Picture this: You have a thirst for adventure, and your life story could be a mashup of several National Geographic documentaries. That’s Andrea Rafail, or “Drey” as she’s known on board. With a Romanian heritage, a South African birth certificate, and an Australian upbringing, Drey’s path to becoming a Deck/Stew in the yachting industry reads like a travel memoir. I caught up with her over coffee (because let’s face it, no sane person interviews without caffeine) to talk about her journey from construction sites to the open seas, her love for nature, and why rudeness on board is her ultimate pet peeve.
So, Drey, tell me a little bit about yourself!
Well, I’m in my twenties, and if I had to sum myself up in one word, it would be “wanderer.” I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. My family is Romanian, I was born in South Africa, and when I was 11, we moved to Melbourne, Australia. So, I’ve been influenced by a lot of different cultures growing up. I’m happiest outdoors—hiking, camping, swimming, bike riding, playing sports. I guess you could say I have a lifelong love affair with nature. And despite how much I move around, that love hasn’t changed one bit!
Before yachting, you worked in construction and architecture. That’s quite a leap!
How did that happen?
Oh, it was a complete 180! I studied Construction and Architecture at university and worked in the construction industry for about four years. I loved aspects of it, seeing a project go from blueprint to reality is pretty rewarding but it didn’t ignite that adventurous spark in me. So, I took a leap of faith and went backpacking across Europe. About six months into my travels, I found myself in a tiny hostel in Norway chatting with a fellow Aussie. He was a yachtie and casually mentioned, “You know, you’d probably love yachting.” At first, I thought, “Nah, that’s not for me.” But the idea kept creeping back into my mind. Within two months, I had completed my STCW and was ready to give it a go. Turns out, that random hostel conversation changed my life.
I ask Drey about her favourite part of the job and she doesn’t hesitate to reply.
The friendships. There’s something unique about living and working in such close quarters. You form these tight bonds with people, and they become like family.
However, there is a downside, too. Drey (laughs) the same thing, living in such close quarters! It’s a double-edged sword. Conflicts can arise quickly, and there’s no escape. You can’t exactly go for a walk to cool off when you’re in the middle of the ocean.
I’m interested to know how she keeps her head straight during long trips.
This might sound nuts to some people, but I wake up 20-30 minutes earlier than everyone else. Those few quiet minutes before the day starts are my sanity. I’m a bit of a gremlin before my morning coffee, so having that alone time to wake up and ease into the day makes a huge difference.
But perhaps Drey’s biggest strategy is knowing how to spoil her owner and guests.
Understanding what they want from their trip. Some owners want to socialize and be entertained, while others just want peace and quiet. The owners I currently work for fall into the latter category, so being as invisible as possible is the best way to spoil them.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done for owners or guests?
I wasn’t directly involved, but I was a dayworker on a yacht where the crew commissioned a 3D model of the vessel from a drone photo. They presented it to the owners as a late Christmas gift. It was such a thoughtful and unique gesture.
I’m keen to know Drey’s pet peeves…what drives you mad?
Rudeness. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way. We’re all in this together, and mutual respect makes life on board so much smoother.
I ask about her most embarrassing moment on board.
Oh, my first solo dinner service! I was a nervous wreck, forgot half of what I’d learned, and made mistake after mistake. At one point, I knocked over a glass of water—thankfully, it didn’t spill on anyone! I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me. I still cringe when I think about it.
When it comes to her favourite destinations, she tells me Northern Mallorca, for sure. The mountains plunge straight into the sea, the water is this incredible shade of blue, and it’s quieter than the more touristy parts of the island. It’s like something out of a dream.
I ask what destinations are still firmly on her bucket list.
Kyrgyzstan! I’m fascinated by the mountains and culture of that region. And I’d love to explore the Pacific Islands and Madagascar. The scenery, the culture—it’s all so rich and beautiful.
When you are hanging out in Mallorca, what is your favourite activity to do?
Hiking, without a doubt. The Tramuntana Mountains are stunning. I’ve already completed the GR221 trail, and next on my list is the GR222.
Honestly, just being here. Transitioning from construction to yachting was a huge change. It required stepping out of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I did it.
I’m interested to know, if she owned her own yacht, would she do anything different?
I’d explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Having a superyacht gives you the freedom to go anywhere, and I think many yachts stick to the same popular spots. I’d want to see places most people don’t.
Our readers are always curious to know what advice would you give someone looking to join the yachting?
Getting your first position can be tough, so have some resources saved up. That way, if a job isn’t right for you, you can walk away without stressing too much. And remember, the yachting community is incredibly supportive. Fellow crew members are often willing to help each other out.
And finally, I ask Drey, if she could give her younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t let fear of failure stop you. You learn from your mistakes, and people will remember that you showed up, not the times you messed up.
I’ll stick with yachting for a few more years, but eventually, I’d love to get involved in sustainable or natural construction projects. It would be amazing to combine my background in architecture with my passion for the environment.
There you have it—Andrea “Drey” Rafail, a wanderer turned yachtie with a heart for adventure, a love for learning, and a dream of building a more sustainable future. Keep an eye out for her; she’s bound to make waves both on and off the water.
