Sep 17, 2014 | Superyacht Crew Training
Shake, stir, blend and mix… bar tending is more than just throwing together a few different ingredients and then hoping for the best.
You need to be prepared, have a basic knowledge of the ingredients that you are using and have your bar well stocked and organized. On board a super yacht you will be limited by the space you have, however I have put together a list of the bare essentials which you will need to be successful in cocktail making:
The details below are essential to setting up any bar:
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A cocktail shaker
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Knives
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Jiggers
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Plates
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Citrus juice squeezer
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Straws
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Ice cream scoop
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Mixing Glasses
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Cocktail pricks
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Can opener/s
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Zester
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Corkscrew/s
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A Bar Spoon/s
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Mellon Baller
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Bar Strainer
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Ice tongs
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Containers for sliced fruit garnishes
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Garnishes
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Umbrellas
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Swizzle sticks
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Cherries
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fresh fruit
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Pepper
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Sea salt
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Ice bucket/s
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Blender machine
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Ice maker
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Nut Meg
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Bottle opener/s
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Ice crusher/ wooden hammer
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How to Set Up a Bar.
To prepare for cocktail hour it is essential that you have your bar set up correctly, your garnishes prepared and your juices and syrups ready.
Another helpful tip is to plan ahead a little with your ice. Unless your ice machines can cope with the workload required to produce enough ice for ice for your:
- Ice buckets
- Smoothies
- Chefs’ requirements
- Soft drink demands,
Then I would make sure you have some bagged ice in the freezer.Especially in Greece and more remote places where you just can’t nip ashore and buy some. There really is nothing worse to find that you have run out of ice half way through the service.
In addition to the above you will need to have a good supply of the basic standards drinks on board.
Such as:
- Wine
- Beer
- liqueurs
- Cognac
- Vodka
- Gin
- Tequila
- Champagne
- Whiskey
- Garnishes.
I would recommend two x 750 ml bottles of the standard list below. Obviously, this will vary depending on your budget and storage limitations; however, with these minimum drinks on board, you will generally have every situation covered until you have an opportunity to re-provision.
Red Wine:
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
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White Wine:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnayay
- Chablis
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Champagne:
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Port:
- Taylor’s
- Dow’s 2007 Vintage
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Rose:
- Les domaines OTT
- Sancerre Rosé Le Mont, Loire
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Desert wine:
- Château Haut Bernasse Le Clos Monbazillac
- NV Yalumba Museum Muscat Barossa (half bottle)
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Garnishes:
- Lemon twists
- Angostura bitters
- Lime and lemon wedges
- Salt and pepper
- Maraschino cherries
- Superfine sugar
- Olives
- Tabasco sauce
- Orange slices
- Worcestershire sauce
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Soft drink and juice:
- Orange Juice.
- Cranberry Juice
- Pineapple juice.
- Apple Juice
- Tomato Juice
- Coca-Cola – diet and regular
- Lemonade or seven up
- Mineral water
- Club soda
- Ginger ale
- Tonic Water
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Various Liqueurs:
- Irish cream
- Coffee liqueurs
- Grand Marnier
- Triple sec
- Sambuca
- Cointreau
- White crème de menthe
- Galliano
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Vodka:
- Beluga Gold Line
- Absolut vodka
- Grey Goose
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Whiskey and Bourbon:
- Highland Park
- Jefferson’s
- Macallan
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Tequila:
- Gran Patron Burdeos Anejo Tequila
- Jose Cuervo
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Gin:
- Bombay Sapphire
- Hendricks Gin
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Cognac and Brandy:
- Hennessy XO Cognac
- Martell Cognac
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Beer:
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Aug 29, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews, The Superyacht Stewardess
An Interview with a Superyacht Chief Stewardess
From sailing and yacht racing to cooking for 65 single-handedly, setting up a 44m new build, and living by a strict “Life equals LSD” policy (laughing, singing, dancing — naturally), this chief stew brings energy, organisation, and an infectious positivity to everything she does. We loved this one.
