Nov 20, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews, The Superyacht Stewardess
An Interview with Rookie Stewardess Annick Suplicy
Every great chief stewardess starts somewhere. In this series, The Stewardess Bible speaks to the crew who are living the early chapters — the ones still figuring it out, still finding their sea legs, and doing it beautifully anyway. Meet Annick Suplicy: junior housekeeper, Capricorn, and proof that the best careers are rarely the ones you planned.
Star sign? Capricorn.
Where are you from? Born in Spain, raised in Brazil.
Where do you call home these days? My family is in Brazil, but since January I have been living in Spain — so home is a little bit of both right now.
How long have you been working in the superyacht industry? Ten months.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? I am still junior, so nothing enormous yet — but being invited to temporarily join another boat belonging to my owner, working in the Seychelles, was a pretty special moment. I did not expect it, and it meant a great deal.
Can you work under pressure? I assume it is very hard. I still have to work on controlling my mood when things get intense — I am honest about that.
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? Dropping my Biological Sciences degree because I was deeply unhappy, without having any idea what to do next. At the time it felt like a failure. Looking back, it was one of the better decisions I ever made.
What are your pet hates? People being ironic or passive-aggressive with me. Chewing with an open mouth. Shouting. Slamming doors. None of these are negotiable for me.
Tell me about the last time you felt real anger at work. When a few crew members started complaining — purely for the sake of complaining — about some organisational improvements I had put in place. It was frustrating because the changes were genuinely for the better. I had to remind myself not to take it personally.
What do you do in your spare time? Honestly? I am in quite a low-energy season of my life right now, so I have been staying indoors more than I probably should. But when the energy is there, I love going out for a really good dinner. And whenever the opportunity presents itself — diving or snorkelling. Every time.
What makes you laugh? Good times with friends. And booze — with friends.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Chief stewardess or purser on a great vessel with a good rotation system. Something that lets me keep travelling properly, not just passing through ports.
Favourite holiday destination? I do not think a single favourite exists for me — I love too many places. But give me a good breeze, sunshine, excellent diving, and amazing food, and I am completely happy. The sea is always the answer.
Where do you like to shop? Small local shops. Things made nearby, by real people. I am not a mall person.
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? I am too new to be handing out advice just yet — ask me again in a few years.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The combination. A hospitality role that also moves you around the world, constantly introducing you to new places and people. It is genuinely unlike anything else.
What training did you need for this role? My position is junior housekeeper, so beyond the STCW and ENG1, nothing additional was formally required. That said, I chose to invest in a five-day interior course before I started — and I am glad I did.
Any vocabulary specific to your role that you would share with aspiring crew? Nothing is coming to mind right now — perhaps that is a sign I need to pay more attention!
What do you read daily? Health blogs, the news, and fiction e-books when I can. I always have something on the go.
If you could go back and change anything about your education or student years — would you? I honestly do not think I would. I dropped Biology in my second year, graduated in Product Design, and worked in that field for just over two years before ending up here. At the time it all felt rather chaotic. Now it makes perfect sense. Those experiences taught me who I am and led me exactly where I needed to be — and I am genuinely happy. You cannot argue with that.
What inspires you? Travelling, without question. And what I mean by that is everything travelling contains: the new cultures, the languages, the people, the exposure to ways of living that are completely different from your own. It is the best thing in the world. It is why I am here.
Thank you, Annick — here is to the Seychelles, the sea, and whatever extraordinary chapter comes next.
Oct 21, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews, The Superyacht Stewardess
An Interview with Superyacht Nanny Arielle Maia
Not every member of a superyacht crew works in the interior or on deck. Some of the most fascinating roles on board are the ones guests never see. Arielle Maia is a superyacht nanny, three years into a career at sea, and the writer behind the blog Little Mermaid At Sea. We caught up with her to find out what life really looks like from her corner of the yacht.
Where are you from? Annapolis, Maryland, USA.
What do you do in your spare time? I love anything that keeps me active. Lately I have got really into boxing — we have had a few months on land and I joined a recreational softball league too, which has been brilliant fun.
What makes you laugh? Everything, honestly. I can find something funny in almost any situation. But get me and my best friends together and we will turn absolutely anything into comedy.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Still in the travel and hospitality industry in some capacity. I have been giving some thought to hotel management lately, so something along those lines feels right.
