An Interview with Chief Stewardess – Sarah Begbie
What is your star sign?
Aries
Where do you come from?
Melbourne, Australia
How long have you worked in the super yacht industry?
I have worked in the super yacht industry for 8 months
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment is definitely becoming Chief Stew in such a short amount of time. I joined my yacht in October last year as second stew and have just recently been promoted to Chief Stew.
I know it is something that often takes years and a lot of ground work to achieve, so I am very proud that I moved up so fast. Being recognized for the your talent and hard work is very rewarding.
Can you work under pressure?
I can work under pressure. I prefer to have a little bit of space to breathe, however, if you are well prepared pressure shouldn’t be an issue.
Plus, being a stewardess you don’t have a choice – pressure is felt almost every day during charter ha-ha.
What are your pet hates?
Ooh I have a lot haha .. My main pet hate is just a general lack of manners! Both in the superyacht industry and in day to day life! When people don’t appreciate your work or have a lack of respect for it it also frustrates me!
Tell me about the last time you felt anger on the job?
I think the last time I probably felt anger, was when I was having a conversation with someone where I felt as though they made me feel like I was being ungrateful for the position I am in.
I feel like you do give up a lot to be a stewardess and there are sacrifices you make and the things you miss out on. Every person that works in yachting understands that it’s just the way it is – the lifestyle makes up for it in a million other ways!
Having someone talk to me as though they had given up a lot more than I ever have or would makes me really frustrated.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I loveee eating out! Being in an industry where food and service is of high priority you are generally always surrounded by delicious food!
Being able to go out and experience new food and a new restaurant definitely put a smile on my face.
Also, exercising. Although it is proving to be a lot harder with this lifestyle than I would have imagined, fitting in little bits of exercise here and there makes you feel a lot more confident and happy about yourself
When I am home, I enjoy the simple things like just spending time with my family and friends and making the most of walking my dog and getting into a normal routine!
What makes you laugh?
My boyfriend (also lead deckhand on board) definitely tries to keep a smile on my face all day every day! I’m not sure if he always achieves it, but he gives it a good shot ha-ha.
Also, my best friend from home. Although we are thousands of miles apart, we message one another a million times a day and she always knows how to make me laugh! We both have the same stupid sense of humour, so it works perfectly.
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
5 years from now I will be 28. I like the cliché idea of being married and starting a family 🙂
Although there are a million things I want to do and achieve before then, it definitely would be a priority for me at that age I think. In the mean time I want to travel the world more, do a season in the Mediterranean, go snowboarding, learn to surf, start my own business and just be happy.
Where would be your favourite holiday destination and why?
I backpacked Europe last year, which crossed off my ‘dream holiday destination’ of the Greek Islands.
Next on my to do list is Central and South America next year with my boyfriend. He is an avid surfer so wants to get me in on the action! So Mexico, Brazil, Peru.. All of those amazing countries plus more which I’m excited for!
So long as I am by the beach, the sun is shining and there is delicious food – I’m happy 🙂
Where do like to shop?
Mmm.. I’m not a huge shopper really, I prefer finding little things in the markets! However, you can’t go wrong with a new bikini!
Can you recommend a service or product that may be helpful to Super yacht Stewardesses?
One of our favourite products on board is definitely our magic erasers! Quite a few rooms have suede wall and roof panels and these can be an absolute nightmare to take care of!
The white foam erasers help a huge amount with removing any marks and keeping it look clean and fresh.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I think definitely the chance to travel. My boat has been based in Asia for the past 8 months and it brings with it a whole different lifestyle!
We are planning on spending some time going though Vietnam and Cambodia in the near future which will be amazing.
Knowing that potentially everyday you can look out your galley window and see something new is pretty incredible!
What specific training was required to obtain this job?
I completed my STCW95 in Holland.
Also, I have 3 years of Hospitality background and a diploma in Hospitality Management.
What type of reading do you do on a daily basis?
In regards to work my reading is often just researching new products/guides online. However, in my spare time I love reading a good novel! Jodi Piccoult is my favourite author by far 🙂
If you could go back and change something related to your education or your life as a student, what would you change or what would you do differently?
I’m not too sure to be honest. I am pretty happy with how my life has turned out so far so there wouldn’t be anything major I would want to change.
I guess probably just focusing on my studies a little more during my final year of high school so when it came time I had more options and variety in courses to choose from.