Star sign? Capricorn.
Where are you from? I was born in Bendigo, Australia, and then studied in Brisbane.
How long have you worked in the superyacht industry? Since April 2005 — which includes a year off to live in the French Alps and study French.
What are your biggest accomplishments? Setting up the interior of a 44-metre new build while doing weekend trips on the owner’s other yacht was a huge challenge, and I enjoyed every single moment of it.
Can you work under pressure? From sailing and yacht racing, to learning to drive a 33-foot tender on charter, to preparing elaborate theme nights at the last minute and cooking for 65 people single-handedly — I have most definitely learned how to work under pressure in this profession!
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? Leading a deck team on a 42-metre with very little prior experience was tough, but it forced me to learn quickly. Then my first time as chief stewardess, I had to overcome a great deal of self-doubt — especially as my second stew was brilliant in service, having trained at Michelin-starred restaurants. I am so grateful for how much I learned from her, and the best part is that it made me utterly determined to master every facet of service. That is exactly why I am excited to be doing advanced wine, service, and bartending training in the coming months on a 60-metre.
What are your pet hates? Negativity, and being disorganised or living in clutter. My belief is that everything is “figureoutable” — either be proactive and change the situation, or change the way you feel about it. I also believe a cluttered environment creates mental clutter and stress. Keep everything neat, tidy, and in its place, plan ahead for different scenarios, and have systems in place to keep life streamlined and simple.
Tell me about the last time you felt anger at work. It was more frustration than anger, and it was when we could have been far better prepared but were not. I think of every single day as an interview — you have to be on your game and ready for anything. I love brainstorming all the possible requests or scenarios in advance, so you can deliver that “wow” factor and not just be good, but be extraordinary and be remembered.
What do you do in your spare time? Now that we have some time in the yard, I am loving the gym and CrossFit, beach volleyball, getting out to explore, and especially meeting new people. Everyone is so friendly in the Bahamas!
What makes you laugh? I laugh all the time — especially at myself! I have a strict “Life equals LSD” policy: laughing, singing, dancing. I never take myself too seriously. Whether it is a silly film, attempting to teach the crew a new dance routine, or laughing because I just got soaked in the master shower while detailing it — it always helps when you have a crew with a good sense of humour. In that regard I am very lucky; we make each other laugh constantly.
Where do you see yourself in five years? My ideal role would be purser on rotation aboard a 100-metre-plus. I am also passionate about nature, wellness, and retreats, so it would be wonderful to build a small eco-sanctuary and start organising retreats there.
Favourite holiday destination, and why? My favourite holiday was in Thailand, doing a yoga and rock-climbing retreat. With the beautiful scenery, simple accommodation, fresh food, and all that exercise and yoga, I think it is the best I have ever felt.
Where do you like to shop? I love exploring little boutiques and any store with unique, handmade pieces — whether clothing and accessories, or things for the home or yacht. For the basics, you cannot go past H&M and IKEA, and then I love adding flair with a few unique statement pieces.
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? The Stewardess Bible, of course! But truly — this is a resource the industry has needed for decades, and I wish it had existed when I first started out. I was seriously clueless about the industry back then.
What do you enjoy most about your job? That I get to make people happy, be creative, and learn something new every day — and I adore my crew and meeting new people. I have also been to places I never would have thought to visit. With yachting, you never know where you might end up next, and that keeps it endlessly exciting.
What training was required for this role? As I started back in 2005, much of my experience came on the job. I also completed an in-depth interior management course earlier this year with my excellent mentor and first chief stewardess, Carolyn Clark. With her fifteen years of experience and exceptional organisational skills, it was the best course I have ever done. I am also looking forward to an advanced wine, bartending, and service course in the coming months.
Any vocabulary specific to your role? The buzzword on our yacht right now is “IDEA” — a database program where you log all the vessel’s inventory, spare parts, photographs, storage locations, shopping lists, scheduled maintenance, and so on, all in one place. We are all very busy learning to use it and getting everything up to date.
