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Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project

22 January 2026

The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts.


This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board.


The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week.


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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


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 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

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