ONBOARD Magazine summer 2019

TURNING THE PAIGE
Paige Hanekom talks to Frances and Michael Howorth onboard
Mimi La Sardine, looking back on her first year in the industry
What was it that made you want to join the
superyacht industry?
It is something I have wanted to do for years!
My older brother as well as my uncle had
been in the industry years before I joined and
told me so much about it. I have a passion
for travel and adventure and I find that the
yachting industry allows me to do just that.’
What was your first superyacht and when
did you join her?
My first superyacht was the motor yacht Z.
She is a 65 metre Amels. I joined her at the
beginning of April 2018.
How long have you been aboard your
current yacht and what was it that made
you join her?
I joined Mimi La Sardine at the beginning of
January 2019. She is brand new, and was
still in the yard at Cantiere delle Marche in
Ancona when I joined. The boat was looking
for 6 crew members, and I was offered
the 2nd stew position. It has been a real
privilege to be a part of the journey in setting
the boat and her interior up from the very
beginning.’It has such a unique interior and I
am really proud to work on board.
Why did you join the interior crew rather
than deck crew?
I am actually a stew and a deck crew
member! So when the deck team need
assistance and I have a spare moment from
the interior I step outside and am able to
help wherever I am needed.’
What is your favourite restaurant or bar in
the Mediterranean and why is it special?
Currently it is a rooftop bar in Barcelona,
above Hotel Ohla. Considered by many locals
as one of the best roof top bars in the city
to have a drink at sunset, it has terrace that
features includes a 13-metre-long glassed
walled swimming pool. They make incredible
cocktails, and have greats snacks and tapas!
The vibe is always great and the view of the
city is breathtaking.
Which is your favourite Mediterranean shop
and why do you like it?
I love Natura! We don’t have the chain
back home and I could spend hours in one
whenever I walk in.
How does working aboard a yacht affect
your family life?
My family is extremely close and it can often
be difficult when they are all together and
I can’t be there to join in on the festivities.
However, I have the most supportive family
and they are thrilled that I am doing what I
love. I am sure my younger brother will be
joining the industry within the next year or
so too!
Do you have a pet hate and if so what is it?
My pet peeve is hearing people chew loudly.
If you had a magic wand what would you
change in job?
I would do away with passport and visa
restrictions for all yachties - it is quite a
burden for a lot of us. It would be fantastic
if the process and all the admin was made
a lot simpler to allow us to do what we love.
What advice would you give to someone
thinking of working as a stew on a yacht?
Arrive with a willingness to learn - no matter
how many courses you do, you will always
learn best through experience. Be prepared
to start at the bottom and most importantly
come with an open mind.’
What makes you stand out as a stew?
I like to think that I have a diverse skill set.
I pride myself in my ability as a stewardess
to provide high quality service, housekeeping
and laundry services. However, I am
thoroughly enjoying improving my skills out
on deck too. Growing up with 3 brothers has
taught me that I can do whatever the boys
can do and I am loving the learning process.
I am down to earth and personable which I
think is important when it comes to meeting
so many different types of people.’
What tip for doing your job better are you
willing to share?
Organisation is key. Writing lists of things
that need to get done and providing
deadlines for each project is extremely
helpful in ensuring that everything is
complete on time, especially when things
start to feel overwhelming. Always walk into
a cabin/ on deck with the perspective of a
guest and ask yourself “what would I want
here? What would I like this to look like?”
What were you doing before you starting
working on yachts?
I studied at the University of Stellenbosch
where I obtained a BCom degree in Business
management and my BCom Honours degree
in Financial Management.’
What would you like to do when you cease
working on superyachts?
I would really like to incorporate my
university education within the yachting
industry.’I plan on working towards
becoming a full time purser on board a
yacht, and eventually over time start some
sort of my own business.
QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS
Are you a morning or night time person?
Morning - once I’m awake
How do you like your steak?
Medium-well
What is your favourite style of cuisine?
Italian
What is your least favourite food?
Oranges in baked goods
What would your last supper be?
Pesto pasta
Name 3 dream dinner party guests?
Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama & Elvis
Presley
Where in the world would you visit if you
had the chance?
Japan
Where would you want to retire?
Mallorca, Spain
What sport do you most like to watch?
Rugby
What is your nickname?
Paigey Pooh
What superpower would you like?
To fly
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching really bad reality TV shows
What makes you angry?
People who are unnecessarily rude
to others
What have you done spontaneously lately?
Learned to play squash
40 | SUMMER 2019 | ONBOARD