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.
