Super Yachting South Africa Stewardess

CONGRATULATIONS to our Director and Stewardess Trainer LEGEND Isobel Odendaal - once again nominated in the ACREW International Awards for LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT!!

And yet another year (as every year since ACrew inception in 2018), we have a SYSA Stewardess course graduate amongst the nominees. CONGRATULATIONS to CINDY-LEE SCHENK for being nominated in the BEST CHIEF STEW/PURSER Award!

The ACREW Crew Awards are an annual, globally recognized program celebrating excellence, dedication and professionalism among superyacht captains and crew. The prestigious event honors outstanding individuals and teams across 14 categories through an impartial judging panel of industry leaders.

Established as the only impartial international awards programme in the industry, they recognize exceptional individuals across more than a dozen distinct categories. The Crew Awards process relies heavily on industry peers nominating top talent, who are then carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of experienced captains and senior crew members. Winners are subsequently honoured at a spectacular, themed multi-day ceremony (typically held in glamorous European destinations like Ibiza, Amsterdam, or Porto Montenegro).

SYSA Steward/ess graduates and our very own Isobel have been nominated, finalists or winners in various categories EACH year since the ACREW Awards inception in 2018.

THIS IS WHY WE ARE SO INVESTED IN OUR STUDENTS - WE LOVE GETTING THESE MAILS!!

"Hello Isobel! I just wanted to inform you that I got a job and I just wanted to say thank you! Your training has proved vital and has helped me ease into my junior stewardess role as more experienced, rather than completely green. Thank you for everything and sending hugs. Regards, IBN"

AND THE GOOD NEWS KEEPS ROLLING IN!! We are so proud of our Stewardess Course students!!!

"Dear Isobel, I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve officially secured a position as a Junior Stewardess on a 140m+ yacht, and I wanted to thank you for the training and guidance you provided me throughout the course. It truly helped prepare me for this opportunity. I am very excited to begin this new chapter. Thank you again for all your support and encouragement. Kind regards, IO"

THE REALITY OF WORKING ON LUXURY YACHTS

By Takasi Vlogs

Working on a luxury yacht is a dream career for many people around the world. Social media often shows beautiful destinations, expensive lifestyles, and glamorous parties. However, behind the luxury is a demanding industry that requires discipline, hard work, and professionalism.

For aspiring yacht crew, understanding the real life onboard is important before entering the industry.

LONG WORKING HOURS
One of the biggest realities of yachting is the workload. Crew members often work:
* 12 to 16 hours a day
* Without weekends during charter season
* Early mornings until late at night
During busy periods, rest can become very limited. Crew must remain professional and energetic even when tired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Yachting is physically exhausting, especially for deck crew. Daily tasks may include:
* Washing down the yacht
* Polishing stainless steel
* Carrying heavy equipment
* Handling mooring lines
* Sanding and varnishing
* Launching tenders and water toys
The work requires strength, endurance, and attention to detail.

HIGH STANDARDS
Luxury yachts operate at extremely high standards. Owners and guests expect perfection in:
* Cleanliness
* Service
* Appearance
* Maintenance
* Organization
Even small mistakes such as fingerprints on glass or poorly arranged lines can be noticed.

LIVING WHERE YOU WORK
Unlike normal jobs, yacht crew live onboard where they work. Crew cabins are usually small, and privacy can be limited.
Crew members must learn how to:
* Respect shared spaces
* Work closely with others
* Maintain professionalism at all times
Good teamwork is essential because everyone lives together for long periods.

GUEST SERVICE COMES FIRST
When guests are onboard, crew focus entirely on guest satisfaction. This means:
* Smiling even when tired
* Responding quickly to requests
* Remaining discreet and professional
* Maintaining a positive attitude
Luxury yachting is part hospitality and part maritime work.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES
One of the biggest rewards of yachting is travel. Crew may visit destinations such as:
* Monaco
* Saint-Tropez
* Maldives
* Ibiza
* Bahamas
However, many crew discover that they often see these places while working rather than relaxing.

STRONG DISCIPLINE AND HIERARCHY
Yachts operate with strict hierarchy similar to the maritime and military industries. Captains and senior crew expect:
* Respect
* Punctuality
* Obedience to procedures
* Professional behavior
Crew who cannot handle discipline often struggle in yachting.

