Hi, I'm Leanne
I’ve worked on superyachts since 2006 — and I’m still working onboard today.
The work we do as yacht stews
I started working as a yacht stew in 2006. Over the years I’ve seen many stews come and go.
Some leave after their first season when the reality of the job hits harder than expected. Others burn out after a few years from the long hours, constant pressure, and lack of guidance.
Working at sea can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding in ways that are difficult to understand from the outside.
Like many crew, I’ve also experienced challenging periods while trying to maintain the high standards expected onboard. Those experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for how important support, perspective, and good guidance can be in this industry.
Working on yachts
I’ve worked on both sailing and motor yachts ranging from 24m to 55m.
Over the years I’ve worked as a Chief Stew, Sole Stew, Deck Stew and Cook Stew. I’ve worked through charter seasons, owner trips, new builds, shipyard periods and deliveries, gaining experience across many aspects of yacht operations.
Working in different roles and crew structures has given me a broad perspective on life onboard — from managing interior teams to handling dual-role responsibilities and working closely with other departments.
I’ve also been involved in hiring interior crew, which has given me insight into what captains and heads of department look for when selecting new crew members.
I started noticing
After many years in the industry, certain patterns became clear.
Some stews struggled because they lacked practical guidance. Others found themselves overwhelmed by the pace and expectations of the job.
I also saw talented people leave the industry because they hadn’t yet figured out which type of yacht, crew structure or program suited them best.
Yachting isn’t a one-size-fits-all career. The size of the yacht, the crew dynamic, the owner’s expectations and the type of program can dramatically change the experience.
Understanding these differences can make the difference between burning out and building a long, successful career.
Why Yacht Stew Guide
Yacht Stew Guide grew out of years of conversations with other crew.
I found myself answering the same questions again and again — about getting hired, handling difficult situations onboard, and building the skills needed to do the job well.
Much of the information online either romanticises the industry or focuses only on the basics.
Because I’m still working onboard today, the guidance I share here comes directly from real experience in the current yachting environment.
My goal with Yacht Stew Guide is to provide practical, experience-based guidance for yacht stews at every stage of their career.
How I can help
I help yacht stews figure out what works for them.
That might mean identifying the type of yacht or program that suits their personality, understanding the responsibilities of different roles, or developing the confidence and skills needed to handle life onboard.
Alongside my experience in yachting, I’m also a trained CBT Life Coach, a Mental Health First Aider, and I’m currently studying modern applied psychology.
Understanding people has always been something that interested me, and those studies help me support yacht stews in a practical and thoughtful way.
Where Yacht Stew Guide comes in
Yachting can be an incredible career when you find the right environment and the right support.
Through Yacht Stew Guide, my aim is simple: to help yacht stews build the skills, confidence and perspective they need to succeed in this demanding industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or already working onboard, the resources and mentorship here are designed to help you navigate life in yachting with greater clarity and confidence.
If you’re feeling stuck, you don’t have to figure it out alone
Whether you need help with your CV, job search, or just want some clarity on your next step, I can help.
Or start with the free resources →