Ruan Weltz, (31) hails from Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in an area called Alberton. His parents later moved to the small-town of Phalaborwa, next to the Kruger national park when he was at university. He’s called it home ever since.

How has yachting changed your life?

I left South Africa in 2015 to start my overseas adventure. I’m currently working as a Chief Stew on-board the Royal Huisman classic sloop, Wisp. I’ve been in the industry now for seven years. In my free time, I love to ski. Growing up in South Africa, I never experienced snow, so I got my taste for skiing in Bremen, Germany. I also enjoy reading, sketching, and drawing landscapes.

What did you do before yachting?

I was at the University of Pretoria studying architecture. One of my most exciting projects was being involved with the Soccer World Cup 2010. I loved architecture and was considering it for a career, but I had also craved to travel and see the world. I’ve also worked in hospitality, including various jobs in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

I then ran away to join the circus! Well…not quite, but I did travel to the US to work in a Carnival! I ran a food concession stand. We travelled to different county fairs all around mid-north America, all the way down south to Louisiana and Florida. It was there that I discovered the wonderful world of yachting!

How did your yachting career first begin?

After a lot of research and saving money, I bought my ticket to Europe. This was where my adventure began! I travelled to Antibes, in the South of France, and I was lucky enough to get a room in the Grapevine crew house. The owners were amazing and really looked after ‘green crew’ helping with CV’s and finding daywork. It was the owners who suggested I should look for an interior role because of my hospitality work experience.

My first job was on-board MY Ilona, an 82m but when I joined, she was 74m. The boat underwent a huge extension period, adding in 2 helipads and a larger swim platform.

This job was supposed to be just seasonal. I worked as a regular steward, floating around the interior. I covered everything from housekeeping to back-of-house and laundry. This is where I met the owner’s personal Butler, Martin. He recommended to the owner to keep me on after the season. Showing that I was eager to learn service, he took me under his wing and became my mentor.

From Martin I learned so much and it was he who suggested I do a Butler certification course to further my career. After being there for 5 years, I became Head of Service and absolutely loved it. I felt very fortunate. I was used to service in restaurants and not the seven-star level demanded on yachts. Both Martin and this course propelled me into the career I have today. I will always be grateful to him and the owner for giving me this opportunity.

What has been the favourite yacht you’ve worked on and why?

A hard question… I’ve worked on 2 yachts in seven years. A superyacht and now on a smaller sailing yacht and I’ve enjoyed both for different reasons. I enjoyed Ilona because of the large crew we worked with but also the space, as it’s not so claustrophobic as on a sail yacht. However, on Wisp, I feel much closer and more connected to the owner and the crew. Sail yachts, I feel, are much more relaxed than motor yachts.

What are the best parts about working on-board?

Seeing the world and travelling with crew and guests from all different cultures and backgrounds.

Crew comradery! You meet friends for life in yachting and no matter how far everyone travels, when you meet up again, it feels like no time has passed.

And who doesn’t love tax free living! With no living expenses or bills to pay, pretty much everything is taken care of, so the wages are all yours!

As a gay man, I have been lucky with the boat’s owners, captains and crew who have all been very accepting of my sexuality. The owner knew I was working on-board with my partner and was completely fine. This is not always the case everywhere.

What are the worst parts about working on-board?

I love yachting, therefore I chose it as a career. There is so much to love and very little to hate. If I had to choose one thing; it’s when you realise you are getting paid for the time that keeps you away from the people you love. Missing out on life events and special celebrations makes you think about what is most important in life.

How do you keep sane on charter/trips?

It’s important to make time for yourself, even if you must steal the time. Whilst I enjoy dinner and nights out with the crew, I think you need a hobby so you can take some time out. I find a quiet corner to read a book. Meditation is very calming and relaxes the mind, but yoga is always fun, especially with other crew members joining in the farting and falling over!

It’s important to take the time to just sit and contemplate life. Enjoy the moment and appreciate where you are and how lucky you are to be there.

What are your best strategies for pampering owners and guests?

In my experience, even the super-rich and famous want to be treated as normal human beings. If you do that and provide a friendly, personal service, they are very appreciative.

However, the world NO does not exist!

Always go the extra mile…Yes, we get paid to do this, but it’s not just a job.

I genuinely CARE about whether the owners and guests are happy and are having a good time. I want to exceed their expectations, not just meet them!

 “The Impossible is for the unwilling”. John Keats

What’s the coolest thing you have done for owners and guests?

I was a designated tour guide for a guest excursion to the stunning Krka waterfalls in Croatia. However, I didn’t know a thing about them. So I had to do a lot of research and preparation beforehand so I could give them the full experience!

What’s the coolest thing for you?

I was a designated chauffeur and used to go on the owner’s helicopter to pick up guests. As well as driving, I got to go on all the excursions with them and see places I would not normally see.

What is your on-board pet hate?

• Crew using things and leaving them around and not putting them back
• Dirty sink or cups, plates and cutlery left next to the dishwasher
• Unhelpful crew – “This is not my job” type attitude

ONE BOAT, ONE CREW – working together to make the owners and guests happy.

What are your favourite yachting destinations?

Oh, I have a few!

Palma: It’s like a mini-Barcelona but not as busy! There is so much to see and do here. You have everything: mountains, beaches, nature reserves, wildlife, gastronomy, local vineyards,… I love being immersed in Spanish culture. A personal highlight for me so far was diving with sharks in Palma Aquarium.

Antigua: I met my current partner and one of my best friends there. It may be a small island, but you are guaranteed to run into people you know from yachting. You can walk into any bar, and you will see someone you haven’t seen for years.

Croatia: It’s a small country that often gets overlooked. Croatia has so much history and so many beautiful Islands. The coastline is stunning, and the sailing is amazing. I’m a big Game of Thrones fan, so visiting Dubrovnik was also a personal highlight.

What advice would you offer to anyone who wanted to join the world of yachting?

Don’t give up… Joining yachting can be the hardest thing to do. The second hardest is leaving yachting!

If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything in my life… However, if you find yourself unhappy, then change things. Change is good. Don’t be scared to leave your comfort zone… Know you can do it!