How To Be A Successful Stew

Let’s go girls-or guys! A steward or stewardesses is responsible for everything interior upkeep heads, beds, service of food, drinks and any guest needs. On paper it is not a difficult job, though it can be extremely critical and demanding.

If you’re just starting off, here are some tips to go from super green to stew machine.

1. Be A Team Player

Interior departments on boats are notorious for being a little, shall we say, dramatic. Whether you like it or not, your department is your team. If you want to make your life easier, be a team player even when others aren’t. Ugh IK it’s the worst, but you’ll feel better at the end of the day knowing you tried. Like I said in how to be a successful deckhand, you’re only successful if you’re happy.

However big your department, create a healthy, progressive culture on board. “That is not my job”, should never be the attitude. If there’s a problem try and talk it out. Questions? Just ask! You’re all in it together.

2. Think 2 Steps Ahead

Another key to become an exceptional stew is to anticipate needs. A great life skill to have in general, I’ll add. For example, guests want to go fishing? They’re gonna need a cooler, snacks, drinks, sunscreen, bait, towels, hat, sunglasses, tackle box. It sounds self explanatory, but imagine doing this all day everyday for every decision they make. You might forget a thing or two.

I had a new chief stew forget to pull for dinner until just before the guests were about to sit down. It happens! Think like a guest and you’ll be able to help them before they can even think about it themselves.

3. No Is Not An Answer

Between providing Michelin star cuisine to setting up every god damn inflatable toy available on the planet Earth, yachts can make just about anything happen. In the off chance there is a request that can not be fulfilled, approach every “no” with a sweet-sounding alternative.

It’s typically good practice to always present owners with solutions, not problems. So if there is every is anything that can not be fulfilled, think of a back up plan that might be similar or better.

4. There Is Always Laundry To Be Done

Like I’ve said being a stew isn’t super hard (well, if you’re not a people person then maybe it is). Regardless, at times it might seem as though there is little to be done. Private boats especially. Don’t be afraid to pace out your work. Be critical of yourself and hit all the details of detailing. Yet, private or charter, there is always laundry to be done.

And dusting I’ll add.

5. Learn Everything Behind The Scenes

A good head of department or chief stew will not only prepare you, but also want you to climb up the ranks. In order to do that, you need to be a patient shadow.

Make sure you have mastered everything in your role: laundry, decor, beds, heads, detailing, etc. Once the timing is right, see if you can assist with exceeded responsibilities. Additional tasks for chief stews include provisioning, inventory, silver service, party planning, cocktail making, managing crew and communicating with guests. Taking little steps now will make for great strikes later.

All in all, to be an elusive super-stew simply requires a positive attitude and a little hard work. Couple that with some confidence, experience and cocktail recipes and you’ll be running an interior in no time.

Still have more questions about work-life on yachts? Comment them below!