From Burnout to Below Deck: Hugo Ortega on Money, Mentorship, and Making It

A Life Rewritten at Sea

For Hugo Ortega, the sea wasn’t destiny—it was reinvention. Trained as an engineer in the oil and gas industry, he had everything that should signal success: a high salary, a new car, a stable relationship. Yet the conventional path left him unfulfilled.

When mass layoffs hit his company, Ortega made a radical choice. Instead of fighting for another corporate position, he went backpacking. A chance encounter with a South African deckhand opened his eyes to the world of superyachting—jet skis in The Bahamas, Monaco dockings during the Grand Prix, and travel that felt limitless.

“Meeting someone who had been a deckhand was like a calling from God—it showed me the next step.”

Burnout, Depression, and the Search for Meaning

Before yachting, Ortega had already faced burnout. Hours in front of screens, long days at the office, and mounting isolation pushed him into a dark place.

“I gained weight, felt isolated, and started asking myself if this was really what life was about. When the layoffs happened, it snapped me out of it. That was my call to finally chase travel and purpose.”

The transition to yachting gave him not only a career but a fresh outlook. Later, he would see similar struggles repeated within the industry—burnout, mental health crises, and the relentless grind.

His message is clear: prepare for the realities of yacht life, and never let money be the sole motivator.

“If money is the only thing keeping you in yachting, it won’t be enough when burnout hits. You need a deeper reason—love of travel, the ocean, or freedom.”

Breaking the Money Traps

With strong salaries, minimal expenses, and often no taxes, yacht crew should be financially secure. Yet many leave the industry with little to show for it.

“It’s the same reason sports players go broke. Without financial education, you don’t know how far money goes. Add lifestyle creep—spending more as you earn more—and suddenly your bank account is empty.”

The temptation to mirror the lives of owners and guests is ever-present. Luxury handbags, designer brands, and impulsive purchases often overshadow long-term planning.

“If you’re not tracking your spending, you’re just swiping your card. Then when it’s time to exit yachting, you’ve got Gucci bags—but no sofa and no mortgage plan.”

Building Super Yacht Sunday School

Determined to challenge industry gatekeeping, Ortega launched Super Yacht Sunday School during COVID. His goal: to mentor and equip new crew with the tools he wished he’d had.

“Some leaders don’t want to help because they fear competition. I wanted to flip that. If more people had access to mentorship, retention would be better and crew would be stronger.”

What began as a side project quickly became one of the most successful crew-focused education platforms. Behind the growth was his engineer’s mindset—systematic, process-driven, and tech-focused.

“Whenever I didn’t want to do something, I built a system for it. Energy wasted on mundane tasks stops you from growing a business. Systems are what let me step back, even while filming Below Deck.”

Challenging Gatekeeping and Opening Doors

Ortega champions accessibility in yachting, challenging outdated restrictions around tattoos, age, and nationality.

“I’ve got students fully covered in tattoos who found work. I’ve had crew from India break through after incredible persistence. Yes, some journeys are harder. But if you’re willing to put in the work, it’s possible.”

By dismantling barriers, Ortega believes the industry can attract stronger, more resilient talent.

Below Deck: Reality or Reality TV?

When Ortega joined the cast of Below Deck, he stepped into an industry controversy. Was it entertainment or real reflection?

“I thought maybe it would be staged. But no—it’s still yachting, just with cameras. People are crazy enough on boats already. What you see is real.”

The experience sparked new ambitions, hinting at future possibilities.

“I’d love to try acting one day. In many ways, yachties already have the skills—rejection, networking, and the constant hunt for the next gig. Acting felt like a natural extension.”

Lessons for the Next Generation

Ortega’s philosophy offers a roadmap for crew navigating the highs and lows of yachting:

Don’t chase only money—it won’t sustain you.
Quit toxic boats without guilt—another yacht is always waiting.
Track your spending and avoid lifestyle creep.
Find mentors—and become one.
Build systems that free your time and energy.

“At the end of the day, you don’t owe anyone anything. The yacht will replace you in a second. What matters is your happiness, your health, and building a future that lasts beyond yachting.”