yachting victoria

• Skippered Charters
• Sailing Courses
• Day Courses
• Gift Certificates
• Cruise and Learns

 Learn to Sail with Blackfish Sailing Adventures

Sail Victoria, the Gulf Islands and the Salish Sea!

Blackfish Sailing Adventures is an accredited sailing school with Sail Canada (CYA) offering sail training courses, day sails and skippered sailing charters around Victoria and adjoining Gulf Islands. We cruise as far north on Vancouver Island as Desolation Sound. If you are looking to combine a vacation featuring pristine waters and beautiful natural settings, while also improving your cruising skills, here are some great options:

• Half-day Sail
• Full-day Sail
• Exclusive Adventures
• Mileage and Skill Builders

Choose either a half day or a full day on the water.  We depart from Oak Bay which is a scenic 10 minute drive from downtown Victoria.  Experience great sailing among idyllic islands set against a backdrop of soaring mountain peaks. A memorable day for seasoned sailors and novices alike.

READ MORE…

TAKE A COURSE

A Sail Canada (CYA) cruising course is recognized the world over and provides you with the basic skills you will need to begin cruising.  With some additional navigational training and experience, you should have the ability to cruise or charter a boat anywhere in the world.

GO CRUISING

Do you want to familiarize yourself with sailing, develop some sailing skills, or find out the kind of boat you should buy?  Join us for a Customized Sailing Adventure through the islands and discover the pleasures of coastal cruising.

Learn to Sail

Live-aboard courses: – – 5 – 7 day Cruise-and-Learns (all levels) – – Mileage and Skill Builder Cruises – – Customized live-aboard courses

Day courses (non-live-aboard): – – One day Introduction to Sailing – – Two day Competent Crew Course – – Three day Skipper Training Course

• Exclusive Charters
• About Blackfish Sailing Adventures
• Cruising Areas
• FAQ’s
• How to Book

What are people saying?

• Ashley and I had so much fun sailing with Gary on Sunday. Thank you so much for helping me plan the trip and for being so accommodating. The boat was beautiful; Gary was an extraordinary teacher and captain; and the cake was delicious! We’re now addicted to sailing and British Columbia. John Just wanted to say thanks for the fabulous sailing experience. Gary was absolutely fabulous!!! Everyone immensely enjoyed the sailing experience and will definitely recommend your company to anyone wanting to experience sailing. Jaime
• We had a terrific time. Gary is a superb instructor. He impressed the pants off of the two of our number who have taken sailing lessons in Hawaii and British Virgin Islands; and he earned a position in my evaluation of instructors based on more years in university than I care to recount. Dr.Dennis Galon, MEd, PhD Today Tim and Riley had an awesome time sailing with Gary. He was a wealth of interesting knowledge and gave everyone ample opportunities for hands on experiences. This was Riley's first experience sailing and definitely not his last. Gary, Many thanks for a wonderful birthday present for Tim and a great father/son outing for both of them. They would highly recommend this day of sailing. Glenda

If you have taken a trip with us, we would appreciate your feedback:

Our Location:

DOCK LOCATION:

(click image for more detail)

Established in 1931, Sail Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Yachting Association) is the national governing body for the sport of sailing. The Association promotes sailing in all its forms including yachting through collaboration with their partners, the Provincial Sailing Associations, member clubs, schools, and many individual stakeholders.

Copyright by Blackfish Sailing Adventures

Races  | Results  | Tracker

Join  | Passes

Upcoming Events

Kiss - keelboat introduction sailing savvy, double handed (bay), melbourne to apollo bay, safety & sea survival full course, safety & sea survival course refresher, weather for sailors, 2024 presentation night, winter series race 1, winter series race 2 - blairgowrie, novice return race, fundamental of navigation, winter series race 3, 2024 marine safety expo day.

View Full Calendar

Latest News

Nominations are Open

Ocean Racer, Volunteer, Crew and Young Sailor Nominations are Open Each year, in addition to those people recognised for sailing performance, we want to...

Marine Safety Expo 2024

Marine Safety Expo Day 2024 Welcome to the inaugural Marine Safety Expo 2024! We're thrilled to announce this exciting ORCV event, which will take place...

Annual Awards Evening 2024

  We are excited to invite you to the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria's (ORCV) Annual Awards Evening. This prestigious event serves as a tribute to the...

Australian Sailing Special Regulation Amendments

Two Amendments to Australian Sailing Special Regulations Attention all crews heading offshore, there are two amendments to Australian Sailing Special...

KISS Count Her In

Count Her In - KISS Yes it is on again! The third running of the Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy (KISS) program is now open for registrations. The...

2024 King Island Winners

2024 King Island Winners are.... Congratulations to all the crews who raced in the 2024 King Island race. A race that offered many challenges where the...

The Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV), was formed as the Cruising Yacht Club of Victoria by a group of yachtsmen in 1949 and renamed in 1972. We are a non-profit organisation which draws its membership from major yacht clubs in Victoria, Australia.

