Tell me a little bit about yourself…
I’m a 26 year old traveller at heart and I love adventure. I’ve grown up influenced by several very different cultures; my family is Romanian, I was born in South Africa and we moved to Melbourne, Australia when I was 11. I grew up always outdoors, hiking, camping, swimming, bike riding and playing sport and I still enjoy doing those activities today.
What did you do before yachting?
I studied construction and architecture at University and worked in the construction industry for four years. I wasn’t doing anything related to yachting!
How did your yachting career first begin?
After working in construction, I decided to go backpacking through Europe. About six months into my trip I landed in a small hostel in Norway where I met a fellow Australian and we started talking about ways to make money while still travelling. He mentioned yachting and how I may enjoy it. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but as time went on, I kept thinking about it and the more I thought about it the more interested I became. Within two months, I had completed my STCW and decided I was going to go for it!
What has been your favourite boat/s you’ve worked on and why?
I love the boat I currently work on. It’s only me and the captain, who I get along with brilliantly. She’s a beautiful classic sailing yacht and I am learning a lot. The captain has so much patience teaching me everything on deck, which I am new to, and I really appreciate this opportunity to soak it all in.
What are the best parts about working on-board?
The bonds and friendships formed on board are something unique to the industry and this is my favourite thing about the job.
What are the worst parts about working on-board?
On the flip side of that, living with people in such close quarters means that conflicts can arise quite easily and there is no escape.
How do you keep sane on charter/trips?
Many people may think I’m nuts for this one, but I wake up 20-30 minutes early to get a few minutes to myself. I am irritable and antisocial before my coffee, so having that time to wake up and get going is important to me.
What are your best strategies for spoiling owners and guests?
Understand what it is they want from their trips. The owners I currently work for want to get away from everything and everyone when on board, so being as invisible as possible is the best way I can make sure they get the experience they want.
What’s the coolest thing you have done for owners and guests?
I wasn’t in on this, but I was a dayworker on board a vessel where the crew had commissioned a 3D model of the yacht from a drone photo taken on a previous trip. They presented it to the owners as a Christmas present. I thought that was a very personal touch.
What is your on-board pet hate?
Rudeness. Please and thank you go a long way
Tell us about your funniest / embarrassing moment on board.
My first time doing dinner service by myself. I made so many mistakes, I was a nervous mess and had gone completely blank on everything. I wanted the ground to swallow me up. I still cringe when I think of it.
What is your favourite yachting destination?
I haven’t been to many places, but the northern part of Mallorca is spectacular! The mountains come straight down into the sea, the water is crystal clear and the most beautiful shades of blue, and it’s relatively quiet compared to other parts of the island.
What destination is on your Bucket List?
I’d love to visit Kyrgyzstan and see the mountains and culture of that region. I’m also fascinated by the Pacific Islands and Madagascar, the scenery and cultures are so rich and beautiful so I’d love to experience that, too.
What is your favourite thing/activity to do on Mallorca?
I love hiking. The Tramuntana is gorgeous and I have already completed the GR221, next I plan to do the GR222.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I’m just proud to be here. It’s been such a big change for me and I had to step out of my comfort zone, but I love my job now and I’m excited for the future.
If you owned a superyacht, what would you do differently?
I would visit places that are off the beaten track. Having a superyacht opens up so many places to explore and I think most superyachts don’t take advantage of that.
What advice would you offer to anyone who wanted to join the world of yachting?
It can be tough getting that first position but making sure you’ve got at least some resources behind you so if you need to walk away or turn down a position that isn’t right for you, you can do so without worry. Having said that, I have found yachties extremely willing to lend a helping hand to fellow crew members who need it.
If you could give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Giving something a go is better than never doing it at all because you’re afraid to make mistakes. You learn from your mistakes and at the end of it all, people remember that you showed up, not your mistakes.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ll stick with yachting for a few years however one day I would love to get involved with sustainable or natural construction projects.
