Quick Back Story
After 15 months onboard a private yacht doing housekeeping and laundry – I became hungry to step up in rank. One day – on the yacht I was on, I was completing my daily duty of cleaning the gym. As I set up the vacuum – my phone started ringing. It was an unknown number to me, I usually don’t answer unknown numbers but I was so intrigued, I answered. It was a crew recruiting agent from a very well reputable company. We had a general chat back and fourth, she then asked if I was available and interested in a second stew position on another private yacht. Without hesitation – I instantly said yes and asked for more information.
The agent gave me a rundown of what the position was and what they were looking for. She finished off by saying she knew I would be a perfect fit for the yacht. I asked a few questions and concluded that I would like to be put forward for the position.
Looking back on this – my advice to anyone would be always keep your options open and always put yourself forward for every opportunity!
The call concluded with both of us being happy with me going ahead for the position. My thoughts at this point was extreme happiness – finally an opportunity to step up and grow within the industry, being honest this was going to be a big step up – but I knew I would be great and know I will always try my hardest in any position I end up in. I was also super happy as I was head hunted for this position which gave me so much confidence because the agent seen something in me that stood out to her.
After a few days I had an interview set up with the chief stew on the new yacht, it all happened so fast and the next thing I knew A JOB OFFER – for a second stew position. I was so happy and over the moon. It was a bitter sweet moment for me. The crew I was working with are amazing and I knew I would miss working with some of them – but I knew I had to focus on what was best for my career. I accepted the offer with no hesitation, for me I had such great vibes during the interview and I just had such a great gut feeling. I didn’t have much reservations about the change. I knew even if it was going to be so difficult – I was ready and determined to prove to myself I can do what I set out to do!
WAs it anything i done?
I arrived at Nice Airport to meet my pick up whom was also anther crew member. He was super nice and really welcoming from the start. The journey in the car from Nice to Monaco was about a 40 minute drive. I was super nervous and awkward – if you know me you’ll know I hate small talk so I come swinging with big deep questions. So the drive was very good with the getting to know each other, I can say I walked out of that car knowing this was 100% the right move for me. I just had the feeling.
I arrived onto the yacht and escorted to my cabin, some of the crew were in the crewmess and were excited to greet me. The chief steward was super welcoming and shown me the basics – I said my greetings and headed to bed as it was late around 10pm…
The morning I was super stoked and happy to start my first day as a second stew. I literally just fit right in and took every task thrown at me and did them so well. You may think I am having a huge ego at the moment, but I am just relaying what was said about me, to me. The day flew by, I spent most of it buddied up with the laundry stew and she shown me the way they operate on that yacht. It was very standard like for like with my last yacht – but the difference in 22 meters is huge space wise, the laundry room was literally a corridor. I impressed the laundry stew with how fast I went and she said laundry had never been shut down that quick!
Day 2: I spent the day buddied with the housekeeper. I adore housekeeping so much, from the turn ups and turn downs of guests cabins – I just love starting with mess and walking away with the room pristine. I have always loved housekeeping from my Hilton Hotel job, it really is such a great industry.
We were in cleaning everywhere. I must say the yacht did have a small team, so it was important for me to go in with my high standards and impose them quickly. I pointed out a few things that we could do to improve and now that the interior team was a full team, we could. Well so I thought… Later that evening I was to help with dinner service. It was a very informal dinner more family style and very relaxed. I followed what the chief stew was doing and walked away feeling great about how it went.
Day 3: The chief stew greeted me with some amazing feedback – the family were enjoying me so far and that they loved how I interacted with them. They enjoyed someone who acknowledged them and not someone who would run or tip toe around them. Make yourself know and say hello, make small talk – that is exactly what I did.
I was in love with the new role, the new team and the yacht in general was stunning. A modern interior to die for. There wasn’t much planned for the day just odd jobs here and there as the family were out most of the day. I spent most of my day organising cupboards and doing wine inventory – nice and relaxed jobs.
