Jason Chambers’ career has been anything but conventional. From playing professional rugby and football to commanding the decks of luxury super yachts, his journey has been filled with remarkable transformations. What connects these seemingly different worlds? Leadership, teamwork, and a passion for living life with purpose. As the captain of the renowned “Katina,” Jason not only navigates the treacherous waters of the ocean but also manages crew dynamics, guest expectations, and, more recently, personal health battles. In this interview, Jason opens up about how his background in sports prepared him for the helm, why he made the transition to yachting, and how his focus on giving back shapes his approach to leadership today. This is not just a story of life at sea; it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Jason’s early life was defined by his commitment to sports. The lessons learned from playing rugby and football have been instrumental in shaping his leadership style on the yachts. “Team sports taught me that when things aren’t going your way, you still want to know that you did your best. This mindset has shaped my leadership as a captain,” Jason shares. Working within a team and recognising the importance of each person’s role was a valuable lesson from his sporting career that he now carries with him on the water. It wasn’t just about the game, it was about the collective effort that led to a shared victory. This perspective has translated well into his leadership of the crew on the super yacht, where teamwork is everything.
Before he became the captain of a luxury yacht, Jason had his share of experiences in various trades. He worked as a mechanic and a plumber, honing his technical skills. However, it was after a friend’s untimely death that Jason made a life-changing decision to explore the world. “I didn’t want life to be wasted. I wanted to see the world, not just dream about it,” Jason reflects. This personal loss pushed him to travel and seek something more meaningful. During his travels, he discovered the world of yachting and quickly adapted to it. Starting as an engineer’s assistant, Jason embraced this new adventure, seeing it as an opportunity to travel and explore the world while securing a stable career. The yachting industry offered the perfect balance between his desire to experience life and his need for professional stability.
When Jason began his journey into yachting, little did he know that it would evolve into a career that would span decades. He found a sense of fulfilment in his work, especially in the impact he could have on the lives of others. As a captain, he not only navigates the yacht but also leads his crew with a sense of purpose. The “Katina” isn’t just a super yacht for him; it is a platform for change. The crew works hard to deliver an exceptional experience for their guests, but they also engage in charity work, such as rebuilding schools and hospitals, and providing essential supplies to remote villages. “What drives me is knowing that the work I do is making a difference, whether it’s for my crew or for people in need,” Jason says. It is clear that his role as a captain is about more than just managing a yacht; it is about living with purpose and ensuring that his actions reflect his values.
Safety is another area in which Jason’s leadership shines. He emphasises it not only on board but also in every aspect of his career, especially in light of recent challenges. During Season 3 of Below Deck Down Under, the crew and Jason worked tirelessly to ensure that safety was always the top priority. “Safety has always been a priority, and we made sure it continued to be the focus during filming,” he says. The implementation of strong safety protocols was essential to the well-being of both the crew and the guests. This focus on safety became even more crucial after some previous incidents, and the lessons learned were applied to prevent any future issues.
But Jason’s leadership style isn’t just about the technicalities; it’s also about people. The interpersonal dynamics of the crew are just as important as the smooth operation of the yacht. As a captain, Jason places a strong emphasis on knowing and understanding his crew members. “It’s about getting to know people and building a team that works together towards a common goal,” Jason explains. He believes that the key to a harmonious and professional environment is empathy and respect. It’s not just about enforcing rules; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard.
This holistic approach to leadership extends to Jason’s personal life as well. His recent diagnosis of melanoma has provided him with a new perspective on health and safety. Living in the tropics, he had never really given much thought to the risks of the sun, but his diagnosis has forced him to reevaluate his approach to health. “I live in the tropics, and I’ve never really worried about the sun’s impact before. Now, I’m limiting my sun exposure and getting regular check-ups,” he shares. Jason’s experience with melanoma has made him an advocate for health awareness, and he urges others to take proactive steps to protect themselves. “My advice would be to not just go to your GP but visit a sun screening facility regularly. Make it a priority,” he emphasises. His own journey has made him more mindful of the importance of self-care, especially for those who work in environments exposed to the elements.
In addition to his work as a captain, Jason has ventured into new business endeavours. Inspired by his experiences and his desire to give back, he launched his own kimono and cologne line. “There will be more products coming, and each item has a story,” he says, adding that these products are designed to not only support his personal brand but also contribute to charitable causes. A portion of the proceeds from his products goes to Classroom of Hope, a foundation that focuses on building schools in remote areas. This initiative reflects Jason’s broader philosophy of using his platform to make a positive impact.
Jason’s approach to leadership and his ability to balance authority with approachability are two qualities that have helped him thrive in the highly demanding world of yachting. “The industry is brutal,” he admits, acknowledging the challenges of managing a crew while also satisfying demanding clients. He advises aspiring yacht captains to stay true to their principles and to communicate openly with their crew. “The crew needs a captain, and a captain needs to listen and be empathetic,” Jason says. He believes that a captain’s role is to create a respectful yet enjoyable environment where the crew can do their best work.
Despite the fast-paced nature of the industry and the pressure of keeping everything running smoothly, Jason has remained grounded. He continues to find fulfilment in his work, particularly in the way it allows him to help others and make a lasting impact. “It takes time and experience to get to the point where you can start to say no to unreasonable demands. The crew needs a break too,” Jason advises, underscoring the importance of balancing work and well-being.
As Jason Chambers continues to navigate both the literal and metaphorical seas of life, his story remains one of resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back. Whether he is captaining a yacht, leading his crew, or supporting charitable causes, Jason is driven by a desire to live a life of purpose and make a meaningful difference. His journey is a reminder that leadership is not just about the role you hold; it’s about the way you lead, the values you uphold, and the impact you have on those around you.
