Newsroom

Hurricane Melissa

27th October 2025

After a quieter period than originally anticipated, there’s a late sting in the tail for the North Atlantic hurricane area.Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a Category 4 system with sustained winds around 140 mph (≈220 km/h) as it bears down on Jamaica.Moving west at just 5 mph, Melissa’s slow pace means prolonged exposure to destructive winds, heavy rain, and storm surge.Stay safe out there!

Retention or Recruitment

17th October 2025

The phrase “crew shortage” gets thrown around every season.But the real question isn’t just how many people are available — it’s how many stay.Retention vs recruitment. That’s the crossroads the industry’s at right now.Pay cycles, tax clarity, compliant contracts, social security coverage, crew welfare, support networks — these aren’t admin details. They’re some of the reasons good crew stay on board.Its what we do......get in touch#PersonalisedProtectedPayroll | #ComplianceAsAService

CYPRUS & SCHENGEN — WHAT’S THE DEAL?

15th October 2025

We’ve had a lot of questions from crew about Cyprus and whether it’s part of the Schengen Zone.Here’s the quick rundown 👇 🔹 Yes, Cyprus is in the EU.But… 🔹 No, it’s not (yet) part of the Schengen Area.That means Cyprus still has its own border controls, and a Schengen visa doesn’t automatically cover entry. For non-EU crew, that’s actually a bonus — time spent in Cyprus doesn’t count against...

She's baaaack

14th October 2025

My favourite yacht at the moment — KISMET — is back in London this week.With her owner’s teams both in action this weekend —⚽ Fulham at Craven Cottage vs Arsenal on Saturday 18th, and🏈 Jacksonville Jaguars vs the LA Rams at Wembley on Sunday 19th —…it’s not a bad floating base for a weekend of sport.😉#Kismet #Superyachts #NFLinLondon #FulhamFC #London #YachtingLife

🚨 Industry News: Oceanco’s 111m Leviathan Hits Sea Trials

7th October 2025

The 111-metre Leviathan from Oceanco has begun sea trials off Stellendam, marking one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Built around a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with battery energy storage, Leviathan aims to operate quietly and with lower emissions — a major step in large-yacht sustainability. The design also flips a few traditions: · Crew-centric layout shaped by operational feedback. · Low-maintenance materials replacing teak and varnished wood. · Hybrid purpose...

Its what we do....

3rd October 2025

Cost Vs Value

30th September 2025

“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” – Benjamin FranklinCouldn’t have put it better myself.When it comes to crew payroll, you owe it to your yacht and your crew to look at all the issues — not just the cost.At Cornerstone, we don’t dangle low fees as bait. We deliver certainty: FSA oversight, MLC-compliant contracts, and HR-first payroll management that keeps risk...

You cant park there mate!!

26th September 2025

Taking a page out of the Seven Sins playbook, the 89m Amels 'Here Comes The Sun' rocked up to MYS 2025 with an Aston Martin Valhalla perched proudly on deck.Not just any car, either:🔋 Plug-in hybrid 4.0L Mercedes-AMG V8⚡ Combined output of 1,064 HP🏎 0–60 mph in just 2.5 seconds🚀 Top speed: 217 mphThe crossover between supercars and superyachts gets stronger every year ....its pure theatre and luxury brands know...

Gabrielle - now a hurricane

22nd September 2025

Despite forecasts of an exceptionally busy Atlantic storm season, the recent lull was broken this weekend as Tropical Storm Gabrielle finally got her Hurricane lapels badge as a Category 1 storm.Current projections show her tracking north, then east — sparing both the Caribbean and U.S. eastern seaboard. As Gabrielle moves into cooler seas and stronger wind shear, she’ll lose intensity, but the Azores may still face storm surge and heightened...

New YET scheme from IOM Flag

12th September 2025

/ Yesterday evening I attended the launch of the Isle of Man Ship Registry’s new YET (Yacht Engaged in Trade) scheme.Creating the perfect berth for private pleasure yachts, over 24m, that want the option to occasionally charter, YET once again shows the IOMSR leading with innovation in the yachting space.We also got an intriguing teaser on a new insurance benefit for Isle of Man-flagged yachts - watch this space 👀.Thanks...

Mother Nature is sneaky

5th September 2025

Typically….all eyes are on the Atlantic this time of year.Forecast cones, spaghetti models, constant updates — it’s peak hurricane season, and attention is locked on the familiar tracks across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf.But……….this week, Hurricane Kiko popped up in the Pacific — a powerful Category 4 — reminding us that Mother Nature always has a surprise up her sleeve.The same applies to crew management. Risks don’t always come from...

From Seized to Seas?

1st September 2025

/ ⚓ Same Yachts, Different Fates: Why the Country Matters I’ve posted a bit over the last 12 months about the fate of superyachts and their roles as pawns in Geo-Political chess. However 12 months is a long time in politics and what was previously gridlocked, has become free flowing……. well for some it has! So why has the outcomes for the likes of Alfa Nero, Flying Fox and Amadea...

Happy Labour Day!