The Professional Yachting Association (PYA), with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to take part in Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition showcasing the authentic reality of working on superyachts.

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.

📅 Competition Period:

19 January 2026 – 22 March 2026

9 Weeks Duration

How the Competition works

Weekly Themes

Each week, a new theme is announced on our social media channels and to participate:

• Follow @pya.crew on Instagram

• Tag us and use #superyachtreality in your post/story that fits the weekly theme

• You can also submit your photos/videos through the website form below

You can participate every week even with multiple entries, We will repost every entry in our story. Weekly winners may receive spot prizes (gift cards, mentorship sessions, etc.)

Main Competition

All entries submitted via the website form below, are automatically considered for the main competition, which runs for the full campaign duration. Prizes will be awarded to the following winning categories.

🏆 Main competition winners are selected at the end of the campaign.

Winning categories

1. Best Photo – Life On Board

2. Best Video – Work & Skill

3. The Superyacht Reality Award – Most Authentic Moment

What you can win

• A day of Leadership training - valued at £1,800 (about €2,000)* by Impact Crew

• IAMI GUEST certified Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing Training - valued at €1920 by Phoenix Superyacht Training

• €1.000 credit towards any training by MaritimeMT

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

*excluding expenses, such as travel, accommodation or meals; if applicable, they will be billed to the yacht.

What You Can Submit

• Photographs showing real working life on board

• Short videos highlighting skills, routines, teamwork or daily operations

  
  

Submissions are welcome from crew in all departments and at all career stages.

Content does not need to be professionally produced. We are seeking genuine, representative material that reflects life on board in a responsible and respectful way.

By entering, you agree your photos/videos may be added to PYA’s media repository to help promote professional yachting — including possible use by mainstream media.

Submission Guidelines

Before uploading, please ensure that:

• You are the creator and rights holder of the submitted content

• The content was captured in compliance with onboard policies and applicable laws

• Any identifiable individuals have provided consent

• There are no restrictions from the yacht owner, management company, or relevant parties regarding public use

Use of Submitted Material

Selected entries may be used by the Professional Yachting Association as part of the Superyacht Reality campaign, including but not limited to:

• PYA digital and social media channels

• The Superyacht Reality and PYA websites

• Educational, outreach, and industry awareness initiatives

• Campaign-related presentations and communications

  
  

Wherever possible, contributors will be credited.

Rights & Permissions

By submitting an entry, participants:

• Confirm that they hold the necessary rights to the content

• Grant the PYA a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the material for campaign and educational purposes

• Confirm that all required permissions have been obtained

  
  

Full terms and conditions are available here.

Support & Enquiries

If you are uncertain whether your content meets the submission criteria or have questions regarding permissions, please contact marketingteam@pya.org prior to submission.

Submit Your Content

Please make sure to complete and upload the release form after getting consent from all people in your photo(s)/video(s).

Please complete the form below and upload it with your file(s).

Submit your entry here

Thank you for contributing to an initiative that supports transparency, professionalism, and informed career choices within the yachting industry.

Important

• You always keep full ownership.

• If any media outlet wants to buy your photo/video, 100% of the money goes to you.

• PYA will NEVER sell your content without your permission