One aspect of our work as yacht stews is valet services, including wardrobe management. Every stew needs to know how to handle and care for expensive clothing. It may seem…
The following is one of my favorite quotes from Peter Drucker, management consultant, educator, and author: “Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to…
It has been said that the yachting industry lacks professionalism on some levels and that developmentally, we are still in our infancy. One of the problem areas for growth has…
Whenever spring rolls around, I always know it’s time to take stock of my life. It’s the time I start sweeping out the cobwebs, literally and figuratively. The winter’s hectic…
With the approach of Valentine’s Day, many people take time to recognize and acknowledge the people we know and love. Not everyone feels all warm and fuzzy about this, but…
Interior crew should make this their New Year’s Resolution No. 1: Resolve not to take micromanagement personally. When you are a new crew member, it may seem like your boss…
BOX Homemade floral preservative * 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp bleach, 1/4 tsp alum, 1 quart water * 2 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp bleach, 1 quart…
With the advent of the HELM leadership course requirements coming into effect, members of the yachting industry are taking notice. As a chief stew, I have seen instances of crew…
For a glimpse of truly dignified service, the movie “The Butler” is a must see. The movie is based upon a newspaper article about Eugene Allen, a butler who served…
I am happy that the reality TV show “Below Deck” has created a buzz. Even the man next to me on the plane had seen it. He was the captain…