I am deeply honored by the nomination for this prestigious award, a moment that seems to echo the excitement of my maiden voyage to Antibes, a journey that now spans numerous years and diverse vessels, punctuated by encounters with extraordinary individuals. Through yachting, I have cultivated invaluable relationships with people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise, an experience that has enriched my life beyond measure. As I write this, about to pop on my pirate hat for yet another Pirate Treasure hunt for guests and kiddies, and having just come off my 12th crossing a few weeks ago, this time dropping anchor in the beautiful waters of Tahiti, I feel so grateful for all the experiences, late nights, rewarding moments and I wouldn’t change a thing. Having garnered the hats of Purser, Head of Service and Chief stew I feel I am most thankful for the teams I have had the pleasure of working with, the conversations and lessons that have shaped me, and made me the woman I am today.
Yachting, with its kaleidoscope of experiences, has proven to be an extraordinary crucible for personal growth, expanding the boundaries of our worlds in ways we could scarcely imagine. I am profoundly grateful for this journey and for the opportunity to share my insights and experiences with aspiring young women navigating their own paths in this industry. Guided by a philosophy rooted in empowerment and mutual support, I believe in nurturing an environment where each individual can flourish, where strengths are celebrated, and vulnerabilities embraced.
During moments of rest, I find solace in imparting my knowledge through teaching stewardess courses back at home in South Africa, witnessing the spark of enthusiasm in eager faces, a poignant reminder of the profound impact yachting can have on both mentor and mentee alike. I have also been lucky enough to be able to host Pilates/barre to Charter guests in-between accounts and service of course. All of this just proves how lucky we are in this world to do so much, and so all the years spent as Chief Stewardess / Party Planner / Balloon Arch Technician / Florist / DJ / Room reader – to name a few, as we all know, will be at the very top of my proudest moments and highest achievements because nothing will ever be quite as rewarding.
Indeed, this journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, filled with moments of joy and fulfillment—though, admittedly, none quite rival the sheer delight of assuming the esteemed role of professional dessert tester in the galley. Thank you ACREW for this nomination!