Favourite holiday destination? That is a genuinely difficult question. I have always wanted to see the Greek islands and the pyramids in Egypt — but everywhere I have been in Europe makes my heart happy and I would go back in a heartbeat. You really cannot beat good bread and cheese with a view.
Where do you like to shop? Zara, Aritzia, and Madewell — but honestly, I probably spend most of my money in independent health food shops. I love trying new health foods and wellness trends.
What inspires you? Travelling, without question. Every time I arrive somewhere new I feel genuinely invigorated — there is a kind of high that comes from new sights and experiences that makes me see the world with fresh eyes every single time. I wish more people felt that way. I think it would do a great deal of good.
How long have you been in the superyacht industry? I completed my STCW in autumn 2010 but did not start working officially until a year later, so three years now.
What has been your biggest accomplishment? Finishing university and discovering my own independence. Both felt enormous at the time, and I am still proud of both.
Can you work under pressure? I think I actually work better under pressure. I love being busy, and I am generally good at compartmentalising and keeping a level head — which helps enormously in this industry.
What is the most difficult situation you have faced? Learning to accept my own flaws and limitations. We are all human — we have different strengths and weaknesses — and spending years berating yourself for the weaknesses rather than building on the strengths is exhausting and counterproductive. Learning to genuinely like who and what I am was a big challenge for a long time.
What are your pet hates? Passive aggression. I cannot stand it.
Tell me about the last time you felt real anger at work. I am not really someone who gets angry easily, but I think most crew will relate to what happens during a long shipyard period. Being stuck in one place for months — especially when the timeline keeps extending — can feel genuinely stifling. You have to actively work at keeping a good attitude so you do not become a miserable person to be around.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The sense of family we have on board. We are a small crew — just six of us, including the captain’s son — and we have all been together since the yacht launched. When you are so far from your actual family and friends, that closeness means everything. The travel is also, obviously, extraordinary.
Can you recommend a product or service for fellow stewardesses? We have been in the shipyard for months so my mind is not exactly sharp on this one — but oddly, all I keep thinking about is the tea tree oil cleaner our stewardess uses on the vents periodically. It is extremely pungent in person, but from a distance I have become strangely nostalgic for the smell of it. Make of that what you will.
One piece of advice for fellow crew and nannies? Take each day one at a time, but always be prepared. There is no point stressing about what is or is not coming. Give your best every single day, go to sleep knowing that you did, and let that be enough.
Introducing: Little Mermaid At Sea
Tell us about Little Mermaid At Sea. It was actually born over a farewell dinner with two of my closest friends. The original idea was simply a blog to keep family and friends at home updated on what I was getting up to on board and in my travels. It quickly grew into something much bigger after generating unexpected outside interest. Now I write about almost everything related to life on board, travel, and the specific experience of being a nanny aboard a private yacht.
When did your love of travel begin? My father was in the US Navy and we were stationed in Naples, Italy during the first few years of my childhood. I have essentially been saving for the next trip ever since.
What do you read daily? A handful of travel blogs I follow regularly, plus news — it is easy to get absorbed in the yacht bubble and lose track of the world. Beyond that I have been working through biographies and autobiographies lately. I find people and their interpretations of their own lives endlessly fascinating.
If you could change one thing about your education, what would it be? I always planned to study abroad in France and it did not happen due to circumstances outside my control. I studied French all the way through university and I still intend to live in Paris at some point and study at La Sorbonne. It is not off the table — just delayed.
What is the strangest thing you have encountered in your travels? I write an occasional blog series called Fun Fashion Friday, covering unusual fashion trends from around the world. The instalment that got the most attention — and that I personally found the most surprising — was about the prevalence of couples wearing matching outfits across parts of Asia. I even spotted a couple in matching swimwear in Hawaii. I genuinely could not believe it was commercially available.
One travel tip? Do not over-plan. Some of my best memories have come from simply wandering — no itinerary, no guidebook, just seeing where the day takes me. You never know what you will find when you stop trying to find it.
Thank you, Arielle. Find her at Little Mermaid At Sea — travel, life on board, and the occasional matching swimsuit.
Sep 24, 2014 | Interior Crew Interviews
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.
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.