What do you read daily? Anything uplifting and inspiring — it is a daily must for me, even if it is just a few simple quotes that land in my inbox each morning.
If you could change one thing about your education, what would it be? I would fully embrace the present and get the most out of every situation, rather than wishing I was somewhere else. I did that through my finance and accounting degree, and even while studying French — always wishing it was finished or that I was already fluent, instead of simply enjoying the learning process.
What inspires you? Seeing people bring pride and passion into their work and inspiring others. And knowing I have brightened someone’s day — whether with a simple smile or by creating something really special for them.
Thank you — and here’s to that 100-metre purser role, the eco-sanctuary, and never once losing the “LSD” philosophy.
Jul 10, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews
An Interview with a Fast-Rising Chief Stewardess
Who said you need years as a second stewardess before stepping up to chief? This ambitious young Australian knew exactly what she wanted and went straight after it. Proof that with hard work and dedication, you really can achieve your dreams.
Star sign? Aries.
Where are you from? Melbourne, Australia.
How long have you worked in the superyacht industry? Eight months.
What are your biggest accomplishments? Becoming Chief Stew in such a short space of time, without question. I joined my yacht last October as second stew and was recently promoted to Chief Stew. I know that usually takes years and a great deal of groundwork, so I am genuinely proud to have moved up so quickly. Being recognised for your talent and hard work is incredibly rewarding.
Can you work under pressure? I can. I prefer a little space to breathe, but if you are well prepared, pressure should not be an issue. Besides — as a stewardess, you do not really have a choice. Pressure is felt almost every day during charter!
What are your pet hates? Oh, I have plenty! My main one is a general lack of manners — both in the industry and in everyday life. It also frustrates me when people fail to appreciate or respect the work you do.
Tell me about the last time you felt anger at work. The last time was during a conversation where I felt the other person was making me out to be ungrateful for the position I am in. You give up a great deal to be a stewardess — there are real sacrifices and plenty you miss out on. Everyone in yachting understands that; it is simply part of the deal, and the lifestyle makes up for it in a million other ways. Being spoken to as though someone had sacrificed far more than I ever have or would really frustrated me.
What do you do in your spare time? I absolutely love eating out! Working in an industry where food and service are such a high priority means you are nearly always surrounded by delicious food, so getting out to experience a new restaurant always puts a smile on my face. I also try to exercise — fitting it in is proving harder than I imagined with this lifestyle, but even little bits here and there make me feel more confident and happy. And when I am home, I love the simple things: spending time with family and friends, walking my dog, and easing back into a normal routine.
What makes you laugh? My boyfriend — he is also lead deckhand on board — definitely tries to keep a smile on my face all day, every day. I am not sure he always succeeds, but he gives it a good go! Also my best friend back home. We are thousands of miles apart but message constantly, and she always knows how to make me laugh. We have the same silly sense of humour, so it works perfectly.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Five years from now I will be 28. I rather like the cliché idea of being married and starting a family. There is a million things I want to do and achieve before then, but at that age it would definitely be a priority. In the meantime, I want to travel more, do a Mediterranean season, go snowboarding, learn to surf, start my own business — and just be happy.
Favourite holiday destination, and why? I backpacked around Europe last year, which finally crossed the Greek Islands off my dream list. Next up is Central and South America with my boyfriend. He is an avid surfer and wants to get me involved, so Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and plenty more — I cannot wait. As long as I am by the beach, the sun is shining, and there is good food, I am happy.
Where do you like to shop? I am not a huge shopper, to be honest — I prefer finding little treasures in the markets. Although you really cannot go wrong with a new bikini!
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? Magic erasers, hands down. Several of our cabins have suede wall and ceiling panels, which can be an absolute nightmare to maintain. The white foam erasers are brilliant for removing marks and keeping everything looking clean and fresh.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The travel, definitely. My yacht has been based in Asia for the past eight months, which brings a completely different lifestyle. We are planning to spend some time in Vietnam and Cambodia soon, which will be amazing. Knowing that you might look out of the galley window any given day and see somewhere entirely new is pretty incredible.
