The Superyacht Stewardess and Basic Seamanship.

Basic seamanship can feel a little daunting for any newcomer to the yachting industry — but it is absolutely essential knowledge for any seafaring professional. And yes, that includes the superyacht stewardess.

Let me paint you a picture.

You have just landed your first job on a superyacht. Your bags are on board, you are buzzing with excitement, and the yacht is leaving port in two hours. The mate, chief officer, or safety officer — depending on the size of the vessel — gives you your initial safety briefing and walk-around, then asks you to meet him on the main deck, port side, amidships.

What do you do?

Do you giggle, flick your hair, and ask what on earth that means? Do you stride off confidently, only to find yourself hopelessly lost and thoroughly embarrassed when a crew member is sent to retrieve you? Or do you head straight to the correct spot — the middle of the vessel, roughly halfway between the bow and the stern, on the left-hand side?

If you want to be the third stewardess, read on.

Far too many stewardesses underestimate how important basic seamanship truly is. Understanding sailing terminology matters enormously — especially when the vessel is both your home and your workplace, and when knowing your way around could one day save your life.

Why Seamanship Matters for Interior Crew

You do not need to be a qualified deckhand to work in the interior. But the moment you step on board, you become part of the crew — and that carries real responsibilities. You will participate in safety drills. You will need to understand emergency procedures and your muster responsibilities. You will need to move around the vessel quickly and confidently, often in the dark, often under pressure.

Learning the language of the sea is the first step. It will help you navigate the vessel with ease, understand instructions instantly, present yourself as a credible professional from day one — and, in a genuine emergency, it could be the difference that matters most.

Essential Nautical Terminology

Below is a glossary I have put together to help you get your head around the most important nautical terms.

Aft: The back end of the yacht; also referred to as the stern.
Anchor ball: A round black shape hoisted forward to indicate the yacht is at anchor.

Bow / Forward: The front part of the yacht.
Bowline (line): The mooring line running from the bow when docking.
Bowline (knot): A knot that produces a strong, fixed loop. Well worth learning — it is invaluable for safely securing a tender.
Bosun: The non-commissioned officer responsible for deck equipment and in charge of the deck crew.
Beam: The width of the yacht at its widest point.
Bilge: The lowest compartment of the hull, where any water collects; often used for storage.
Bridge: The command centre from which the yacht is steered, navigated, and controlled — and a reliable place to find the captain.

Cast off: To release the lines and depart.
Capstan: A large vertical winch used to haul in anchors or tighten lines.
Cleat: A fitting to which lines are secured (made fast).
Cockpit: An opening in the deck from which a sailing yacht is handled.

Deck fittings: The hardware used to work and secure lines, including cleats, pad eyes, and bitts.
Dead ahead: Directly in front of the vessel.

EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon): A distress beacon that transmits the vessel’s location in an emergency. Know exactly where this is fitted on every yacht you work aboard — it could save your life.

Fairlead: A rounded opening used to guide a line and prevent chafing.
Fire extinguishers: Covered in your STCW firefighting module — here are the essentials again:
- Foam (Class A & B): For solids and liquids; commonly found in the interior.
- Powder (Class A, B & C): Effective but rarely used on board due to the collateral mess and damage they cause.
- CO₂ (Class B): Found in the galley and near electrical equipment. Never use on a person — it causes frost burns.
First mate (chief officer): Second in command.
Fender: An air-filled bumper that protects the hull from docks and other vessels.

Galley: The kitchen.
Gear: A general term for deck equipment — ropes, blocks, tackle, and so on.
Gangway: The point at which people board and disembark the vessel.

Head: The toilet.
Hull: The main body and structure of the vessel.

Keel: The central structural backbone running along the bottom of the vessel.
Knot: The unit of speed at sea. 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour ≈ 1.15 mph ≈ 1.85 km/h.

List: A lean or tilt to one side. (A tilt along the vessel’s length is called pitch.)
LOA (Length Overall): The total length of the yacht measured along its centreline.
Lazarette: The aft storage area — effectively the “garage” — where watertoys and equipment are kept.
Leeward: The side sheltered from the wind. The opposite of windward. (Pronounced “loo-erd.”)

Master: The captain.
Muster station: The designated assembly point for crew and guests in an emergency. Know yours from day one.

Passerelle: The walkway connecting the stern of the yacht to the shore.
Port side: The left side of the yacht when facing forward. Remember it with the old verse: “No port left in the bottle” — port side is left, and port the drink is red, just like the port navigation light.

Starboard side: The right side of the yacht when facing forward; the opposite of port. Note: port and starboard are always determined when facing the bow.
Screw: The propeller.
Scuppers: The drainage openings in the deck.
Spring line: A mooring line used in docking to prevent the vessel moving forward or astern.
Squall: A sudden, violent burst of wind, almost always accompanied by heavy rain.
Stern: The rear of the yacht.

Transom: The flat panel across the back of the yacht.

Windward: The direction from which the wind is blowing; the opposite of leeward.
Winch: A mechanical device used to haul in the anchor and tighten lines.

Learn Them, Live Them

Take a little time to memorise these terms before your first day on board. It will help you move around the vessel with confidence, understand your muster responsibilities far more quickly, and present yourself as the capable professional you intend to be from the very first moment you step across the gangway.

And one day — you never know — this knowledge may be exactly what you need in an emergency.

With thanks to my husband for his guidance in putting this together.

As always, wishing you safe travels and calm seas.