• Sailing Program Overview
• Online Entry
• Melbourne to Osaka
• Entry Compliance Declarations
• Crew Compliance
• How to use the Tracker
• Installing your Tracker
• Crew Opportunities
• Results Archive
• Safety & Sea Survival Course
• Safety & Sea Survival Course - Refresher
• Foredeck Essentials
• Beyond the Bay
• Rip Tour of Port Phillip Heads
• Weather Courses
• Navigator Courses
• Practical Hands-on Marine Radio Workshop
• Marine Radio Operators Certificate LROCP
• 3rd party training courses
• Volunteer with Us
• Ocean and Bay Passes
• Sponsors and supporters
• Inclusion, Diversity and Protection
• Honour Board
• Sustainability
• Changes to the Special Regulations
• Keel and Rudder Inspections
• Useful articles and links
• Forms and checklists
• Safety equipment auditors
• Medical Information
• Stability Requirements
• Offshore Safety

3 Aquatic Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206 Ph. 0493 102 744 E. [email protected]

• About the Race
• Race Documents
• Online Entry Instructions
• ORCV Championships
• Coastal Sprints
• Cock of the Bay
• Devonport - Rudder Cup
• Double Handed (Bay Race)
• Hobart Westcoaster
• King Island
• Winter Series
• Longitude Coastal Passage
• Overnight Race
• Enter ORCV Bay Races
• Enter ORCV Ocean Races Online
• Skipper & Crew Tracker Instructions
• Become a sponsor or supporter
• Our Sponsors
• Our Supporters
• Our Partners
• ORCV Commodores and Life Members
• ORCV Ocean Racer of the Year
• ORCV Volunteer of the Year
• Crew Encouragement Award
• Youth Sailor of the Year
• Life Raft and Vests

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

With 2,000km of stunning coastline and an eclectic mix of experience both on land and at sea, there is always something special waiting for you in Victoria.

 Victoria’s diverse landscape ranges from sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains, and you will embrace everything from the vibrant city of Melbourne to the breath-taking beauty of the Twelve Apostles and Great Ocean Road.

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, a mecca of exquisite tastes and exhilarating events. In every bustling laneway you will find hidden gems and culinary treats as you explore a city brimming with artistic flair. Melbourne is also a major events hub for everything including sport, music and theatre. Superyachts based in the central Melbourne City Superyacht Marina are within minutes from the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open and Melbourne Grand Prix.

Victoria’s phenomenal rugged coastline provides plenty of opportunities for adventures, so you can enjoy the luxury of your superyacht as you cruise past pristine backdrops. From sandy beaches and wetlands to forests and steep cliffs, the Victorian coastline is a feast for the eyes and filled with exciting activities. There are more than 20 marine parks found off the Victorian coastline, while venturing ashore you can immerse yourself in the jaw-dropping scenery of National Parks. Taking the world-famous Great Ocean Road, you will come across the iconic 12 Apostles rock stacks which have come to characterise the dramatic Victorian coastline. Along the way you must keep an eye out for some of Australia’s unique wildlife, and stop in at some of the historic coastal towns.

Victoria is certainly a state that will please foodies, and its exquisite restaurants are not confined to Melbourne. Across Victoria you will find culinary delights in some of the most beautiful locations, including scenic riverside eateries along the Murray River. The Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley are home to Victoria’s renowned wineries, and offer splendid retreats which will mirror the luxury that you will be accustomed to onboard your superyacht.

Whether on land or sea, Victoria always delivers with unique experiences and luxury in abundance. This is a remarkable destination for superyacht charters, where you can experience the best of both inner-city luxuries and remote wilderness.

• State Titles 2025
• State Titles 2024
• State Titles 2023
• Member Organisations
• Services Services Services Launching Ramps Around Melbourne VIC Roads Boat Trailers Yachts for Sale
• Variety of Trailables Variety of Trailables Variety of Trailables Purpose of this Web Site Class Specifications
• Traveler Series Traveler Series Traveler Series 24-25 23-24 22-23 21-22 20-21 19-20 18-19 17-18 16-17 15-16 14-15 PBH Values
• CBH Handicap and Class Specs CBH Handicap and Class Specs CBH Handicap and Class Specs National CBH Listing Class Specs

Latest news

Welcome to Yacht Training Victoria

Royal Yachting Association  Sailing School  on Port Phillip .

Practical Courses

Join one of our Live-aboard courses and develop essential skills to skipper your own yacht, or maybe charter overseas.

We have a large range of Theory Courses Available

From novice to expert, please click the link above for more information.

Dates & Prices

Check out the latest course dates here

Dreaming of cruising the Aegean?

Owning your own yacht? Or maybe you just love being on the water.

Theory Courses

Come and learn to navigate by both day and night with a “Day Skipper” “theory course.