What training was required for this role? I completed my STCW95 in Holland, and I have three years of hospitality experience plus a diploma in Hospitality Management.
What do you read daily? For work, mostly researching new products and guides online. In my spare time, I love a good novel — Jodi Picoult is my favourite author by far.
If you could change one thing about your education, what would it be? I am not entirely sure, to be honest — I am happy with how things have turned out, so there is nothing major I would change. Perhaps just focusing a little more on my studies in my final year of school, so I would have had more options and variety when it came to choosing courses.
Thank you — and congratulations on a well-earned promotion. Here’s to the Mediterranean, learning to surf, and that future business of your own.
Jun 22, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews, The Chief Stewardess
An Interview with Sole Superyacht Stewardess Esther Busuttil
From the tiny island of Malta, by way of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and just about everywhere in between — Esther Busuttil brings a warmth and gentleness that is sure to win you over. We sat down with her to talk travel, cocktails, world cruises, and the dream she is now living.
Star sign? Taurus.
Where are you from? The island of Malta.
How did you come to spend time in the South of France? The first time I found myself in the South of France was back in 2007. I had done my STCW95 in Australia — where I had been travelling for two and a half years — and was told it was the place to be if you wanted to find work on superyachts.
How long have you worked in the superyacht industry? Since April 2007. I took a year out and started again in October 2008.
What are your biggest accomplishments? Landing my very first yacht job as a sole stewardess — with no previous experience and a busy season ahead of me — was a real accomplishment. The other was deciding I wanted to go somewhere far and travel for six months, so I went to Australia entirely on my own. I had always wanted to do the full loop, and I did — even though it meant stopping to find work, accommodation, and transport along the way. I had the most extraordinary time of my life with the most wonderful people, and it carried on through New Zealand, Fiji, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. I returned home three years later.
Can you work under pressure? Yes — and I am good at it.
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? The guests had ordered two piña coladas, two mojitos, and two espresso martinis. They then declared the piña coladas so good that they wanted six more — made exactly the same way, identical ratios. The problem? I had a single tin of coconut milk left, so there was no chance of replicating them perfectly. I explained the situation and promised to restock on my next shopping run. (For the record — their preference sheet stated they did not drink much, and the spirits they had pre-ordered were still sitting unopened. The best-laid plans!)
Interview with Sole Super Yacht Stewardess Esther Busuttil
What are your pet hates? I have none.
Tell me about the last time you felt anger at work. I asked a crew member to nip up on deck and check whether the boss was awake while I grabbed some breakfast. Instead, he disappeared into his cabin for a lie-down. That tested my patience.
What do you do in your spare time? Any kind of exercise, especially if I can get off the yacht. And a stroll around the village or city whenever we have just docked somewhere new — exploring a new country never gets old.
What makes you laugh? Good comedies. And the odd jokes from crew on board — once they start, they simply do not stop.
Where do you see yourself in five years? I would love to have my own business — perhaps a little coffee shop, or something I have not yet dreamed up.
Favourite holiday destination, and why? Anywhere the sea is clear and turquoise, the sand is white, and there are palm trees all around. I adore that contrast. I would spend my time on a deck chair with a good book and a cocktail in hand — priceless. On a completely different note, I also love New York. Full stop.
Where do you like to shop? Where don’t I like to shop? I love Sephora in the US — they give you so many samples to try before you buy. Macy’s, Whole Foods for anything organic, and Guess for clothes.
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? Vinegar and water mixed in a spray bottle works wonders. And if you have time between charters, add a drop or two of Murphy’s Oil Soap to a bucket of warm water, wipe the furniture clean, then wipe off with the vinegar-and-water mix to remove any residue.
What do you enjoy most about your job? Everything! I love the travel side of it, especially on a world-cruise yacht. Most people daydream about sailing in paradise — I was one of those people, and now I am living it. Words genuinely cannot describe the beauty of sailing through pristine waters: through a fjord surrounded by nature itself in the Saguenay Fjord National Park, or along the sculpted coastline of Maine. Of course you are still working hard, and the guests always come first, but the joy I feel out in that wide-open space is something else entirely. Sitting comfortably in front of a computer ashore has never had quite the same effect on me!
