photo contest - Yacht Essentials

Stewardess of the Month: Hayley Clark
for the race as well. There was just heaps going on, and
I’d find myself jumping over bodies to deliver water and
sandwiches! I learned a great deal on Velsheda, not just
about sailing but also about the dynamics of working on
a professional racing boat and the organization needed
to be a stew on such a yacht.
“After racing on Velsheda, my transition to the Global
Ocean Race campaign was pretty natural and good
fun. We were trying to get a talented young British duo
sponsorship so they could get into the offshore racing
scene and actually join the Global Ocean Race, which
started in September in Mallorca and, as the name suggests,
goes around the world. What I really wanted was
to get the British public involved and invested in sailing
as a sport, and hopefully to get them to support a local
team as they embark on the journey of a lifetime. It’s really
sad because there is a lot of sailing talent out there
that should be recognized. Hopefully, our efforts sparked
some interest and raised awareness, though we can’t do
it alone. I’d love to see a sailing movement.”
SO WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR HAYLEY?
“My dream next boat would definitely be a classic sailing
yacht. They are so beautiful and unique, and I am completely
hooked on sailing. I really couldn’t imagine going
back to a motor yacht. Obviously, if it were up to me,
I’d like to be on the same boat as Joe, but I am realistic
82 YACHT ESSENTIALS
about the industry and its views on couples, and these
jobs are like gold dust! As for my position on board, I’d
love to be a chief stew again, but I have no problem with
being a sole stew. Both positions have their advantages
and disadvantages, and it’s important to be adaptable.
In fact, I think I’d quite like to try my hand at cooking!
I am no chef, but I enjoy it very much, so who knows?
Maybe a cooking course is in the cards.”
ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE
TRYING TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY?
“Most people I know who are in the industry usually
knew at least one person beforehand who was already
established. Networking is so important, so make sure
to keep in touch with people. If you have all the relevant
certifications and certificates, then the best thing to do is
get yourself known with the agencies in the area where
you want to be based. And if all else fails, good oldfashioned
dockwalking is sure to get you at least a day
job to start.”
Andrea Bailey was born and raised in St. Thomas, US
Virgin Islands. After graduating from Georgetown University
in 2009, her love of the ocean brought her back to
the island she always called home. Andrea is a writer and
editor, but she’ll forever be a sailor at heart.