An Interview with Superyacht Chief Stewardess Angela Orecchio
Four years into a career at sea, a blog that is going places, and a philosophy built on turning challenges into strength. Angela Orecchio is the kind of chief stewardess who leads by example — on the water and off it. We sat down with her to find out what makes her tick.
Where are you from? Just outside Seattle, Washington — a suburb called Bellevue. Not the hospital. Bellevue, the place where Bill Gates lives.
What do you do in your spare time? I write and develop my blog, ride my road bike, run, travel, hike, and explore. I love hoop dancing, and I get on a surfboard whenever the opportunity presents itself. Diving is something I want to do a lot more of.
What makes you laugh? Films from the early nineties — Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Wayne’s World, Big Business, Home Alone, Ace Ventura. And my boyfriend, who does a genuinely impressive impression of Jim Carrey.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Working full time on my travel, yachting, and health blog — The Yachtie Glow.
Favourite holiday destination? Hawaii and Costa Rica. I am happiest and most inspired somewhere tropical, where the water is warm, the waves are good, and the fruit is extraordinary. Thailand is coming up soon — I will report back on whether it makes the list.
Where do you like to shop? Lululemon, surf shops, Pottery Barn, and farmers’ markets.
What inspires you? Travelling. It pushes me beyond my immediate reality, makes me think beyond my own limitations, and reminds me to be grateful for everything I have. Being somewhere new also inspires me to write and create in ways that simply do not flow when I have been in one place for too long.
How long have you worked in the superyacht industry? Just over four years.
What has been your biggest accomplishment? Taking the most difficult things I have faced and turning them into my greatest source of strength. That is an ongoing process, but it is the one I am most proud of.
Can you work under pressure? I do not feel particularly healthy when I am stressed — but pressure sharpens my focus and I always get the job done.
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? A long period of anxiety and depression many years ago. Something I faced, worked through, and ultimately overcame through significant changes to my diet and lifestyle. I am open about it because I think it matters for people in this industry to know that these things can be addressed.
What are your pet hates? I know hate is a strong word — but: people who do not own up to their mistakes, people who hurt animals, and dirty bathrooms. None of these are acceptable.
Tell me about the last time you felt real anger at work. Dealing with a series of crew members who consistently disrespected the captain and took advantage of the owner at every opportunity. That kind of behaviour reflects on everyone on board, and it is not something I have any patience for.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Organising long-term projects, planning events for guests and crew, and those moments when everything comes together perfectly — a beautifully set table, a flawlessly made bed, a planned event that genuinely surprises and delights the guests. Seeing their faces in those moments never gets old.
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? Two things. The housekeeping module on The Stewardess Bible — there is a great deal of practical, useful content in there that I will be using to train my own crew. And my blog, The Yachtie Glow, where I focus on how to be both successful and genuinely healthy in this industry.
If you could give one piece of advice to fellow stewardesses, what would it be? Show your enthusiasm for this job — and for life — every single day.
Introducing: The Yachtie Glow
Tell us about The Yachtie Glow. It is a resource for new and existing yacht crew who want to succeed in the industry without burning out — covering professional advice, health, wellness, and travel. I have a new site being built now that will be far more user-friendly, with content that is better organised and easier to navigate. I am very excited about it.
When did your passion for health and wellness begin? In 2001, when I discovered I had a dairy intolerance. A friend took me to a food co-op and introduced me to dairy and meat alternatives, and to organic food. I went on to experiment with a number of different approaches before finding what truly worked for me — but that afternoon was the beginning of everything. I have never looked back.
What do you read daily? Travel blogs and health blogs. Always something from both.
If you could go back and change one thing about your education, what would it be? I would have studied theatre and dance rather than business. I have learned far more about the reality of business through my professional life than I ever did in a lecture theatre. The stage, though — that I genuinely wish I had pursued.
Thank you, Angela. Find her at The Yachtie Glow — a resource well worth bookmarking.