What training was required for this role? First and foremost, the STCW95 — mandatory then and now. Beyond that, I had a part-time job back when I lived in Malta where we ran a lot of functions requiring silver service. That involved a great deal of training, and the experience genuinely helped me land that first job. I am very glad I was part of that team. Speaking several languages is also a real advantage.
Any vocabulary specific to your role? “Detailing” is a very common one. “Provisioning” is another.
What do you read daily? Anything about health and physiology — antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, skincare, and the idea that we truly are what we eat.
If you could change one thing about your education, what would it be? I would have finished my degree first and then started working on yachts — rather than abandoning my studies to take a rather lousy job in between.
What inspires you? People with a real drive for life. People who step out of their comfort zone, who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. Positive people, always.
Thank you, Esther — here’s to clear turquoise seas, that future coffee shop, and many more fjords ahead.
Apr 16, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews, The Chief Stewardess, The Superyacht Stewardess
The Stewardess Bible chats with Katija Kipre.
This beautiful Chief Stewardess has a passion for travel, with a healthy dose of experience to back up her yachting career.
What is your star sign? – Gemini, bubbly and smiley person 🙂
Where do you come from? – I come from Cavtat.
A lovely little fishermen town near Dubrovnik, where I have worked in the wine bar and met some great crews and yacht owners and one of them gave me my first yacht job.
Where do you call home these days? – Cavtat has and will always be my home, but I currently live in Palma with my fiancé.
What was your last job and what did you like/dislike about it: Chief stew on 40 m, a lot of work and a demanding owner.
- Likes – an opportunity to meet new people and expanding knowledge,
- Dislikes – guests’ ingratitude
What are your biggest accomplishments? – My greatest accomplishment is being exactly who I am today; healthy and smiley sister, daughter, fiancé, aunt and friend.
Can you work under pressure? – This is my favourite type 🙂
When you work under pressure, you can see the best that you are capable of and if you are on the right place. Time flies and you simply do what needs to be done 🙂
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? – Losing someone you love.
What are your pet hates? – I hate lies and pretending
Tell me about the last time you felt anger on the job – Last job, after training a stew for two months. Giving 150% to the job and her training, she left in the middle of the season and there I was all alone…
What do you do in your spare time? – My passion is yoga, writing my diary and travelling.
What makes you laugh? – Friends, my brother’s children (they always find a way to make me laugh regardless of where I am).
What would you like to be doing five years from now? – I would like to start my own business and spend as much time as possible with my family.
Where would be your favourite holiday destination and why? – Thailand, the land of smiles. It is perfect and makes you realize how little you need for happiness.
Where do like to shop? – Wherever I find things I like! 🙂
Can you recommend a service or a product that may be helpful to Super yacht Stewardesses? – My favourite one is a Hagerty flatware, silver dip and the best one and a must have is Murphy soap for a wood.
What specific training was required to obtain this job? – You are for the job, or you aren’t.
Even with the training it is all very logical. I have a medical care on board slip and in my opinion, every stew should have it! Regardless of the training you have the most helpful things are general knowledge and a smile 🙂
It is a great job, but it brings a completely different lifestyle and you need to make changes and be ready for them.
What type of reading do you do on a daily basis? – Always peak into stew bible, and lately after I got engaged, I read a lot of wedding magazines! I’m getting married in October next year, and it needs to be perfect! 🙂
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 would be different in high school, I wouldn’t allow myself to lose a year, then it seemed cool, but it wasn’t, but hey, it’s all part of the life and it was definitely a good lesson
What inspires you? – I have always been inspired by the advices and wisdoms from my late grandmother, she has and will always be my Yoda.
The Stewardess Bible would like to thank Katija for the interview. We wish her well with her job hunt and lots sunshine on her wedding day :). Xonata AI
