At the vibrant Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025, Onno Ebbens, the Chief Marketing Officer at YATCO sat down with Liquid Yacht Wear to discuss more than just fashion. Liquid Yacht Wear has grown into a trusted name in crew uniform innovation, combining performance, sustainability, and style. In this exclusive interview, Kingston, the entrepreneurial force behind the company, and Jessie, a former yachtie turned sales rep, share insights into industry trends, sustainable production, and what it takes to build a successful business in the niche but demanding world of yachting.
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Video Transcription:
From Business to Yachting
Onno Ebbens: “Kingston, for those who don’t know you—can you share a bit about your background and how you ended up in yachting?”
Kingston: “My name is Kingston. I don’t come from a yachting background, but I’ve now been in the industry for eight years. My academic background is in business and law, and when the opportunity came to take over Liquid Yacht Wear, it felt like a perfect blend of my passions—business and the ocean. It’s grown rapidly since then, but our focus has remained on two things: delivering the best uniforms possible and offering unmatched client care.”
Onno: “Jessie, what about you—how did you transition from being crew to working shoreside with Liquid Yacht Wear?”
Jessie: “I’ve been with Liquid Yacht Wear for about five years now, but I worked onboard yachts for around four and a half years before that. I started as a deckhand/stew, moved to full stewardess, and eventually became first mate onboard a 116-foot yacht. Transitioning to shore life wasn’t easy, but being able to stay connected to yachting through this role made it worthwhile.”
The Evolution of Yacht Wear Trends
Onno: “You’ve worn uniforms as crew—do you think they’re really functional for what crew do day to day?”
Jessie: “Honestly, the functionality of a uniform really depends on how well it’s made. When it’s lightweight, breathable, and moves with you, it just disappears into your workflow. Poor fit and heavy fabric make your job harder, but Liquid’s uniforms are made for crew who hustle. This dress I’m wearing is one of our newest items. It’s an athletic dress with stretch fabric, available in custom colors, with detachable shorts underneath. It’s ideal for active crew who switch between tasks and need modest, functional uniforms. And yes—it has pockets!”
“Most importantly, we listen. Whether it’s adding radio loops, extra pockets, or tweaking fits, we base our product development on real feedback from crew members. Everything is made in-house, so we can quickly adapt designs to meet evolving needs.”
Sustainability: Beyond Fabric Choice
Onno: “Kingston, I know sustainability is a big part of your mission—can you tell us more about how you approach that?”
Kingston: “One of our proudest achievements is our 100% recyclable uniform program. Any uniform—Liquid or not—can be returned to us instead of ending up in landfills. We partner with a recycler that shreds the textiles for new use, and we donate usable items to charity. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of our identity.”
Onno: “And in terms of production, how do you ensure it’s done responsibly?”
Kingston: “From day one, we’ve committed to safe production methods with zero tolerance for child labor. Our partners focus on minimizing environmental impact, and this ethos drives everything we do. Uniforms should not only be high-performance—they should also represent values we stand behind.”
Building a Business in a Niche Industry
Onno: “Since taking over, Liquid Yacht Wear has grown quickly. What do you think is behind that success?”
Kingston: “Our success stems from a laser focus: make the best uniforms and take care of our clients. That means going above and beyond—delivering directly to crew houses, responding fast, and maintaining trust. Especially in yachting, reputation is everything.”
Jessie: “This isn’t just a job. Liquid feels like a hub where yachties reconnect, get advice, and feel seen. Since I’ve lived the crew life, I understand their challenges and bring that empathy into every customer interaction. It makes it more than a transaction—it’s about connection.”
Skills That Transfer from Sea to Shore
Onno: “Jessie, coming from the crew side, what’s it like working now with former colleagues and new clients?”
Jessie: “Time management, multitasking, customer service, and empathy—those are all things I learned on board. And when it comes to product knowledge, I know what works for crew because I’ve lived it. Knowing the value of a good pocket or a radio loop might seem small, but it matters.”
Kingston: “This industry demands more than great products. It demands service that feels personal. Sometimes I’m texting crew photos of where I left their order at 8 PM. That’s just the level of commitment that’s expected—and we embrace that. It’s what makes Liquid different.”
Jessie: “At the end of the day, it’s about having a strong product, providing top-tier service, and fostering a team that cares. That’s how we grow—by creating a brand people are proud to wear.”
Why Yacht Wear is About More Than Just Uniforms
The conversation with Kingston and Jessie at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025 made one thing clear: Liquid Yacht Wear isn’t just designing uniforms—they’re shaping a culture. From their commitment to sustainability and ethical production to their obsession with functional style and personalized service, they’re setting a new standard in the yachting industry. For crew, captains, and yacht managers alike, it’s no longer just about how you look—it’s about how your uniform supports your performance, reflects your values, and connects you to a wider, trusted community. Whether you’re offshore or onshore, Liquid Yacht Wear is proving that innovation and impact can—and should—go hand in hand.