Latest course Dates & Prices

We're always adding new courses so please check in here and keep up to date.

Around the world  the cruising boat training program developed by the ‘Royal Yachting Association’ is accepted as the benchmark for Sail Training.  Yacht Training Victoria , based at Melbourne’s historic port of Williamstown, is a fully accredited  RYA training centre, and offers a full range of  on-water sailing, or shorebased theory courses to suit  you.

It could be our Start Yachting, Competent Crew, Day Skipper, or perhaps a special “ladies only” practical sail training session, up to the pinnacle of sailing qualifications – RYA Yachtmaster Offshore  Which- ever, we can assure you that you will receive both professional tuition, and we will go out of our way to make it a special and memorable experience.

In these days of Covid 19,   we ask you to provide details of a Negative test within 24 hrs of the course commencement, a RAT test will be considered adequate.

We also now offer RYA approved online theory courses for “Day Skipper” and “Yachtmaster”; a great way to get that refresher on the theory prior to taking a practical sailing course or in these new times fill in some time while in confinement.

Maybe you are planning a sail charter holiday? We will teach you the skills to make your holiday enjoyable and safe. If  you’re heading overseas, we can prepare you with an International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

Next courses  

[box type=”shadow”

RYA Competent Crew 5 Day Practical Course         17-21 May 24

RYA Day Skipper 5 Day Practical Course                  17-21 May  24

Courses Marine Radio Operator course                          at RYCV) TBC

Marine Diesel Maintenance course                     (at RYCV) 18 May ( 0900-1230)

RYA Day Skipper Theory course :                          (E-learning)   By arrangement 

RYA Yachtmaster Theory course                            (E-learning)   By arrangement 

Register and Save!

Please register with us to receive our newsletter, full of ideas, tips, & feedback from past students, and receive a 5% DISCOUNT on your FIRST COURSE booked with us.

Register Now!

What They Say!

Well spent money for great value. We had the best time and Tony has been very professional and is very dedicated to making sure we learned a lot. I can only recommend this to anyone, and hope to do the skipper training in the future. Peter Janicki & Sebastian Nowakowski, May 2013

The course was a wonderful five days that covered a range of sailing conditions and areas to provide challenges to students... I highly recommend Tony and Yacht Training Victoria. Paul O'Driscoll, March 2012

Tony is an excellent tutor - he exhibited a considered, patient approach to the theory and practical components of the course. Karen and David Burnett, March 2012

More testimonials

Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress

Phone: 250.885.2311 | Toll Free: 1.888.922.8822 | Email: [email protected]

Heritage Sailing Adventures

Embark on a tall ship adventure.

Experience a unique traditional sailing adventure along The Natural Coast ® of the Pacific Northwest. Our trips are relaxing, adventurous, and hands on, whichever you choose. We make sure the crew brings a wealth of knowledge to each trip. They are skillful individuals having common interests with you in mind.

The sailing vessel Duen is certified yearly by Transport Canada. Individual booking is possible, confirmed departure with 7 – 24 Passengers.

Departing from Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Join us aboard the heritage sailing vessel THE DUEN as we gently make our way out into the Salish Sea in safety and comfort. Our mission is to offer fun, accessible, and eco-friendly adventures for all ages and abilities that surpass your expectations.

We treat our guests as friends who have come to share our lifestyle and ensure you feel safe, comfortable and welcome.

An Amazing 3-hour Sail!

All ages and abilities welcome aboard..

Experience life aboard a tall ship as we motor out of the harbour, haul the sails and set our course for adventure.

Departs at 10 am & 2 pm Adult: $135 per person plus tx

Evening Cruise

Catch the setting sun and victoria’s skyline.

An evening tour of the inner and outer harbour. Relax and enjoy a gentle cruise on board our beautiful heritage vessel.

Departing between 6:00 - 7:30 pm Adult: $115 per person plus tx

Private Gatherings

From team building to private gatherings.

We offer a variety of private parties for groups of up to twenty-four, as well as networking and corporate team building opportunities.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Find out more about the fascinating history of the Duen, upcoming events, and exciting seasonal offerings

Affiliations & Reviews

"World Coolest Yacht" Yachting World Magazine April 2020

Awards & Membership

• Find my AS Number
• News News News National News State News Subscribe
• About About About About Us Strategic Plan Constitution Member States Sports Integrity Policy Documents One Sailing Club Affiliation Fees Australian Sailing Number Annual Reports Club Survey Our Staff Career Opportunities
• Information & Services Information & Services Information & Services Resources Website Discover Sailing Website Australian Sailing Team Website
• Community Community Community Club in Focus Sailing Summit National Awards State Awards Hall of Fame The Barranjoey Pin Training in Focus - Live Supported Organisations
• Events Events Events Calendar Youth Championships Yachting Championships Sail Melbourne Sail Sydney Match Racing Australian Para Championships

Latest news

Upcoming events

• - Dubrovnik
• - Liguria and Toscana
• - Marseille
• - Saint Tropez
• - Barcelona
• - Canary islands
• - Gran Canaria
• - Balearic islands
• - British Virgin Islands
• - Martinique
• - Azores islands
• United Kingdom
• Netherlands
• • British Virgin Islands
• • Martinique
• • St. Lucia
• • Dubrovnik
• French Polynesia
• Fast Quote free
• [email protected]

Yacht charter trips in Victoria

Explore routes, sailing spots and charter yachts in Victoria. Plan the perfect itinerary, select the right yachts and book at the best price.

