Mar 7, 2015 | The Chief Stewardess, The Superyacht Stewardess
The following article is an excerpt from my new book:
” The Stewardess Bibles Guide to Achieving Excellence in Service”
Module One.
We’ve talked about the fun aspects of working on a Superyacht, so lets just for a minute look at what the work actually is. As a Superyacht stewardesses your job description is basically domestic help. Yes I know many people do not like the idea of being called domestic help especially those who have good educations; however , cleaning, serving, and taking care of someone’s personal effects is in essence domestic work.
You can find traces of domestic workers way back in history, however from the point of this chapter we will focus on the period from the mid 1900’s where the business of household domestic staff was booming in both Europe and in North America.
The conditions faced by domestic workers has varied over the years and from household to household. Traditionally people who took on the work as a domestic worker came from poorer socioeconomic situations, and depending on the individual’s skill set would evolve into a hierarchical system. Individuals would get paid for the services that they performed, however with no real legal protection many were taken advantage of. The only real advantage of becoming a domestic worker was on the provision of food, clothing accommodation and a modest wage. Service was based on an apprenticeship system with room to advance over time through the ranks. Domestic servants were divided into upper and lower classes.
The upper servants carried out duties such as:
- Butler
- Footman
- Governess
- Skilled cook
- Head housekeeper
- Lady’s maid
- Horse trainer
- Chauffeur
- Butler
- Librarian
- Grounds keeper
- Nanny
- Secretary
- Masseur
- Au pair
- Valet
The lower servants carried out the following duties:
- Kitchen maid
- Scullery maid
- Lackey
- Handyman
- Laundress
- Nursemaid
- Wet-nurse
- Pool boy
- Stable boy
- House maid
- Knave
- Boot boy
- Dog walker
Historically most household servants lived within the house, in an allocated area usually called the staff quarter. The accommodation was often substandard accommodation. I.e. The kitchen, the basement or in the attic. They wore simple yet presentable clothing and it was not uncommon for workers work between 16-18 hours a day.
So how does the super yacht industry compare to the above historical overview?
Well many aspects of historical service still may be applied to the super yacht industry, however the notable difference lies within the people involved; both the owners of the yachts, and the staff who crew the yachts. Whilst a limited amount of research has been done on this topic I will rely on my own experience and personal thoughts hypothesize the differences.
Owning a super yacht requires a great amount of wealth, a super yacht is very visible, very public. A super yacht is international a thing of beauty to be shown off the rest of the world. Therefore many owners of super yachts want beautiful people top to match their beautiful yacht.
In addition to the ‘ego side’ of owning a super yacht and Unlike the domestic work force who have very little if any legal right at all to rely on; the super yacht industry is protected by strict rules and regulations under international maritime law and as such has industry standards to adhere to. Such as salary standards, and work regulations, and accommodation standards.
The staff who crew these amazing vessels are very different from traditional domestic workers. In general they come from wealthy Western countries and are highly educated. They generally flock to the docks of the Mediterranean sea and USA Florida, in search of travel, sunshine and good salaries. In addition to this the super yacht industry has incredible high standards and as such offer many training programs, which ensure that the crew on board are highly skilled, trained, efficient workers.
Furthermore I believe this to be the main difference between historical domestic workers and super yacht crew;. Professional yacht crew make a conscious choice to work in domestic service. They are not forced to work in service if they chose not to. This makes a huge difference in their self esteem, personal development and career advancement, resulting in high standards and excellence in service.
[features_box_light_green width=”75%” + border=”2px”]
Case study: No action required here just food for thought:
A few years ago I was hiring new crew in Antibes France for the upcoming Mediterranean summer season. I required 2 new junior stewardesses.
The salary on offer was 2500 Euro per month, plus the usual medical , 1 month paid holiday and 1 economy class return flight home per year.
Throughout the season I had to constantly reprimand one of the stewardesses. She was new to the yachting industry, so had absolutely no experience. Training and support were consistent and ongoing, however I was met with a barrage of belligerence, criticism, tiredness, tardiness and laziness.
After some time the summer was going ok, the interior team of 4 was settled in and getting on with the tasks at hand. One day the 4 year experienced Phillipina stewardess came to me in tears after a personal incident which recently occurred at home. After a quiet conversation I was horrified and appalled to find that she was being paid only $500 per month. To end the story without further deliberation, the captain rectified the situation with the management company, The Phillipina stewardess was paid $2500 per month her personal situation at home was helped and I had to be satisfied with the outcome.
I say satisfied because one stewardess was hard working , Keen to learn, had years of experience and was a pleasure to be around. On the other hand I had to deal with what was like a temperamental teenager who would throw a tantrum at any given moment, and who was paid more simply because of the color of her skin and the way she looked.
This made me think of the injustices in the world and how far has domestic service really come over the years?
Mar 6, 2015 | The Superyacht Stewardess
Alternatives to swearing like a sailor.
Dear Crew,
I found this on Graduate Fasttrack (from a social media site) and I thought that as the season has just begun, it would be a perfect time to share with you this letter.
Please note that I am a big big fan of interpersonal communication and I think that it is very important to be able to express your feelings when you talk with your fellow crew member’s.
Therefore, try adopting some of the suggested expressions below
|
Instead of saying: |
Try Saying: |
| 1 |
You don’t have a f***ing clue, do you? |
I think you could do with more training |
| 2 |
She’s a f***ing power-crazy b*tch |
She’s an aggressive go-getter |
| 3 |
And when the f*** do you expect me to do this? |
Perhaps I can work late (again) |
| 4 |
F*** off a*se-hole |
I’m certain that isn’t feasible |
| 5 |
Well f*** me backwards with a telegraph pole |
Really? |
| 6 |
Tell someone who gives a f*** |
Perhaps you should check with… |
| 7 |
Not my f***ing problem mate |
I wasn’t involved in the project |
| 8 |
What the f*** |
That’s interesting |
| 9 |
No f***ing change mate |
I’m note sure this can be implemented within the given time scale |
| 10 |
Whythe f*** didn’t you tell me that yesterday? |
It will be tight, but I’ll try to schedule it in |
| 11 |
He’s got his head up his f***ing a*se |
He’s not familiar with the issue |
| 12 |
Oi, f*** face |
Excuse me, sir? |
Remember that for most you you, your summer season has just stated.
So when you are ready to throw someone over board, just remember to adopt a little mantra, to help you calm your mind and stay in the now.
My mantra was: Its just a bad day not a bad life:
Wishing you all a successful summer season and calm seas.
K.x
P.S. If you feel you can contribute further to this list then please feel free to add your comments below.
Don’t forget to claim your copy of The Stewardess Bible before the price goes up. Offer ends 30 June 2014
Forget The Swear Jar.Alternatives to swearing like a sailor.
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.
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.
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
You can find traces of domestic workers way back in history, however from the point of this chapter we will focus on the period from the mid 1900’s where the business of household domestic staff was booming in both Europe and in North America.