We were really getting on well as a team and everyone was speaking highly of me. I am quite a hard worker and strive to give e the 7 star service that the owner/guest expect. So knowing people were noticing how well I was doing was very reassuring. I finished that evening and joined the crew in the crew-mess for some after work wine. It was nice to get to know them and spend the evening relaxing.
Day 4: contract terminated
Monday 20th March 2023. I woke up at 7am, got ready and headed for my morning coffee and banana. I decided as I was in such a good mood I would start the day earlier and be such a great team player. I headed upstairs and bumped into the chief stew asking him what I can start with today. I was to start housekeeping daily duties – he seemed off and very stressed. I just thought maybe it was the family requesting something or stressful chief stew things. I head to collect me cleaning caddy and vacuum.
I step into the captains cabin at about 7.55am bathroom done, moving onto the cabin taking my time as I know there is no rush… The chief stew turns up around 8.40am and asks me to step into the bridge…
I didn’t think anything sinister to begin with but when I stepped in and the captain was waiting with the chief officer – I had a cold feeling.
The captain says to take a seat and just before my ass settles on the chair – Capt: ‘We are going to have to terminate your contract’, my heart sank – I don’t usually get upset but this was deep cutting. I went numb.
Capt: ‘I really didn’t want to do this but ultimately it’s out of my control’. He continues giving me a beat around the bush response. Saying that it was the owners choice and that I wasn’t the preference they were looking for. I was shell shocked, Capt: ‘We – the chief stew, myself and all the crew have been super happy with everything you have shown so far and there is no doubt in my mind that you are a perfect fit for the yacht and crew – but the owners feel differently’. So I couldn’t even put up a fight, I couldn’t beg either as my fate was already sealed, the gavel was struck. He said they would usually need me to work a week then leave but I was free to leave that day.
I walked out of the bridge really upset, the chief stew consoled me and reassured me that I was doing amazing. He seemed not only shocked but also upset by the decision that was made. He said he spend the morning fighting for me – presumably that’s why he was stressed when I seen him an hour before…
I headed to my cabin and started to pack instantly, I broke down. I called my boyfriend and explained what happened – breaking into tears as I spoke with him. I texted the chief stew to book me a flight home to Aberdeen that day if possible. 20 minutes later an email with my flight booking, I had 5 hours until I was to fly home. I finished packing and just laid on the bed. The laundry stew was off that day and she came to sit with me and chat. She kept me positive and offered to drive me to the airport at 1pm. I was relieved at this offer as I knew she would keep the vibes high in such a crap situation.
I arrived home Monday night around 10pm…
what now?
It has been 3+ weeks since that situation and I am still at home in Aberdeen looking for my next position. It is extremely hard for men in the interior to get a position so this is just a waiting game for me. There was a few offers that came in but I wasn’t 100% set on them so I passed them. I would rather wait for the great gut feeling to come along rather than jump into another position just because I am stressed about not having a job. So im just at home with my partner James and 2 dogs. Which is such a great thing as I’ve only seen the dogs for a month out of the last 15 so this is great time to spend with them.
This time has also allowed me to revamp my blog and change everything. Creating You’ve Yacht To Be Kidding has been a great escape and fun project. I am excited to keep updating you all with my journey and with inside stories of the industry.
I have hesitated writing about this because I didn’t want to but bad vibes es or energy out there. But I feel like sharing this will show you all that you should never let a tough situation bring you down or hold you back! We are all amazing and all have something great to offer – get out there and show they how amazing g you are!
I want to thank you for taking the time to read today and I would love to hear your feedback. Let me kn ow your thoughts in the comments.
You've Yacht To Be Kidding 
So inspiring…you should never let a tough situation bring you down
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Amen to that 🫶
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Great post!
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Wonderful post! Honestly, housekeeping is fun sometimes and love to do it.
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It might have been a blessing in disguise.
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