Yachting spots in Victoria

• Destinations
• Indian Ocean

Worth knowing

Charter yachts in victoria.

Catamaran Mojito 78, Eden Island Marina, Seychelles

Catamaran Catlante 600, Eden Island Marina, Seychelles

Catamaran Lipari 41, Eden Island Marina, Seychelles

Catamaran Lagoon 380, Eden Island Marina, Seychelles

More sailing routes around Victoria

Weather and winds, keep in mind:.

99% of yachts are available for charter from Saturday to Saturday.

• +34 637 070 777
• Destinations
• Experiences

Sailing yacht charter in Victoria

• Yanpy Yanpy /
• Seychelles Rental sailing Yachts Seychelles Seychelles /
• Mahe Rental sailing Yachts Mahe Mahe /
• Victoria Rental sailing Yachts Victoria Victoria /

• Bareboat Enjoy the freedom of sailing and be the captain of your own yacht, granted you have the necessary certification. Independent, private, and cost-efficient, because you won’t need to pay a skipper and crew.
• Skippered Sit back, relax, and leave the sailing to a professional. A skipper will be appointed to sail the yacht and manage the route according to your preferences, allowing you and your group to relax and enjoy the holiday. A hostess to assist you with cooking and cleaning is also a popular addition.
• Fully crewed This option offers you the ultimate luxury experience as you enjoy five-star service from the best crews in the business, ensuring you’re fully taken care of for sailing, catering and entertainment.
• Price: Lowest
• Price: Highest

{{boat.title}}

{{boat.default_title}}, sailing yacht tina · gib sea 472 · 1993 /.

• maxPages && pagIndex > 2" disabled="true" class="points" style="display: none;"> ...
• 1 && pagIndex 2
• 2 && pagIndex 3
• 3 && pagIndex 4
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex 0
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex 1
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex 2
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex >= pages.length - 2" href="/en/sailing-yacht-charter-victoria?pag=0" style="display: none;">-2
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex >= pages.length - 2" href="/en/sailing-yacht-charter-victoria?pag=0" style="display: none;">-1
• 1 && pagIndex > 2 && pagIndex >= pages.length - 2" href="/en/sailing-yacht-charter-victoria?pag=0" style="display: none;">0
• maxPages && pagIndex ...
• = maxPages" ng-class="{active: pages.length == pagIndex + 1}" class="active" style="display: none;"> 1

How can we help you?

Just let us know what your dreams look like to you and our charter specialists will make it happen.

Other yacht types in Victoria

• Catamaran charter in Victoria
• Motor yacht charter in Victoria
• All yacht charter in Victoria

Best sailing destinations close to Victoria

Best yachting destinations in victoria.

VERY EARLY HISTORY 

Looking back to the early days of the Victoria Yacht Club in 1853.

There is a lack of reliable records about the Club’s origins. Facts are difficult to verify. Searches of Trove to find newspaper reports of business activities by the men who were listed as yacht owners on the 1856 register of the Victoria Yacht Club has revealed the following information about four members. 

• George F. Verdon
• W.R. Probert
• Mr. John Musson
• Dr. J. Wilkins. 

It is possible that during the summer of 1853, these four gentlemen were meeting at social gatherings at one of the hotels in Melbourne, the Tattersalls Hotel or the Port Phillip Club Hotel, and the Chusan Hotel in Sandridge, before the Port Phillip Yacht Club was established in May, 1853. These men may have engaged in sailing races. 

An advertisement appeared in the Argus on Saturday 25 th   February, 1854 to announce that a William Richard Probert had taken Mr. George F. Verdon into partnership at his business located at Sandridge. As from 17th February 1854, the business would be known as ‘Probert, Verdon & Co.’ and operate as a ship chandlers and commission agents. They may have jointly owned the yacht Petrel.  

Surgeon Dr. John Wilkins was a landowner and owned several hotels. Deceased persons were kept in the pub cellars before autopsy or/and burial. Dr. Wilkins was the Surgeon for the Port of Melbourne (1853) and, in 1861, Dr. Wilkins built the mortuary at Williamstown which still stands in Ann Street. 

Mr John Musson, is noted as a Contractor based in St. Kilda and was listed as a member (1857) of the Philosophical Institute of Victoria (PIV) and the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV) with business activities in Geelong. 

