Tzarina Mace-Ralph is a talented yacht chef who appears in season 2 of reality tv show Below Deck Down Under.Â
Overnight she became a public figure with a large, predominantly US fanbase. While the yachting industry may have its own ideas of the show, Tzarina decided intuitively to use her reach to support deep causes. She was quoted in Rolling Stone magazine on how she addressed a sexual assault case. She has been featured in medical trade magazines on the impact of truly healthy food. In her regular Islander column she shares her thoughts and observations on the yachting industry. Specifically matters that affect crew. From Below Deck to under the surface.
A safe space for conversation? Let’s make it happen!
The yachting industry is a wild ride. Exciting, daunting, and packed with highs and lows that can leave you spinning. Sure, it’s full of glamorous sunsets and extravagant parties, but let’s get real: beneath that sparkling surface lurk serious issues that have long been swept under the rug. It’s about time we ripped that rug out and exposed the reality of what goes on in life at sea. I’m going to use this column to tackle those issues head-on. No sugar-coating, just the hard truths of yachting.
As a chef on yachts and in high end ski chalets, I’ve been through the wringer. I’ve experienced the exhilaration of whipping up world-class meals, but I’ve also faced the grinding stress that comes from working in such a high-stakes environment. Let’s not pretend that life onboard is a constant vacation; it can be a pressure cooker, testing our limits in ways we never anticipated. It’s high time to peel back the glossy facade and share the lessons I’ve learned, and I want to hear yours too.
This column isn’t just a soapbox for me to rant from; it’s a space for every single person in the yachting community. Chefs, deckhands, stews, captains, and even those who’ve left the industry in frustration, to speak up about their realities. I want your questions, your stories, and yes, your gripes about the industry too. Every month, I’ll spotlight one message and provide an honest response. Together, we can build a genuine dialogue that pushes for positive change. Enough with the silence!
Topics we’ll explore, and we will dive deep!
Here’s a preview of what’s ahead, some uncomfortable but necessary conversations:
- Crew nutrition and mental health.
Food is more than just fuel; it’s a lifeline. But what happens when the pressure to deliver perfection translates into stress and unhealthy habits? It’s time we discuss how to keep our crews thriving both mentally and physically, rather than just surviving on the bare minimum!
- Fostering a healthy onboard environment. Â
Let’s face it: tight quarters and high-pressure situations don’t just strain relationships; they can create toxic environments. How do we push back against the negativity and cultivate respect, collaboration, and accountability? I’ll share actionable insights, because we deserve an onboard culture that uplifts, not tears down.
- Substance abuse in yachting.
The reality is, this industry can push us toward unhealthy coping mechanisms. We need to shine a glaring light on this issue. This isn’t just a whisper in the wind, this is about confronting uncomfortable truths regarding resources, prevention, and creating a culture where it’s okay to ask for help. We have to talk about it, and ignore it no longer!
- Sexual assault and harassment.
It’s time to tackle one of the most uncomfortable yet crucial conversations in yachting head-on. How do we make this industry safer for everyone? We need clear protocols, a culture grounded in consent, and a readiness to stand against what’s wrong. This is not just about policies; it’s about a fundamental change in attitude.Â
- Tips and tricks of the trade
I’ll also share practical advice from my own experiences, from mastering meal prep in cramped galley spaces to managing overlapping charters. Because let’s face it, we could all use a few more tricks up our sleeves in this unyielding world!
Your voice matters, so let’s make it heard!
