This month we welcome Emmeline Gee to the Islander team to take over writing the News for Stews column from Ruth. Emmeline was a superyacht stewardess/masseuse for several years before moving to Palma two years ago. She continues to work in yachting as a freelance massage therapist and yoga teacher through her company Angels On Board.
Emmeline loves the variety on offer in Mallorca and will be writing about fiestas, events, and other fun activities around the island. If you have an event you’d like to share, please get in touch before the 10th of the month prior to your event: info@angels-on-board.com
Stew of the Month – Amy Death
How did your yachting career first begin?
Before I worked in yachting, I was an accountant for a travel agency. When I was 30, I travelled for 2 months around Europe, including a 2 week sailing trip around the Greek islands, and I completely fell in love with sailing. When I returned to my office job in New Zealand, it felt like ‘Grounghog’ day and I realised there’s more to life than sitting behind a desk! So I quit my job, left New Zealand and did my Yachtmaster. That led to delivery work on smaller sail boats, and my first ‘official’ season in the Med in 2014.
How do you cope with inter-crew politics?
Always a difficult one, it’s so easy to get caught up in politics in some way. I try and remember I’m here to do a job, and if it’s not affecting my work and I try and keep out of it.
What is your signature cocktail?
I’m always adding to my collection, however my mojito is a winner. I was recently in Lab Bar in Palma and saw the cocktail book “Death and Co” – Death is my surname! So my new signature cocktail will be Death From Above, with lots of rum, a splash of sherry and some bitters. I dare you to try it!
What is your on-board pet hate?
I had a crew member who LOVED Nutella. He would eat with a teaspoon, and always left half the Nutella on the spoon in the sink. It was so annoying – either eat it all or rinse it off! I also hate dirty dishes in the galley.
What is your favourite yachting destination?
Greece is my favourite – so many beautiful islands and it’s where my passion for yachting started.
If you could give your 20yr old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t hold back, if you want something you can do it.
How can aspiring stewardesses gain experience before entering the yachting industry?
If I could go back a few years, instead of being a checkout chick, I would go for more experience in restaurants and the service industry. It’s great if you can go into the industry with a non-yachting related qualification, so that you have something to fall back on when you’ve decided to swap sea for land again.
What is your best travel tip?
Pack ONLY what you need. I wish I would listen to my own advice.
What’s the best thing you’ve spoilt yourself to at the end of the season?
A Spa, Hot Stone Massage and having my hair done; having some ‘me’ time.
What is the best internet resource that you use for your job?
I often use Superyacht Operating Systems and Stewardess Bible, plus Pinterest is useful to get inspiration for practically anything.
What do you enjoy least about yachting?
Missing out on special occasions back at home with friends and family: weddings, babies, parties, even funerals. Also, the unpredictability – not knowing when and where your next day off may be. It’s difficult to make plans.
What do you think about inter-crew relationships?
You work very closely with your crew, so it’s bound to happen at some point if you’re single (and sometimes if you’re not). However, as long as you can keep it professional when required, I don’t have a problem with it.
Tell us about your best Bridget Jones moment on board.
One evening it was a late finish and the guests went to bed about 3am. They had a habit of waking up late, so when I’d done my morning duties, I sat on the aft and rest my eyes for 5 minutes. Next thing I know, I open my eyes and the owner is sitting right beside me! There was a moment of “yikes!”, then we both laughed. The captain was also watching the whole thing on the camera, though he didn’t let me know in time.
Best housekeeping tip/hack?
Be organised and vinegar will clean almost everything.
What is your best personal asset?
A smile goes a long way in this industry. I’m always smiling (even when I have to fake it sometimes) and I have a strong personality. This has got me a long way.
Which are your favourite crew agents?
I’ll take bribes here – the first crew agent to find me a job will be my favourite! I always appreciate those that respond to your personal emails, and ones that recognise you out and about. Agents meet a lot of people and it makes you feel good when they remember you.
What do you love about Palma?
It’s such a great city. I started doing yoga here and I love it! I’ve met heaps of lovely people, both yachties and locals, and felt such a warm welcome here.
You’ve just finished your first season, what’s the plan for the future?
I arrived in Palma at the end of October, and enjoyed some time relaxing after a busy season. I’m now looking to expand my experience and work towards be
ing a Chief Stewardess. Eventually I would like to be a Purser so I can combine my skills in yachting and accounting.
Contact: amy.death@gmail.com or +34 657 129 686