Captain Charles Ferguson, who became Vice Commodore of the Victoria Yacht Club in 1856, was the Harbour Master in Williamstown (1852) and the Water Police Magistrate. He may have had dealings with Mr. William Stawell, who became the State Attorney General in 1855. Mr. W.F. Stawell (later Sir) was known for his keen interest in sports and was the Club’s first Commodore. It is highly likely that Captain Ferguson met the port surgeon, Dr. Wilkins as part of his duties as water police magistrate. The Port Phillip Club Hotel in Flinders Street, now known as the Young and Jackson Hotel, may have been owned by Dr. Wilkins (this needs to be verified). 

There is more information available in yachting news reports from 1856 onwards. There are papers and sailing logs lodged with the State Library from ‘Colonel’ Richard Heath who was Vice Commodore in 1872. He sailed the yacht Southern Cross with the Victoria Yacht Club from 1857. A manuscript by a Hartley R. Watson is lodged with the State Library of Victoria titled “Logs related to sailing: 1890-1956” and Mr H.F. Watson (Bill) was reappointed as RYCV’s Honorary Historian at the Annual General meeting in August 1965.  He held this role for forty years. 

Ann Goodwin, Chair Archives Sub-committee, GC member 2018-19

Founded in May 1853 at the Port Phillip Yacht Club, Royal Yacht Club of Victoria has a long and proud history being one of the oldest clubs in Australia. In 1873, the Club was granted the privilege of flying the Blue Ensign of the Colony of Victoria. Queen Victoria, in 1886, granted the Club the privileges of a royal club and the Admiralty granted a Full Warrant to fly the Blue Ensign of Her Majesty’s Fleet. The Club added the name ‘Royal’ to its name and it has since been known as the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. 

The Club is continually looking to explore every opportunity to further the experience for Members. In 2013, the Club celebrated its 160th year with a formal evening at one of Melbourne’s biggest icons, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). An exciting time for the Club lies ahead, both on and off the water. 

Club races in the very early days were held on Corio Bay, but in 1873 the Club moved to its present site at 120 Nelson Place, Williamstown on the banks of the picturesque Port Phillip. It was to be the dawn on a new era, and a move the Club has never regretted. 

The average class of yacht on the Club register was much different from today, with straight-stemmed deep-keel cutters ranging from 6 to 40 tons. Most of the famous yachts seen in Port Phillip have been on the Royals register, including the 400-ton schooner   Undine , owned by the Millar brothers, and the beautiful 35-ton   Cushie Doo . 

As a senior club, it is no surprise that two of the biggest sailing events in Australia’s history, the 1956 Olympics and the 1983 America’s Cup both featured RYCV. To Royals went the honour of hosting the 5.5 metre yachts at the 1956 Games. The 1983 Australian challenge for the America’s Cup was perhaps the most significant commitment ever entered into by the Club over its long history. Although Williamstown-sponsored   Challenge 12   was not successful in defeating Australia II for the right to challenge, some members of the Victorian team were co-opted into the victorious Bond syndicate which wrestled the America’s Cup from New York. 

The Club has had some fine sailors over the years and although a number of Royals crews have competed in the Sydney to Hobart race, it wasn’t until 1996 that a Club boat won:   Terra Firma,   sailed by clubmen Dean Wilson, Scott Carlisle and as principal helmsman, Ian ‘Barney’ Walker. 

The Clubhouse

Lack of funds in the early days prevented the acquisition of a clubhouse with members sailing from Williamstown but meeting at the Port Phillip Club Hotel in Flinders Street, and later in the Old Temple Court, Collins Street. It was not until 1905 that the Club moved into a home of its own, when it obtained the lease on Wickliffe House, a grand building on the Upper Esplande in St Kilda. 

It being felt that the city rooms tended to make the Club more of a social than a sailing club; it was decided to make Williamstown the sole clubhouse. It represented a huge commitment financially, but finally in 1935 the Club had its own building. 

In 1967, the Club began construction of a marina and the 100-year-old two-storey boathouse was demolished to make room for an extended hardstand. What was not planned though was the loss of the clubhouse three years later in 1970. A fire began in the kitchen and raced through the wooden building, destroying the majority of the Club’s treasured relics such as pictures, half-models and honour boards. Stoically, Members rallied and the Club rose metaphorically from the ashes, a new brick building having been constructed for the benefit of the 350 Members only a little over a year later. 

In 2002, there was an extension of the clubhouse with the addition of fresh office and meeting spaces. Not long after this, a new and significantly larger deck was also constructed allowing Club events to spill out from the clubhouse to overlook our magnificent lawn area and embrace our view of the Melbourne CBD. Royals is fond of its past but equally looks to the future. 

View History Timeline

Want to know more?

You can read more about the history of the Club in the   souvenir booklet   prepared for the 150th Anniversary.

