Some people thrive in a big team. Others do their very best work when the whole picture is theirs to run, bringing strong, valuable traits that help them excel and drive new ideas.
What Is a Sole Stewardess?
The sole stewardess on board a yacht is that person. Highly independent and self-motivated, capable and resourceful, organised and diligent, the sole stewardess completely manages the yacht interior by themselves, usually on yachts under around 36 metres. They report directly to the Captain, connect closely with the owners and care for the interior operations of the yacht as if it were their very own.
You may hear the role called sole stewardess, sole stew or solo stew, and in the States and Canada it’s simply sole steward, regardless of gender. Some positions are advertised as stew/deck, but the heart of the job is the same: one person, stewarding the whole interior.
What Does a Sole Stewardess Do?
It takes many hats to be a sole stew, from knowing the full spectrum of laundry to the finer details of the boss’s favourite cocktail, or that restaurant in the little harbour just off the north of the island!
With creative autonomy and well-managed systems, the sole stewardess has the self-discipline and internal structure to flow through their day.
The day starts early, setting up for breakfast, serving breakfast, then moving swiftly on to the cabins to make up, freshen up and clean up. Not long after the cabins are finished, the guests may be preparing for an outing or a beach trip, and seamlessly the bags are packed, last-minute changes are taken care of, and everyone is happy and set for the day.
With the guests returning for a late lunch, the table is set, and drinks and food are served before the guests settle into their afternoon of activities or rest. But for the sole stew, the work behind the scenes keeps running, and while there is time for a break, it won’t be for long, as the laundry continues and items need ironing.
Then comes a quick shower and a change into evening uniform, and the prep for dinner begins: setting the table, preparing wine or cocktails, serving dinner, and while the guests dine, a swift exit to prepare the guest cabins for evening turndown.
This sounds like it flows, and quite often it does, though it requires acute mental clarity, extraordinary organisation, a resourceful attitude and, at the same time, the anticipation skills to provide excellent service.
Alongside these more obvious duties, there is still the background work. Yacht laundry never stops throughout the day and is always done with care. The cleaning and dusting of the social areas happens in the moments when no one is around and the sole stewardess has a little time free. An experienced sole stew will have very effective systems in place, streamlined routines, and know every quirk of the yacht and how best to do the job without missing a beat.
More Than the Interior
Their skills reach beyond the interior too. They may help on deck, throw lines, call distances or even drop anchor. Some sole stews drive tenders, assist the chef and can stand a watch if needed. They are part of a crew after all, and this makes them a very valued member of the team.
With their versatility, work ethic and self-discipline, the sole stewardess is respected and admired across the industry.
