Shammy times
Chief Stewardess Amy Macaulay talks to Frances and Michael Howorth about her love for the job and cruising on the Heesen 46 metre yacht Elena
What made you join the superyacht industry? I left home aged 18 to travel and work for a ‘gap year’. That turned into back to back years working in the hospitality sector in ski resorts around the world. I later found myself working as a financial administrative assistant for an accountancy firm in Scotland when news of Brexit hit the radio. As this felt like the end of an era for UK citizens to work throughout Europe without the need for visas I took the opportunity to get my yachting certificates, move to France and try and get a job on yachts.
What was your first superyacht?
My first job was as sole stew on a 28 metre yacht. It was a big learning lesson. Very tough, long hours with little to no guidance meaning you worked on your own initiative. But looking back this was a great leaning curve and I wouldn’t change a thing. It was a sink or swim situation and thankfully I swam!
Sail or motor, which do you prefer and why? I have done both in the past six years of yachting. I appreciate each style and like the different approach you can take within your job depending on which type of vessel you end up cruising on. The crew can also be very different, which is a great benefit, it’s great meeting different people
Why did you join the interior crew rather than deck crew?
I wanted to go on deck and work my way up to become a bosun. Back when I started it was very difficult for a girl to land a role on deck. That has changed now. Plus, I had extensive experience in hospitality so it made sense for me to get a job on the interior.
What do you most like about your current job? I have only recently joined but it looks like a great crew line up. But mostly it’s the challenge that I enjoy. I am attracted to jobs that push you and you know it’s going to be a challenge but very rewarding.
And least like?
There are not enough boat dogs!!! I know it will most likely not happen, but I have worked on two yachts now that have had boat dogs and they make a huge difference to crew wellbeing, which as we know if vital. The difference is like chalk and cheese!
38 | SPRING 2023 | ONBOARD
If you had a magic wand what would you change in your job?
I would change yacht uniforms for women. Currently uniforms are very basic and it is difficult to find styles and cuts that can flatter all women’s various curves. I don’t understand why this is such a tricky thing to get right. We’re surrounded by fashion, but it doesn’t come our way or isn’t transferred into our uniforms.
What makes you stand out as a chief stewardess?
I aim to stay constantly happy. I strive to be positive and supportive as much as possible when others are on a low. Being chatty helps as does being a good listener.
The most curious request you have had? More sad than curious I am afraid. We were in Antarctica and our guests requested we set up a lunch picnic for them on the cliff edge of a glacier. It took three helicopter trips and five crew wading through thigh high soft snow to get all the tables and servings set up over a two-hour period, but we did it and it looked fabulous. Then ten minutes before we were going to send the food across, the guests radioed in to say they were having too much fun heli-skiing and they would not be coming back for lunch.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of working as a stew on a yacht? Start work on a big yacht where standards are high and work is hard. Come with a thick skin, positive attitude and bags of motivation because you are going to need it all.
What tip for doing your job better are you willing to share?
Use whatever opportunity comes your way to further your transferable skill set. This is especially important for the women in the industry to understand. It can be easier for the men; they learn carpentry or engineering and can take that away with them when they step ashore. With women, it can be different.
And what would you like to do when you eventually cease working on superyachts? I have thought about property investment but with current market and cost of living, who knows. I am open to all and new adventures!
QUICK FIRE
Are you a morning or night time person? Morning
How do you like your steak? Rare
What was the last film you saw in a cinema?
The Gentlemen
What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Scrambled egg with truffles
What is your favourite style of cuisine? Thai
What foods do you dislike most? Indian
What would your last supper be? Thai food or Dim Sum
Name 3 of your dream dinner party guests? David Attenborough, Adele & Bradley Cooper
What are your favourite clothes? Wraparound dress
Where in the world would you visit if you had the chance? French Polynesia
Where would you want to retire? On a beach
What sport do you most like to watch? Rugby
Do you have any pets? Dog
What is your nickname? Shammy
What superpower would you like? Become a Changeling
Do you have any pet peeves? Snoring
What is the closest you’ve ever came to death?
Sailing in a freak storm
What’s your guilty pleasure? Shopping
What is your worst habit? Body dysmorphia
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