MENTAL CHALLENGES
Working far from family, handling stress, and living in confined spaces can become mentally difficult. Crew may experience:
* Fatigue
* Homesickness
* Pressure from guests
* Lack of privacy
Mental resilience is very important for long-term success onboard.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Despite the hard work, yachting can provide:
* Competitive salaries
* Tax advantages in some cases
* Free accommodation
* Free meals
* Opportunities for tips
Many crew use yachting to save money and build financial stability.

CONCLUSION
The luxury yachting industry offers incredible opportunities, but it is not an easy career. Behind the glamorous photos are hardworking crew members maintaining high standards every day.
People who succeed in yachting are usually disciplined, hardworking, adaptable, and passionate about life at sea.

Why Networking Is Important in the Yachting Industry
By Takasi Vlogs

In the yachting industry, networking is one of the most powerful tools for finding jobs and building a successful career. Many yacht positions are filled through personal recommendations before they are even publicly advertised.

For green crew and experienced crew alike, building strong industry connections can create opportunities that online applications alone cannot provide.

Many Yacht Jobs Are Never Posted Online
Unlike traditional industries, many yacht captains prefer hiring through:
* Crew recommendations
* Personal contacts
* Dockwalking encounters
* Crew agencies
* Previous coworkers
This is because captains trust referrals from people they already know.

First Impressions Matter
Networking allows captains and crew to see:
* Your attitude
* Communication skills
* Professionalism
* Confidence
* Work ethic
A strong first impression can sometimes be more valuable than years of experience.

Dockwalking Creates Connections
One of the best networking methods for green crew is dockwalking.
Walking around marinas helps crew:
* Meet captains and deckhands
* Learn about job openings
* Find daywork opportunities
* Gain industry advice
* Build friendships in yachting
Popular yachting hubs like Antibes and Palma de Mallorca are known for strong networking opportunities.

Daywork Often Leads to Permanent Jobs
Many crew get hired permanently after networking through temporary daywork.
Captains often prefer hiring someone they have already worked with because they can observe:
* Reliability
* Teamwork
* Attitude
* Work quality
Good dayworkers are frequently recommended to other yachts.

Social Media Helps Networking
Today, networking also happens online through:
* Instagram
* Facebook groups
* LinkedIn
* Crew forums
* Yachting communities

Professional social media presence can help crew connect with:
* Captains
* Recruiters
* Yacht crew
* Training centers
However, professionalism online is very important.

Your Reputation Travels Fast
The yachting industry is small, and reputations spread quickly.
Positive reputation comes from:
* Hard work
* Good attitude
* Professional behavior
* Reliability
* Respect toward crew
Negative behavior can also spread quickly and affect future opportunities.

Networking Is Not Just About Asking for Jobs
Successful networking also means:
* Helping others
* Learning from experienced crew
* Building genuine relationships
* Staying respectful
* Supporting teammates
People are more likely to recommend crew they genuinely enjoy working with.

Crew Agencies Value Networking Too
Many yacht recruitment agencies remember applicants who:
* Communicate professionally
* Stay active in the industry
* Maintain updated CVs
* Follow up respectfully
Good networking can help applicants stay visible to recruiters.

Confidence and Communication Matter
Strong networking skills include:
* Good communication
* Confidence without arrogance
* Professional appearance
* Respectful behavior
* Positive attitude
Captains often hire people they believe will fit well with the existing crew.

Conclusion
In the yachting industry, networking is often the key that opens doors to new opportunities. Skills and certificates are important, but relationships and reputation can strongly influence career success.

For many yacht crew, one conversation, one recommendation, or one daywork opportunity became the beginning of a long-term career at sea.

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AAAAND ANOTHER HAPPY DANCE! Well done to our former SYSA Steward/ess course student who found a job last week!!

“Good day Isobel! I just wanted to let you know that I’ve got my first job, and wanted to thank you for everything! I’m so grateful that I did your course because otherwise I would be so lost! Every day I’m reviewing my notes and the manual, eager to continue to learn and being the best that I can be.

I’m also so grateful for the stuff you drilled into our heads. I’m a sole stew on a Sunseeker yacht. My captain is really nice and we get along well which is cool. Also had my first charter yesterday! Thank you for everything, couldn’t have done it without you! I hope to make you proud!” Love, GN

SPECIAL SPECIAL PEOPLE! Lovely spoils from the SYSA Advanced Service Course this week, as well as Nadia, a former Stewardess course student, who popped in at the classroom today to spoil me! You guys are so special and THANKS THANKS THANKS! And all my students know my favourite Chef is Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen!! :)