  Make a contribution to the archives

Interested in helping us build our Club archives? We’d love your help! If you have anything you’d like to add to the club archives, please contact the office on (03) 9397 1277 or submit your contribution to   Ann Goodwin (Archives Chair 2018-19).

Ann’s always looking for stories, photographs and documents that can be added to our collection. Volunteers are always needed to help us with:

• Sort through and organise the Club archives
• Present the collection in a meaningful way

share this!

May 1, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

written by researcher(s)

Rough seas or smooth sailing? The cruise industry is booming despite environmental concerns

by Frédéric Dimanche and Kelley A. McClinchey, The Conversation

Cruise ship season is officially underway in British Columbia. The season kicked off with the arrival of Norwegian Bliss on April 3—the first of 318 ships that are scheduled to dock in Victoria this year. Victoria saw a record 970,000 passengers arrive in 2023, with more expected in 2024.

The cruise industry was badly hit by the suspension of cruise operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Fueled by heavy consumer demand and industry innovation, cruising has made a comeback. It is now one of the fastest-growing sectors, rebounding even faster than international tourism.

While many predicted a difficult recovery , a recent industry report shows a remarkable post-pandemic rebound . Two million more people went on cruises in 2023 versus 2019, with demand predicted to top 35 million in 2024.

But environmental issues plague the sector's revival. Are they an indication of rough seas ahead? Or will a responsive industry mean smooth sailing?

Cruising has long been criticized for being Janus-faced : on the surface, cruises are convenient, exciting holidays with reputed economic benefits. But lurking underneath are its negative environmental and social impacts .

Unprecedented growth

Newly constructed mega-ships are part of the industry's unprecedented growth. Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world , with 18 decks, 5,600 passengers and 2,350 crew.

MSC World Europa with 6,700 passengers and 2,100 crew, P&O Arvia with 5,200 passengers and 1,800 crew, and Costa Smeralda with 6,600 passengers and 1,500 crew also claim mega-ship status.

Those sailing to and from Alaska via Victoria will be some of the estimated 700,000 passengers departing Seattle on massive ships three sport fields in length.

Baby boomers represent less than 25 percent of cruise clientele. Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z have more interest than ever in cruising, with these younger markets being targeted as the future of cruise passengers.

The Cruise Lines International Association asserts that 82 percent of those who have cruised will cruise again . To entice first-timers and meet the needs of repeat cruisers, companies are offering new itineraries and onboard activities, from simulated skydiving and bumper cars to pickleball and lawn bowling.

Solo cruise travel is also on the rise, and multi-generational family cruise travel is flourishing, explaining the extensive variety of cabin classes, activities and restaurants available on newly constructed and retrofitted ships.

However, only a few cruise ports are large enough to dock mega ships. Cruise lines are responding by offering off-beat experiences and catering more to the distinct desires of travelers.

In doing so, there is a move towards smaller vessels and luxury liners , river cruises and expedition cruising . Leveraging lesser-known ports that can only be accessed via compact luxury ships offers more mission-driven, catered experiences for the eco-minded traveler.

Cruising and environmental costs

Cruise ship visitors are known to negatively impact Marine World Heritage sites. While most sites regulate ballast water and wastewater discharge, there are concerns about ship air emissions and wildlife interactions .

Cruise ship journeys along Canada's west coast, for example, are leaving behind a trail of toxic waste . A study by environmental organization Friends of the Earth concluded that a cruise tourist generates eight times more carbon emissions per day than a land tourist in Seattle.

Also, a rise in expedition cruising means more negative impacts (long-haul flights to farther ports, less destination management in fragile ecosystems, last chance tourism ) and a rise in carbon dioxide emissions.

Toxic air pollutants from cruise ships around ports are higher than pre-pandemic levels, leaving Europe's port cities "choking on air pollution ." Last year, Europe's 218 cruise ships emitted as much sulfur oxides as one billion cars—a high number, considering the introduction of the International Maritime Organization's sulfur cap in 2020 .

Rough seas ahead or smooth sailing?

Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas is designed to operate 24 percent more efficiently than the international standard for new ships. International Maritime Organization regulations must be 30 percent more energy-efficient than those built in 2014.

But despite the industry using liquefied natural gas instead of heavy fuel oil and electric shore power to turn off diesel engines when docking, industry critics still claim the cruise sector is greenwashing . As a result, some cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Venice are limiting or banning cruise ships .

Environmental critiques remain strong, especially for polar expeditions . The industry must respond and increase sustainability efforts , but their measures remain reactive (i.e., merely meeting international regulations) rather than proactive. In addition, by sailing their ships under flags of convenience , cruise companies evade taxes and demonstrate an unwillingness to abide by a nation's environmental, health and labor regulations.

In any case, environmental concerns are escalating along with the industry. Travel agents and industry figures are aware of these impacts and should help promote cruise lines that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.

Local residents need to expect more from port authorities and local governments in order to cope with cruise tourism . Cruise consumers should recognize the environmental costs of cruising, and demand accountability and transparency from cruise lines.

