A Guide to Becoming a Superyacht Steward/Stewardess
For those with a passion for the sea, a keen eye for service, and a desire to explore the world in the lap of luxury, becoming a superyacht crew member is an exciting and rewarding career choice. Plus, it's a great way to earn serious money with no overheads as working on board a yacht means your bed and board is all covered by the employer. Yes, the work's tough and hours can be long but then at the end of the season your savings will look a lot healthier! So let's talk specifics – this week let's talk about how to become a stewardess. Serving on board these floating gin palaces requires a unique set of skills, a dedication to excellence, and a love for providing unparalleled hospitality. Here's my comprehensive guide on how to set sail (pun fully intended) on the path to becoming a superyacht steward or stewardess.
Develop Essential Skills:
Let's talk soft skills for a moment. To succeed as a superyacht stewy, hone your interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. This stuff is just life skills 101 – you'll hopefully have developed these just by being alive (ok that's a bit sarcy but, if you've studied for exams or had a part time job you should have these). Attention to detail is paramount, as is the ability to remain calm under pressure. Familiarise yourself with etiquette and refine your problem-solving abilities – attributes that are essential for delivering top-notch service on board.
Complete Necessary Certifications:
Step one is to get your STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), but before even doing that, get your ENG1 medical certificate to make sure you're medically fit to work on at sea. These certifications are the minimum prerequisites for securing a position on a superyacht. If you have the funds, then a Powerboat level 2 would be a great addition to your portfolio – that means you'll be able to drive the tender which is not just useful… it's fun for you.
Acquire Relevant Training:
While a formal training course for working as interior crew isn't required by yachts, completing courses in, say, yacht specific interior duties (service, laundry, housekeeping etc) could set you apart from other applicants. Especially if you don't have a strong hospitality background or high end restau experience. If you do interior training, look for PYA endorsed GUEST courses as these are recognised.
Build Practical Experience:
Gain practical experience in the hospitality industry. Work in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates or top quality ski lodges to develop that strong foundation in relevant and transferrable skills. This experience will serve as a valuable asset when applying for superyacht stew positions. I love working with crew who've worked in luxury chalets as they have all the skills necessary to transition smoothly onto a yacht.
Create a Professional CV:
Craft a polished and professional CV that highlights your relevant skills, education, and experience. Include any certifications, foreign language proficiency, and a professional-looking photo. Your CV is your first impression so if you're telling people you have great attention to detail in one sentence then spell yacht incorrectly in the next… well you're going to miss out so take some time over this document!
Network within the Superyacht Community:
Get to where the action is! That means Mallorca in the Springtime. Attend industry events, boat shows (ours is usually held in the last weekend of April over the 1st May bank holiday), and networking gatherings to connect with professionals in the superyacht industry. Building a network can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into the industry. Keep an eye on Facebook Palma Yacht Crew page as Lars, the admin, often organises crew meet ups.
Dockwalk:
This is the BEST way to get your first yacht job. I'll cover this in a future article, but just know that most yachts don't advertise anywhere for their newbies, they pick up dockwalkers with the right atti
Apply for Positions:
Utilise online platforms, crew agencies, and industry-specific job boards to explore job opportunities. Tailor your applications to showcase your unique skills and experiences relevant to the superyacht industry. If you need to adapt your CV or cover letter for a specific job, don't be afraid to do it. One size doesn't fit all.
Serving on board these floating gin palaces requires a unique set of skills,a dedication to excellence, and a love for providing unparalleled hospitality.
Prepare for Interviews:
I'm going to cover interviews in a future article so stay tuned. But in the meantime: be prepared for rigorous interviews that may assess your problem-solving skills, cultural awareness, and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. Showcase your enthusiasm, adaptability, and commitment to delivering exceptional service.
I think that's enough to get any wannabe stew started on his/her journey! Stay tuned for more hints and tips in future articles.
Today I'm speaking with Lucy Ireland, originally from the UK, she's been based in Mallorca 19 years. She is the co-owner of Superyacht Uniforms, Superyacht Eco and Orca Superyacht Signs with her husband David.
Q.—What
A. — “We originally moved here for the weather and a better way of life. I'm not sure if we ever planned it to be forever but once we arrived and put our heart and soul into our first business, we knew this was our home for good.”
attracted you to the island? Q.—What’s the hardest thing about living in Mallorca?
A. — “Finding a good Chinese restaurant!”
your background before you started your current business(es)?
A. — “I was only 23 when we moved here. I was fresh out of university where I studied business and was ready for my first challenge. My partner David had left yachts several years before where he'd started as
Q.—What’s
deckhand and worked his way up to Captain .”
Q.—What
A. — “After selling our original business several years ago we now have a new range of businesses offering various services to the superyacht industry. Superyacht uniforms supplies uniforms. With 19 years' experience we are in a perfect position to advise and assist our key accounts with their uniform requirements moving to more sustainable supply wherever possible. We also have Superyacht Eco supplying Ecostore Products. Superyacht Eco have been in partnership with Viveco yachts since last year expanding our offering of sustainable products. Finally with Orca we supply Yacht, shop, and car signage, and more. We have a customer facing studio in the hub of Santa Catalina with warehouse, offices and a production facility just a few minutes away. A
does your business do?
further eco warehouse in Holland and clothing factory facilities in Europe and Asia.” Q.—
What’s your USP (unique selling point) – as in, what makes you better than your competitors?
A. — “Our focus has always been on personable customer service. This is paramount to all our businesses. As is the move to more sustainability in all our operations and the suppliers we use.
For uniforms our USP is also supplying our own brand of clothing to control quality and continuity for the client.”
Q.—What’s the best thing about your job?
A. — “Our team. Life is too short to spend time doing something you don't enjoy so we always strive to make our workplace somewhere enjoyable. Our current team is more like family. The energy in our studio and offices is positive and friendly and I do feel that rolls over to the clients and how they feel.”
Q.— What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A. — “Every day is a challenge but in a good way. We never get bored. With a diverse range of businesses no day is the same. Our team stay fluid, dynamic and interested purely because their days are not monotonous. We love a challenge!”
Q.—What would you like to do next?
A. — “Our plan now is to stay at our current number and just work on constantly improving our services. Our focus is to continue increasing sustainability and expanding our own range of clothing.”
you could have any yacht in the world for a day, which one would you pick? Where? Why? And who would you take onboard?
Q.—If
A. — “I like beautiful sail yachts like SY Marie. The
Maldives would be amazing. I'd take my 3 daughters and husband as family is everything to me.”
Q.—What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A. — “I can be found on the padel courts, or sharing reiki healing with my friends and family. Spirituality is a priority in everyday life, treating people how you like to be treated and treating everyone with love and respect in both professional and private lives. I spend a lot of my free time sharing these values with others and bringing my 3 girls up with these principles.”
advice would you give to anyone looking to establish a yacht related business in Mallorca?
Q.—What
A. — “It's very challenging, more so now than 19 years ago but if you have the right mindset and determination it can be a fantastic way of life.”
Q.—Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Still in Mallorca? Still running your business?
Lucy Ireland, originally from the UK, she’s been based in Mallorca 19 years. She is the co-owner of Superyacht Uniforms, Superyacht Eco and Orca Superyacht Signs with her husband David.
A. — “Yes we will still be here. I can think of no better place to bring children up. The businesses will be thriving and we will be happy and healthy.”