay with them long after they’ve left the yacht.
BGC: IN ONE PHRASE, DESCRIBE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE YOU DELIVER.
KT: Unobtrusively flawless. The goal is to anticipate needs before they’re voiced, to deliver every detail with precision and calm confidence, and to make the experience feel effortless.
Great service isn’t about fanfare — it’s about being one step ahead, solving problems before they appear, and allowing guests to feel completely at ease. My crew operate with firm guidance but gentle strength, creating an atmosphere where nothing feels forced, yet everything is seamlessly perfect.
BGC: WHO IS KERRY TITHERADGE?
KT: I was born in Brisbane, but my formative years unfolded all over Queensland. Emerald always seemed to be the base, but there were also periods in Croydon, Charleville, Weipa, Longreach, Cloncurry, and Mount Isa. I grew up in the sticks and those early years were marked by constant movement, which shaped my resilience and adaptability.
Some of my fondest memories come from growing up in caravan parks along the way — a simple life that taught me to make the most of every situation and connect with people wherever I landed.
By the time I entered high school in Capella, and later transferred to Townsville midway through Grade 9, I’d already learned how to thrive in new environments. My maritime career began in Townsville on a parasailing vessel, before expanding into a wide spectrum of vessels and roles — ferries, where I worked both as a steward and later as mate on routes between Cape York and Thursday Island, and cruise ships, where I gained invaluable experience in large-scale passenger operations.
I progressed through diverse positions: water sports instructor and sailing captain in the Whitsundays, deckhand, engineer, and captain on landing barges, tugboats, dredges, water taxis, and research vessels. I’ve also captained dive boats, glass-bottom boats, and day charter fishing vessels.
A pivotal milestone came when I joined my first superyacht as engineer aboard Southern Cross II — a yacht originally built as Alan Bond’s chase boat to Australia II, the vessel that famously won the America’s Cup in 1983, when I was just eight years old. That connection to such an iconic moment in yachting history made a lasting impression, and marked the beginning of my path into the superyacht sector.
BGC: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, YACHTING CONCEPTS.
KT: I founded Yachting Concepts in 2021 while I was filming Below Deck Adventure at the time. The business has always stood apart from my television career. For me, it was about formalising something I’d been doing for years — supporting yacht owners and mentoring crew — and building it into a company that could consistently deliver management, refits, and consultancy at the highest standard.
The timing simply aligned with the show, which gave the brand a larger stage. But Yachting Concepts is and always has been its own entity, focused squarely on service and professionalism within the industry.
After navigating personal challenges, including a divorce, I sought a way to support my family emotionally and financially without being away for extended periods. Yachting Concepts allows me to share my expertise, mentor others, and stay connected to my greatest passion—maritime excellence.
BGC: HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
KT: What sets me apart is the breadth and depth of my experience. Over the years, I’ve commanded some of the largest yachts in the world, but I’ve also worked my way up through nearly every role onboard — deckhand, steward, engineer, even cook. That hands-on journey gives me a full understanding of what it takes to run a yacht and what every crew member needs from their leadership.
Equally important is mentorship. I was fortunate to learn from some of the best captains and industry veterans, and I see it as my responsibility to pass that knowledge on. Supporting the next generation of yachties, helping them navigate the pressures of the job, and instilling professionalism is central to how I operate. And finally, I’ve made mental health a cornerstone of my leadership. It’s still a topic that doesn’t get enough attention in yachting, but I believe motivated, resilient crews are built in environments where people feel safe, respected, and supported.
By blending technical expertise with mentorship and advocacy, I always aim to deliver leadership that is both firm and fair — and firmly grounded in humanity.
BGC: SO WHEN DID BELOW DECK COME INTO YOUR LIFE?
KT: After my divorce, I stepped away from yachting for a while and began painting and refinishing high-end houses in Palm Beach, USA. I’ve always been hands-on — I grew up in a family of tradespeople — so it was work I could step into naturally. More importantly, it gave me the time and flexibility to focus on myself: rebuilding, reflecting, and diving deep into self-development and mental health.
It was during that period that I came across an advertisement looking for a superyacht captain for a documentary-style series in Alaska. The idea of returning to yachting in such a raw, adventurous location immediately caught my attention. When I secured the role, I learned the series was Below Deck — and instead of Alaska, I would be heading to Norway.
The timing couldn’t have been better. It allowed me to return to the industry I love, bring my leadership style into a new setting, and show that professionalism and resilience matter — whether the cameras are rolling or not.
BGC: WHAT ADJUSTMENTS DID YOU HAVE TO MAKE TO BE A CAPTAIN ON SCREEN?
KT: At the core, my job didn’t change — I was still there to be a superyacht captain, lead the crew, and ensure the vessel’s safe and smooth operation. But with cameras on board, the responsibility expanded. It wasn’t just the guests and crew whose safety I was responsible for — there was also a large production team working in close quarters.
I also had to be more aware of the crew’s mental health.
Being filmed adds another layer of stress, and part of my role was to make sure my team stayed grounded, supported, and able to perform under the added pressure. That meant maintaining firm boundaries, reinforcing professionalism, and creating space for them to stay resilient.
In the end, the cameras didn’t change my leadership — they just amplified the importance of safety, consistency, and integrity, while reminding me that leadership is as much about protecting your crew’s wellbeing as it is about navigating the yacht.
BGC: HOW DID BEING FILMED WHILE ON THE JOB AFFECT YOU?
KT: My standards around safety, professionalism, and integrity has never changed. What the cameras did was give me something I’d never had before as a captain: a mirror.
The show has become an invaluable mirror for me. It allowed me to see myself from the outside, to reflect on how my leadership comes across — not just the decisions I make, but the tone and delivery that go with them. In yachting, we’re usually focused forward, always on the next challenge, and rarely get that kind of feedback.
While the essence of my management stayed the same, the cameras pushed me to refine it. They reminded me that leadership isn’t just about making the right calls; it’s also about how those calls are seen and experienced by the crew.
To connect with Captain Kerry, visit his website at www.yachting-concepts.com
Published in print January-March 2026