Provided by The Conversation

Explore further

Feedback to editors

Mystery behind huge opening in Antarctic sea ice solved

12 minutes ago

Do earthquake hazard maps predict higher shaking than actually occurred? Research finds discrepancy

New computer algorithm supercharges climate models and could lead to better predictions of future climate change

Improved AI process could better predict water supplies

54 minutes ago

Study: Airway hillocks challenge our understanding of lung biology

Religious intolerance predicts science denial, surveys suggest

2 hours ago

A 'cosmic glitch' in gravity: New model may explain strange behavior on a cosmic scale

3 hours ago

Why you can taste more ethanol in a cold pint of beer or warm glass of baijiu

Cell contraction drives the initial shaping of human embryos, study finds

Generating graph states of atomic ensembles via photon-mediated entanglement

Relevant physicsforums posts, cover songs versus the original track, which ones are better.

7 minutes ago

Interesting anecdotes in the history of physics?

6 hours ago

Why Is Two-Tone Ska Rock Popular on Retro Radio?

Apr 29, 2024

What are your favorite Disco "Classics"?

Biographies, history, personal accounts.

Apr 28, 2024

History of Railroad Safety - Spotlight on current derailments

More from Art, Music, History, and Linguistics

Related Stories

Cdc extends cruise line health rules until mid-january.

Oct 26, 2021

More than 100 people got sick on a world cruise that just left Fort Lauderdale, CDC says

Feb 5, 2024

Norway clears cruise passengers after 2 tested for virus (Update)

Mar 3, 2020

Italy closes ports to cruise ships

Mar 20, 2020

CDC stops tracking COVID cases on cruise ships

Jul 20, 2022

CDC: Cruise ships can soon resume sailing in U.S. waters

May 3, 2021

Recommended for you

Ridesourcing platforms thrive on socio-economic inequality, say researchers

Apr 26, 2024

Which countries are more at risk in the global supply chain?

Apr 19, 2024

Study finds world economy already committed to income reduction of 19% due to climate change

Apr 17, 2024

Building footprints could help identify neighborhood sociodemographic traits

Apr 10, 2024

Can the bias in algorithms help us see our own?

Apr 9, 2024

Public transit agencies may need to adapt to the rise of remote work, says new study

Let us know if there is a problem with our content.

Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form . For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines ).

Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request

Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors.

Your feedback is important to us. However, we do not guarantee individual replies due to the high volume of messages.

E-mail the story

Your email address is used only to let the recipient know who sent the email. Neither your address nor the recipient's address will be used for any other purpose. The information you enter will appear in your e-mail message and is not retained by Phys.org in any form.

Newsletter sign up

Get weekly and/or daily updates delivered to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time and we'll never share your details to third parties.

More information Privacy policy

Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience

We keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.

E-mail newsletter

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

‘It’s what I always dreamed of’: Mango deal takes Victoria Beckham’s designs to high street

Collections by ex-Spice Girl had been too dear for most but deal with affordable chain forecast to help tip VB business into profit

When Victoria Beckham debuted her first collection of just 10 dresses in a luxury hotel suite at the Waldorf Astoria in New York in 2008, she told the sceptical assembly of the world’s most powerful fashion editors that she had “spent a lifetime wanting to do this”.

“It’s what I always dreamed of since I customised my school uniform when I was 7 years old,” she said. “Then along came the Spice Girls which opened a lot of doors for me. And, let’s be honest, closed a lot. But those days are over. I was never going to be the world’s best singer, but I hope I can be a good designer.”

The debut dresses immediately impressed the editors, who described the designs as “classy” and “sophisticated”. Vogue’s runway editor said Beckham’s sheath and shift dresses would “sell not on the power of her name but on the sophistication of their cut and fit.”

Since then, Beckham’s designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Meghan Markle and Kendall Jenner, to name a few of her celebrity fans.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the business, which has lost money every year since its launch in New York 16 years ago. Total losses for Victoria Beckham Ltd amount to more than £65m, and David Beckham’s company has injected millions to keep it afloat.

Now, Victoria Beckham’s designs – previously unaffordable for most people – have hit the high street in a capsule collaboration with Mango .

The deal is expected to help tip her business into profit for the first time and has got some speculating whether Victoria, who is known in the fashion industry simply as VB, may one day eclipse her husband in money-making potential.

It’s impossible to know just how rich the Beckhams are. The couple, who live mostly in a £30m white stucco townhouse in west London but also own an apartment in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, a villa on the nearby Palm Jumeirah, and a super yacht called Seven, have a combined fortune of £425m. This puts them 325th in the latest comprehensive guesstimate by the Sunday Times rich list .

It ascribes most of the wealth to David, who sold a 55% stake in his brand management firm, DB Ventures, to US firm Authentic Brands for £200m.

