Venture Blog

SUPERYACHT TRAINING - MOVING UP THE RANKS 

Another Mediterranean summer is drawing to a close, the Monaco Yacht Show is about to light up, and exhausted crews are powering through the final leg of the season. That’s a wrap on Med 2025, you’ve counted your tips, counted your days, so… what’s next?

Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m ready to step up.” With crew reshuffling just around the corner, how can you, as a Head of Department, support your team? And as a junior crew member, how can you get the vital superyacht training and knowledge you need to move forward in your career?

Here’s a little from my own journey, after 15 years as a Hospitality Manager and Chief Stewardess.

Why Knowledge Sharing in Yachting Matters

The years go by quickly. It feels like yesterday I was in my 20s, starting out in the yachting industry. Looking back now, I’m grateful for the career I had, the doors it opened, the experiences it gave me, and the knowledge I gained.

But here’s the truth: knowledge means nothing unless it’s shared. Too often, when senior interior crew leave yachting at the end of their 30s, years of valuable yacht interior training and experience simply disappear.

That’s why I always made teaching a priority on board. My mantra was: train your team so they can do your job better than you – then you can take a longer break. Work smarter, not harder.

If you’re confident in your own skills, you should never fear someone stepping up to take your job. In fact, nothing made me prouder than seeing junior crew spread their wings and move up to Second Stews, Chief Stews, or even Pursers.

But here’s the reality: training and knowledge aren’t free. You have to earn them. I’ve worked with crew that expected to be handed opportunities without putting in the effort. That doesn’t work. You need to show your manager that you want it, that you’re willing to put in the extra time and energy. Only then will they invest in you.

As a HOD, I always asked my team about their goals. Was yachting a career path, or just a gap year? Were they interested in moving from laundry to service? There’s no point spending hours training someone who has no intention of progressing.

Because for most good managers, teaching is just as rewarding as learning is for you. A great manager is also a great teacher.

Practical Tips for Superyacht Crew Training (Interior Version)

Whether you’re a Head of Department or a junior just starting, here are some practical ways to keep crew training and career progression moving forward on board.

For Heads of Department (HODs)

Micro-train daily – You won’t find hours to dedicate to training mid-season, so grab little moments. Use service, turnarounds, or guest trips as live teaching opportunities.

Bring them in – Example: If guests are ashore before dinner and laundry is under control, get a junior stew to set the table with you. Talk them through the process.

Explain the “why” – Why the glass is placed here, why the label faces forward, why you use finger bowls, how the menu ties into the table setting.

Enforce time management – Don’t just say “set the table.” Say “set it by half past.” Deadlines matter.

Teach mise en place – Before setting up, have a plan. Example: Tomorrow is Japanese night. What do you need? Chopsticks, rests, sauce bowls, mixing bowls, deco fans, napkins, etc. Use a checklist until it becomes second nature.

Pass on short-cuts – Show practical tricks: using the right tray to save trips, loading the dumbwaiter efficiently. Every yacht is different, so don’t assume crew just “know.”

Delegate with purpose – Give responsibility in small steps. Let your team help with accounts, input receipts, or shadow provisioning. Small ownership builds big confidence.

Give feedback fast – Correct mistakes in the moment, kindly, and always explain the why. Feedback sticks best in the moment.

Lead by example – Be the standard before you expect the standard. Keep checking yourself, keep learning. If you don’t know something, look it up; the internet is in your hands.

For Junior Crew

Be proactive – Ask to shadow, take notes, and repeat tasks until you’ve mastered them. My first boat? I learnt how to iron a shirt from YouTube. If I could back then, well no excuses today!

Show commitment – Arrive early, stay focused, volunteer for the less glamorous jobs, they teach the most. HOD is working extra, offer to help.

Ask smart questions – Don’t just ask “how?” Ask “why?” You’ll remember the reasoning far better than a quick instruction.

Practice off-shift – Fold napkins, check over manuals, or study wine lists in your own time. It won’t go unnoticed.

Track your progress - Keep a record of what you’ve learned. At season’s end, you’ll have proof of growth – and leverage to ask for a training allowance, pay rise, or permanent role.

As this season wraps up, ask yourself: Are you sharing what you know? Are you showing that you want to learn?

The future of yachting careers depends on both. Whether you’re aiming for Chief Stewardess, Purser, or beyond, remember skills and knowledge aren’t just personal achievements. They’re the foundation of a stronger, more professional superyacht industry.