Cantleigh Groenewald

“ Growing up in a busy household, my parents instilled in me a deep love for adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion. This passion for connection has shaped my journey, allowing me to work alongside incredible individuals from all over the world and build friendships I never could have imagined.
My innate desire to care for others initially led me to study medicine, however I soon realised that my true calling lay beyond the confines of four walls. Drawn to adventure and the joy of creating meaningful experiences for others, I found my way into yachting—a career that perfectly combines service, leadership, and the unexpected.

Under the guidance of an incredible chief stew, I adapted quickly to the industry, stepping into my first Chief Stew role on a 75m yacht eight years ago and now proudly leading a power team on a 90m charter vessel. My greatest fulfilment comes from creating unforgettable experiences, not only for guests but also for my crew. Developing training modules and watching my team grow into confident Chief Stews, Pursers, leaders, and even incredible mothers has been the most rewarding part of my career. Beyond my role onboard, I am passionate about mentorship, advocating for mental health and the LGBTQI+ community through industry publications, and sharing my journey with others via my platform, @the_chiefstew.

Being nominated for the ACREW Chief Stew / Purser Award 2025 is an incredible honor after more than a decade in the industry. To stand alongside such talented and dedicated professionals is truly humbling, and I am grateful for the opportunities this career has given me to inspire, be inspired and uplift others.