The allure is undeniable: imagine being paid to attend extravagant parties aboard luxurious yachts, surrounded by millionaires and celebrities in breathtakingly beautiful locations around the world. It sounds like the ultimate dream job, a life of unparalleled glamour and excitement.
However, the reality for the young women hired to provide eye candy and "look pretty" in these settings is often far from the idyllic image. Behind the shimmering facade of wealth and luxury lies a complex and sometimes dangerous world, where the lines between glamour and exploitation can become dangerously blurred.
The yacht party scene operates largely in the shadows, shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity. It's a world where discretion is paramount and the promise of high earnings can blind individuals to potential risks. Let's delve into the hidden truths behind this seemingly glamorous industry, as revealed by women who have experienced it firsthand.
One model, Sarah Harris, recounted a harrowing experience of sexual assault aboard a yacht by a crypto-millionaire. Her story underscores the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of these lavish events. "I didn't realize how naive I'd been until I'd been sexually assaulted on a yacht by a drunken crypto-millionaire, and there was no escape," she shared. Her experience serves as a stark warning about the potential pitfalls of this lifestyle.
Sarah's initial introduction to this world was seemingly innocuous. While working on a swimwear catalogue shoot, she was approached by another model with an intriguing proposition: to get paid to party on a superyacht. The initial offer of £600 for five hours' work seemed too good to be true. "All we have to do is chat to guests, dance, mingle and pose in our bikinis. We're there to bring the glamour," she was told.
The allure of celebrity treatment and access to exclusive circles was immediately captivating. A chauffeur-driven ride to the yacht, followed by a top-tier hair and makeup squad, heightened the feeling of being part of something special. The initial instructions were clear: avoid excessive drinking and abstain from sexual encounters, but flirting and lighthearted interactions were encouraged. For Sarah, it was an unforgettable experience, opening doors to a hidden world of lavish parties and celebrity encounters.
The lifestyle quickly became addictive, with earnings reaching as high as £1,000 for seven hours of work. However, Sarah soon realized that the ratio of women to men was significantly skewed, creating a competitive and potentially vulnerable environment. It became crucial to establish clear boundaries, asserting that she was "not for sale" and simply there to enjoy the party.
The prevalence of non-disclosure agreements further emphasizes the secretive nature of these events. Attendees are often required to sign these agreements due to the presence of high-profile individuals. Sarah relished in the "good life" for several months, but the tide began to turn during a boat party in Monaco.
The atmosphere at this particular event was markedly different from her previous experiences. With 12 girls and only six men on board, the competition for attention was palpable. "The other girls were clamouring over the crypto-millionaire, his mates and a well-known rapper," she observed. "They were willing to do anything to keep the men happy. It was demeaning. They made us look like escorts, which was putting us in danger."
The situation escalated when a drunken man grabbed Sarah from behind and began groping her. Trapped on a sailing yacht with no means of escape, she felt horrified and scared. With the help of a friend, she managed to push him away and demanded to be taken back to shore immediately.
The incident left Sarah deeply shaken and disillusioned. She later learned that two other girls had passed out, and another was hospitalized due to excessive alcohol consumption. This harrowing experience led her to vow to stay away from the paid party scene, exposing what she calls the "mucky side" of un-policed yacht parties, particularly in Monaco.
Sarah's account paints a stark picture of the potential dangers involved. She warns that rich men often believe they can buy anything and view the women as disposable. Her advice to other young women is clear: "Girls should stay away."
Another woman, Pippa Taylor, echoes the sentiment of secrecy and discretion that permeates the yacht party scene. She recalls a culture where "what happens on the yacht, stays on the yacht." Her journey began during an Instagram photoshoot in Marbella, Spain, in 2022, when a representative from a yacht firm offered her the opportunity to get paid to party.
The initial proposition sounded "too good to be true," and Pippa admitted to being skeptical and concerned about being mistaken for an escort. However, she was assured that strict rules were in place and that her role was simply to "look pretty, sunbathe on the yacht and bring the glamour to the party."
After securing permission to bring a friend, Pippa spent four hours on a 60ft yacht, engaging in conversation with a group of wealthy businessmen. The group consisted of ten girls and five men, and each woman received £300 for their time. Dressed in bikinis and sarongs, they spent most of the time sunbathing. This experience led to six months of similar engagements, resulting in significant earnings and access to exclusive circles.
Pippa established a personal rule of only attending day parties and declining overnight invitations to avoid sending the wrong message. She often found herself "pinching herself" while sunbathing next to celebrities or discussing business deals with millionaires. Her experiences were a testament to the seemingly glamorous lifestyle that the yacht party scene offered.
However, Pippa also emphasizes the strict rules regarding discretion. She was prohibited from taking pictures of the famous individuals on board or discussing them with others. "That was the deal, we had to be discreet," she explains. Event organizers consistently sought her out due to her "girl-next-door looks" and emphasized the need to be "polished and immaculate."
Despite the seemingly idyllic experiences, Pippa acknowledges that it wasn't "all sunshine and champagne." She recounted a story shared by a yacht captain about a girl being assaulted on a night cruise, as well as instances of girls becoming so intoxicated that they couldn't recall what had happened to them. This led her to limit her alcohol consumption to two drinks on board and avoid any involvement with drugs.
Pippa also recognized the intense competition within the industry, with younger models constantly vying for opportunities and willing to go to great lengths to maintain the lifestyle. This awareness led her to worry about her own "shelf life" in the industry. Ultimately, she decided to leave the scene while she was still enjoying it, leveraging her contacts to focus on her personal training business.
Looking back, Pippa doesn't regret her time in the paid party scene. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety and respect, setting clear boundaries, and knowing when to move on. "I made sure I was safe and respected but you have to know what your boundaries are and when to call it a day," she advises.
Carmen Fearnley, a businesswoman based in Dubai, presents a different perspective on the yacht party industry. Running her own company, "Yacht Do You Want," she rents yachts to celebrities and millionaires. Her current life is a stark contrast to her previous experiences in Leeds, England. After moving to Dubai, she worked in an exclusive club and noticed a high demand for yacht parties and cruise rentals among wealthy men and celebrities. This observation led her to establish her own business three years ago.
Carmen caters to a diverse clientele, including Instagram influencers, sports stars, businessmen, cryptocurrency investors, millionaires, and A-list celebrities. The demand for yachts in Dubai is constant, with inquiries arriving at all hours of the day and night. Rental prices range from £100 to £5,000 per hour, depending on the size of the yacht. Hostesses can earn between £100 and £200 for four hours of work.
Carmen acknowledges that personal relationships may develop between hostesses and clients, but she considers that to be their private affair. However, she emphasizes the importance of respecting the laws of the country in which they are operating. "I have heard of girls in Europe destroyed emotionally and mentally when they fail to follow the rules or think they know better than people like me, who know the industry inside out," she warns.
She stresses the need to adhere to the strict laws of the UAE, where she operates. Carmen believes that some girls are naive and hold unrealistic expectations. Her priority is to prevent harm and uphold the laws of the country. With police patrols in the harbor, it is crucial that boats are properly managed. Carmen also knows women who have met incredible partners through yacht parties and are now happily married with children, living luxurious lives.
Carmen takes pride in her success and believes that the yacht party industry can be an amazing opportunity, provided individuals prioritize their well-being and exercise caution. "It's an amazing industry if you look after yourself and are savvy," she concludes.