ONBOARD Magazine - spring 2023

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!
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
38 | SPRING 2023 | ONBOARD