Perfect Purser
Sunelle Buirski talks about her role as Purser aboard the motor sailing yacht Black Pearl to Frances and Michael Howorth
Why did you choose to join the superyacht industry? I don’t think I chose it. It was more a case of it choosing me! I was working as an accountant in corporate London and decided to take a year off to travel through Europe. I did some day work on yachts in Mallorca and became a chalet manager in France then went back to yachts. And it struck me five years ago that if I combined all the skills of an accountant with that of a chalet manager and adding in my love of yachting, then I could become a purser.
Sail or motor, which do you prefer and why? My first superyacht was the sailing yacht Blush. She was a Perini Navi and I guess that’s where my love of big sailing boats begins. I stayed there for about two and half years.
How long have you been aboard your current yacht? Black Pearl is the ultimate big sailing yacht. I joined a few months back and work on a three on one off rotation.
What do you most like about your current job? I love the variety of administration work onboard. I feel my skills are utilised and I can be an asset onboard supporting the rest of the team.
And least like?
I dislike the fact that the beautiful Black Pearl is too big to participate in Regattas. She is the only one in her league! Ohh and how I wish all boats could have a boat dog (not practical, but it gives so much love).
Which is your favourite Mediterranean marina? I love Porto Montenegro. It has been a good home for Black Pearl as it offers all we need. They are very professional in their dealings with us and have an outstanding concierge office. The summer and winter games are superb! They truly deserve a gold star!
What is your favourite restaurant or bar?
Roxy Bar in Portals Nous, Mallorca. It’s a great rustic beach bar with an amazing view and atmosphere. It has an Ibizaesque vibe playing chill out tunes. Drinks are amazing but food is limited. As a beach bar it is a bit of an institution for locals and visitors alike. It sits on a rocky headline at the end of the beach, or you can access it down some steps from the town.
38 | WINTER 2024 | ONBOARD
If you could recommend a Mediterranean service to another Purser what would it be?
I think that would have to be Acquera Yachting Agents. They seem set on redefining the role of a yacht agent by setting a whole new standard of excellence, both on and off the water, through innovation and expert local knowledge. With their fresh, bold, new vision of the future they have been very helpful to us.
What would you like to do when you cease working on superyachts?
My partner is a Captain on another sailing yacht and one day we both hope to own our own little sail boat and disappear to enjoy the ocean life at our own pace and hopefully tick off some bucket list locations we haven’t visited yet. Eventually I would like to set home and start a family.
QUICK FIRE
Are you a morning or night time person? Night
What was the last film you saw in a cinema? Top Gun Maverick
What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Watermelon, yogurt and coffee
What is your favourite style of cuisine? Vietnamese
What food do you dislike most? Lamb
What would your last supper be? Mum’s Sunday roast
Your dream dinner party guests? David Attenborough, Elvis Presley and the BeeGees
Where is next on which country to visit? Japan or Bali again
What is your best childhood memory? Learning how to drive on a tractor at 15
Do you have any pet peeves?
People eating in the movie theatres What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching Netflix far too late
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