Alex is 27 years old and currently working as a Chief Steward on board a large motor yacht. Originally from Manchester, UK, he left home to study Hospitality Business Management at Sheffield Hallam University. He has wanted to be in yachting since the age of 15 when one of his family friends told him about this wonderful industry. He enjoys tasting and investing in whiskey, loves to gym, swim and play golf when he can, and loves to travel and explore new places – and overall “have a good crack!”
What did you do before yachting and what experience did you take with you into the industry?
“I worked in a hotel called Cotton’s Hotel and Spa, a 4-Star hotel in Knutsford, UK. I started as a waiter in Conferences and Banqueting. I was working at weddings and events from Thursday to Sunday every week. I spent 6 years there but in my final year, I was accepted into their management training scheme, which then allowed me to work in every department within the hotel. This led me to the path I’m on today.”
Indeed it did, as Alex started in yachting when he was 22 years old, having started to get bored of working in hospitality and not really knowing how to progress. So, like most who make the move to yachting, Alex wanted to use his hospitality skills whilst travelling to exotic, far-away destinations and seeing more of the world.
“I sold my whole life, including my car, iPad, camera, computer, PlayStation, etc. I literally had to sell everything I owned to pay for the crew house in Antibes, where I started. I was dock walking daily in search of day work, and then landed my first permanent job.”
Alex chose the role of Chief Steward because, with his background in hospitality, he felt most suited to this role. “I also found out (quite quickly) that when its 50C degrees outside in Dubai, the interior offers a much cooler work environment…and being blonde and half Scottish, not working every day in full direct sunlight is always a bonus!” says Alex.
Have you had any favourite boats that you have worked on, and why did they stand out?
“I’ve worked on six boats in 5 years and my favourite to date was a 72-metre Alstom motor yacht. I love working on larger yachts due to the number of crew on board. There were nine of us from the interior of this boat. I do enjoy working as part of a big team and then after a long, hard guest trip, the whole crew would go ashore to enjoy the local nightlife. With so many crew members, we always turned up to dinner or the nightclub in 5 SUVs! Yes…we felt like Rockstars!” Alex laughs.
What do you feel are the best parts about working on board and why?
“The Winter! (No guests on board!) ? But seriously, it has to be the extensive travel and exciting yacht itineraries. Discovering different cultures and cuisines and mingling with the locals and other yacht crew in various different ports.”
Alex also really appreciates the luxurious crew accommodation and unlimited snacks the crew is provided with. And having a chef cook amazing food for them every day! He also enjoys developing relationships with the owners, and believes that when you get along with them, it can make your job a lot more fun! “One of my owners used to ask me to come and sit with her on the sofa to watch TV, drink coke and eat salt and vinegar crisps! And another owner told me to go and collect the new crew car…and it turned out to be a Lamborghini Urus (4×4) a very nice ride to do the shopping in!” Alex happily recalls. He believes in providing a dedicated and personal service that makes the owners and guests happy and comfortable.
What elements of working on board do you like the least and why? How do you cope with them?
“The Summer! (Guests on board!) ?, Alex says jokingly. “I don’t think there are any ‘worst parts’ for me, but it is very hard work and the 16-18 hour days eventually take their toll after a few months! But we also get to play hard after working hard!”
Alex tells me that after 20 days or more at sea, you do start to lose the plot! “I like to sit by myself and have an ice cream (sometimes you need it) and tell yourself you will get through this. Other times, when I can, I love to jump off the boat and take a swim. I like being underwater because it’s a tranquil place that helps clear your head.”
What are your best strategies for spoiling owners and guests and what has been the most surprising thing requested of you?
The most random request was to look after my owner’s dog -an Old English Sheepdog called Snoopy- who had his own Porsche Panamera (yes, for the actual dog!). They flew me from Canada to London to dog-sit for 3 months. This included giving swimming lessons to the dog, grooming and blow-drying his hair, and dyeing his paws white again when they went brown! I was asked every night to put “calming” programs for him to watch before bed (he loved the Ice Age movies). However, the strangest thing was settling him down on their private jet to fly him home, but I had to travel Economy class and still go and collect him at the other end! Above and beyond the call of yacht duty! I did love that dog though! ?
In Canada, we turned the main salon into a “Hot Box” at the guests’ request. Really cool and lots of fun!”
What is your favourite yachting destination and why?
“Canada, as we used to go skiing and snowboarding in the winter and then mountain biking, wakeboarding, taking helicopter rides, and chasing whales and dolphins in the summer!”
What destinations do you still really want to visit?
“Argentina and Patagonia because I want to go pack-rafting. China, because I want to take part in the Mongol Rally where you drive 11,000kms from London to China in a vehicle worth less than £1000!” Wow – that sounds amazing!
What do you like to do the most when in Mallorca?
“Which way’s the beach!?” ?
What career achievement are you most proud of?
“I’m just proud of getting where I am today! I went into yachting for a bit of fun and adventure, and now it’s become a real career.
If you owned a superyacht, what would you do differently?
“I would do a lot of things differently! Remember if it floats, f*cks or flies – rent it, don’t buy it!” Hahaha – sound advice indeed!
What advice would you offer to anyone wanting to join the world of yachting?
“Do it, but see it as a stepping-stone because yes, it can set you up for life, but it can be short-lived.”
If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be and what plans do you have for the future?
“I would tell myself to take more yachting qualification courses in the earlier stages. I’m not really sure where I’m headed next as every year something changes. As in the words of John Lennon “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans“, so I’m going to take it as it comes!”
That sounds like a good idea to us!
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