When you think of the phrase “perfect summer,” what comes to mind? For some, it’s being on a boat big enough to hold all of their friends. Sun-kissed skin, a gentle breeze, h’ordeuvres and libations. Music is pumping and love is flowing as we swag surf like ocean waves. Something about the water and being on a huge boat makes this new core memory all the more special. That’s a yacht fantasy, shared by a girl’s girl.

However, “yacht girls” do yachting a lot more often and have a different take on the aquatic activity. So, what happens in the cases when billionaires join the party, when money is no object and time is even more abundant? Here’s where we drop the anchor and get to the bottom of the question, “What is a yacht girl?”

Yachting vs. Being a Yacht Girl

According to TikTok, yachting is an experience afforded to folks who are accustomed to sailing on big boats. Yacht girls, however, take on those appearances and some extra duties too. They serve as the entertainment for well-off men that request their company. They must look the part and have time to spare, as traveling is a part of the deal. A background in service work may come in handy as drinks and appetizers are often on the menu. The girls may find that they’re on the menu too, but it’s been said that the money makes it worth it. A few celebrities may have had a past in yachting before evolving in their careers, from Nina Dobrev and Miranda Kerr to Nicole Scherzinger and Chantel Jeffries.

The Life of a Yacht Girl

As we know, with money comes a certain amount of power and with that comes influence. Yacht girls who have agency-backing might feel a bit more protected than those booking gigs on their own or through a friend. The yacht environments are high-pressure for girl’s who aren’t willing to accommodate guests requests. And captains have been known to minimize yacht girls’ concerns. A TikToker shared one of her follower’s stories about their “yacht girl” experience: what the expectations were, what she was willing and not willing to do. 

When sex is apart of the expectations, payment comes in the form of money and sometimes jewels (i.e. $80,000 and a diamond bracelet). Seeing as escort services remain illegal and taboo, yachting is still a rather secret way of living, leading to a lot of mistreatment going under the radar. The alleged celebrities and Instagram models who participate in this industry have successfully kept it all under wraps, even as personal accounts and documentaries surface. As the digging deepens though, we can expect to hear more horrifying stories about this style of travel that has developed sinister undertones. 

Safety and Rules

For those who are only embracing the aesthetic and a good time with friends, by all means, live your life. Don the striped bathing suits and two-pieces. These are memories to be made and reflected upon in years to come. However, if you find yourself on the other side of yachting, be sure to put safety first and write your own rules when you can.