David joined star names such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, whose brands are part of the Authentic stable, which also includes Reebok, Juicy Couture and Hunter wellington boots.

The latest accounts for his company DRJB Holdings – which stands for David Robert Joseph Beckham – show revenue in 2022 more than doubled from £34m to £72.6m, although pre-tax profits fell from £23.6m to £10.8m, because of an increase in administrative expenses. The company paid out dividends of £827,500, down from £6.3m a year earlier.

DRJB includes his TV production business, Studio 99, which produced the four-part Beckham documentary on Netflix that took the top spot in 59 countries, and the Ronnie O’Sullivan biopic The Edge of Everything.

Victoria Beckham Ltd, which has expanded into bags, fragrances and beauty products as well as fashion, increased revenue by 44% in 2022 to £58.8m, and narrowed pre-tax losses from £5.9m to £3.1m.

At an operating level, losses fell from £3.9m to £900,000 signalling progress on the path to profitability. The directors declared “2022 marks a turning point where the group became profitable”. However, the couple and minority investor private equity firm NEO Investments Partners injected a further £6.9m since the year end.

David Belhassen, founder and managing partner of NEO, which invested £30m in VBL in 2017 for an undisclosed but significant minority stake, told WWD magazine recently that sales had increased by 50% and earnings before expenses had “significantly multiplied” in 2023.

“The house of VB is now fully live, and a reality. It was a dream for Victoria and I when we partnered, and it is happening. We are now embarking on a new phase with only the sky as the limit,” he said.

Her Victoria Beckham Beauty business reported a tripling of customers in 2022, and won 28 industry awards. The bestseller is her Satin Kajal liner, which is now available in 17 colours.

Jonathan Siboni, chief executive of data intelligence company Luxurynsight, said many people in the fashion industry had been too quick to dismiss Beckham as “just a Spice Girl and not a businessperson”.

“But they couldn’t have been more wrong,” he said. “The brand has succeeded because of her. She has fought back, she has evolved, she has shown huge amounts of resilience.

after newsletter promotion

“Yes, there have been times when the brand was tacky, and produced things that didn’t work,” he said. “But just like David Beckham as a footballer, you can’t always be the best. What matters is not one game, or even one season, but the big picture.”

Siboni said Victoria had succeeded in creating a brand that is “her vision, but also more than just her”. “In fashion, some brands can’t survive without the founder, others like Dior and Chanel continue to thrive,” he said.

“She has already taken steps to disconnect the Victoria Beckham brand from the person, and even if she is not on TV or social media for a few months, people will still buy her clothes.”

She is unlikely to disappear from our screens anytime soon. More than 30 years after the Spice Girls were formed after an advert in the Stage newspaper for “streetwise, outgoing, ambitious, and dedicated” 18- to 23-year-olds, Beckham still regularly goes viral on social media.

Most recently last weekend when all five reunited for an impromptu performance at Beckham’s 50th birthday party at Mayfair private members restaurant Oswald’s in front of Tom Cruise, Salma Hayek and Eva Longoria. She has 39.2m followers on Instagram and 2.2m on TikTok.

Andy Milligan, founder of the branding consultancy The Caffeine Partnership and author of Brand It Like Beckham , said he credited a large part of the couple’s success to their seeming authenticity on social media and TV. “They project an image that, despite their exceedingly glamorous lifestyle, makes them feel approachable, they’re very relatable to us,” he said.

“You saw that in the Netflix documentary when David teases her about claiming to be working class despite her dad driving her to school in a Rolls-Royce, and when he queued with the public to pay his respects to the Queen.”

Milligan said he expects the Beckhams’ businesses will continue to grow and “we will look back on them as a great British export”.

“What they have as a couple is extremely rare, because they have sport, fashion and popular culture, so they can dominate both the front and back pages.”

He says partnering with Mango is likely to turbo-boost Victoria’s brand as it “gives her much more reach with products in physical stores in just about every city I can think of”.

Milligan says Victoria has a reputation for picking effective brand and business partners, and Mango works because it is “a desirable brand, and affordable rather than luxury … which will keep her relevant to a younger generation.

“Victoria hasn’t in the past received the credit she deserves as a very smart businessperson. She’s so much more than a Spice Girl, she’s clearly a talented designer and has a brilliant business brain.”

• Victoria Beckham
• David Beckham

More on this story

David Beckham scores bumper year but Victoria’s label needs cash injections

Victoria Beckham’s collaboration with Mango shows how far designer has come

Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten to step down

David Beckham documentary nets him half a million new fans on social media

Mango’s Victoria Beckham collection to launch this month

JW Anderson show highlights designer’s love of craft at London fashion week

Dramatic dresses: the Saltburn effect hits London fashion week

Victoria Beckham’s collection is dance of delight despite Kardashian delay

Beckham review – the candid, riveting truth about the footballer’s life

‘People think everything was handed to him. Not true’: the inside story of David Beckham’s rollercoaster life

Most viewed.