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So you want to be a Stew

So you want to be a Stew

Benjamin Dalton
July 29, 2024

Hello, I hope you all are having a fantastic day. This week’s newsletter brings you the latest industry news and essential insights for yacht crew. Stay informed on the evolving superyacht landscape, discover valuable training resources, and gain expert advice to elevate your career. Let’s dive in!

Fact of the day

The superyacht market is projected to reach $10.8 billion by 2026

In today’s email

So you want to be a Stew
Recent news

What is a Stew

A stew, or stewardess, is a crucial member of the interior crew on a superyacht. Their primary role is to provide exceptional service to the yacht's owner and guests while maintaining the yacht's interior in pristine condition.

Stews are responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

Guest service: Anticipating and fulfilling the needs of guests, from serving meals and drinks to organizing activities.
Cabin maintenance: Keeping guests' cabins clean, tidy, and stocked with amenities.
Laundry and ironing: Ensuring all linens and clothing are immaculate.

Table setting and service: Creating beautiful table settings and providing impeccable service during meals.
General housekeeping: Maintaining the yacht's interior in impeccable condition, including public areas, guest cabins, and crew quarters.

While it might sound glamorous, the role of a stew is demanding and requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. It's a position that often involves long hours and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Essencial Skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills: Ability to interact with diverse people, including high-net-worth individuals.
Discretion and confidentiality: Handling sensitive information with utmost discretion.
Patience and tact: Maintaining composure under pressure and dealing with demanding guests.
Anticipation of needs: Being proactive in fulfilling guests' desires.
Strong work ethic: Dedication to the job and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with the rest of the crew.

Housekeeping and cleaning: Maintaining impeccable standards of cleanliness.
Laundry and ironing: Proficiency in handling delicate fabrics.
Food and beverage service: Knowledge of wine, spirits, and basic food preparation.
Table setting and etiquette: Creating elegant table settings and providing impeccable service.
First aid and safety: Basic first aid knowledge and understanding of yacht safety procedures.

Additional Desirable Skills

Foreign language proficiency: Ability to communicate with guests from different cultures.
Water sports knowledge: Assisting guests with water-based activities.
Spa treatments: Basic knowledge of massage or other spa services.
Crowd management: Basic or advanced skills in crowd management in emergencies

These skills, combined with a passion for luxury service, form the foundation for a successful career as a superyacht stew.

What to expect

The Glamorous Side

Travel: Explore stunning destinations around the world.
Luxury lifestyle: Work in a world of opulence and exclusivity.
Personal growth: Develop exceptional interpersonal and service skills.

The Reality

Long hours: Expect demanding schedules, especially during charter season.
Physical demands: Housekeeping, laundry, and heavy lifting are part of the job.
Living in close quarters: Sharing a small space with crew members can be challenging.
High expectations: Guests have exacting standards, requiring constant attention to detail.

The Challenges

Homesickness: Being away from family and friends for extended periods.
Adaptability: Being flexible to changing itineraries and guest requests.
Stressful environments: Dealing with high-pressure situations and demanding guests.

Where to start

Gain Experience:

Hospitality industry: Work in hotels, restaurants, or high-end resorts to develop essential skills like customer service, housekeeping, and food and beverage service.
Private households: Consider working for wealthy families to get a taste of luxury service and attention to detail

Obtain Necessary Certifications:

STCW Basic Safety Training: This is mandatory for working on commercial vessels.
Food Hygiene Certification: Essential for handling food safely.
First Aid: A valuable asset for any crew member.
Stay tuned! next week we will explore the role of Engineer.