Chanel Marais

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, I discovered my passion for hospitality and service at a young age. After completing my studies in hotel & restaurant management at a renowned private hotel school, I embarked on a journey that would lead me to the world of luxury yachting.

I began my career working on a private island in the Bahamas, honing my skills in guest services and attention to detail. This experience laid the foundation for my future success in the yachting industry. Over the course of 12 years, I worked my way up from a junior stewardess to the esteemed position of Chief Stew / Project Manager.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working on a variety of charter and private vessels of different sizes. However, I have always felt most at home on 50 – 65m vessels, where I can truly excel in creating a warm and welcoming environment for both guests and crew.

Currently, I am dedicated to designing and delivering interior training programs in Cape Town, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skillset of junior crew members. I am also passionate about providing mentorship and guidance to both new and experienced crew, with the goal of fostering a new generation of industry professionals.

My commitment to excellence and lifelong learning drives me to constantly strive for improvement and innovation within the yachting industry. I am honored to be considered for the Crew Awards nomination in the Best Chief Stew/Purser category, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact on the industry I love.