Skills mastered as a chief stew can help when transitioning from yachting.
After years of managing luxury yachts, many chief stews find themselves ready for a new chapter. The skills honed on board — time management, service, attention to detail, event planning, personnel management and conflict resolution — are highly transferable. Here are eight career paths that leverage a chief stew’s unique skill set:
Executive assistant
Dealing with yacht owners at sea prepares you for handling busy executives on shore. While demanding, executive assistant roles are well compensated and require the same high-level service and discretion. Your ability to anticipate needs, manage complex schedules and handle confidential information makes you an ideal candidate for top-tier EA positions. Don’t expect a nine-to-five schedule but enjoy the stability of land-based work. Consider taking a course in executive administration to familiarize yourself with the software and protocols.
Production assistant
The chaos and need for creative problem-solving in yachting mirrors life on a film or TV set. As a production assistant, you’ll use your preference management and improvisation skills to solve unique challenges. Your experience coordinating logistics and managing high-pressure situations will be invaluable on set. This role can be an great entry point for those interested in the entertainment industry — but be prepared to start from the bottom.
Real estate and construction
Overseeing yacht refits provides valuable experience in complex renovations. This knowledge can be applied to property management, home renovations or even property flipping. You could roll your savings into a budding real-estate portfolio, perhaps starting with crew houses — always in demand in yachting hubs. Your attention to detail and project-management skills will set you apart.
Hospitality consultant
Luxury businesses striving for seven-star service could benefit from a stew’s attention to detail and pursuit of perfection. Market yourself as a consultant or secret shopper, helping high-end establishments elevate guest experiences. Your expertise in creating unforgettable moments and managing staff can transform service standards across various luxury sectors.
Luxury concierge travel agent
While many travel bookings have moved online, there’s still demand for agents specializing in complex, luxury trips. Apply your unique trip planning and hospitality skills to create unforgettable experiences for discerning travelers.
Event planner
Harness your organizational skills and experience planning and executing shore excursions and theme nights. The events space is a natural move. You’ll be responsible for designing, planning and executing events, from listening to the client’s demands to finessing decor, catering, entertainment, transportation and location. Start your portfolio with pictures of the events and tablescapes you’ve created on board.
Household manager
Chief stews are essentially household managers at sea, so this role might feel like the most natural transition. Working with high-net-worth individuals, you’ll oversee the daily operations of a residence, ensuring everything runs smoothly — from coordinating staff and managing budgets to organizing events and maintaining high standards of hospitality. This role aligns perfectly with expertise in service, attention to detail, experience in personnel management and the ability to anticipate needs.
Charter broker or management
For those wanting to stay connected to yachting, a charter manager is an excellent transition. The industry needs professionals with onboard experience. Your insider knowledge of yacht operations and guest preferences will be an asset in giving clients the perfect experience.
Whether you are planning an escape now or in the future, it’s never too early to start polishing your resume with a focus on transferable skills and building your network by setting up a profile on LinkedIn and connecting with former stews.