For this edition of The Islander, I had the pleasure of catching up with Chief Steward Ruan on his brief return to Palma! Let’s see what he’s been up to since we last spoke!
But first, his backstory…
Ruan’s journey from architecture to yachting excellence
Ruan, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, has spent the last eight years navigating the world of luxury yachting. Though he grew up in Alberton, his heart now belongs to Phalaborwa, a small town next to the Kruger National Park, where his family relocated during his university years.
In 2015, he set off on his overseas adventure, and today, he serves as Chief Steward on the Royal Huisman classic sloop, Wisp. When he’s not ensuring five-star service on board, he enjoys skiing (a skill he picked up in Germany, since snow is a rare commodity in South Africa), reading, and sketching landscapes.
Architecture, hospitality with a carnival twist
Ruan initially pursued a degree in Architecture at the University of Pretoria, even contributing to projects for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, the desire to explore the world proved too strong. Before yachting, he dabbled in the hospitality industry, working in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
In a plot twist worthy of a movie, he then ran off, not to the circus but to a traveling carnival in the U.S., where he managed a food concession stand across county fairs from the Midwest to Florida. It was during this adventure that he discovered the yachting industry and never looked back.
The start of his yachting career
After extensive research and saving, Ruan booked a one-way ticket to Antibes, the heart of yachting in the South of France. He found accommodation at the well-known Grapevine crew house, where the owners guided green crew through the job-hunting process. With his hospitality background, he was steered toward an interior role.
His first job was aboard MY Ilona, an 82m superyacht (originally 74m before undergoing a massive extension that included two helipads). What started as a seasonal steward position turned into a five-year career thanks to Martin, the owner’s personal Butler. Under Martin’s mentorship, Ruan honed his service skills, completed a Butler certification course, and rose to Head of Service. This experience laid the foundation for his success in yachting.
A tale of two yachts
With only two yachts in seven years, Ilona and Wisp, Ruan has enjoyed both motor and sailing yachts for different reasons. Ilona offered space and a large crew, while Wisp provides a more intimate, connected experience with the owner and fellow crew members. He finds sailing yachts to be more relaxed than their motorized counterparts, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
From the Amazon to the academy
Since our last conversation 2 years ago, Ruan has been on a journey of self-discovery. His sailing yacht Wisp underwent a significant 10-year refit at Royal Huisman in Amsterdam, giving him the perfect opportunity to take some well-earned time off. He embarked on a solo backpacking adventure through South America, something yachting had allowed him the freedom and financial means to do.
His travels took him from the Amazon in Peru, through Bolivia, and into Chile. He spent two weeks in the Amazon immersing himself in plant medicine, yoga, and self-reflection. Adventure followed, with sand dune skiing and buggy riding in Huacachina, hiking up to Machu Picchu, biking down the infamous Death Road, traversing the Uyuni salt flats, and stargazing in the Atacama Desert. Along the way, he met incredible people and created lifelong memories, all while ensuring he also spent more valuable time with family. The loss of his father this past year reinforced the importance of balancing work and personal life, further fueling his desire to secure a rotational position.
Committed to professional growth, Ruan has completed additional courses and has now obtained his Purser COC, thanks to The Crew Academy. With exciting opportunities on the horizon, he is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
The best (and worst) of life at sea
Ruan cherishes the travel, cultural diversity, and friendships yachting brings. The bond between crew members is unique, no matter how much time passes, reunions feel like no time has gone by. The tax-free income and covered living expenses are added perks.
On the flip side, the biggest challenge is missing out on personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, and family gatherings. While the career is rewarding, it often comes at the cost of being away from loved ones.
Staying Sane on Charter
To maintain balance during intense trips, Ruan carves out personal time. While he enjoys crew dinners and nights out, he also values quiet moments to read or practice meditation. Yoga is another favorite, though, as he puts it, “It’s always entertaining when fellow crew members join in, complete with unexpected falls and occasional sound effects!”
Exceeding guests’ expectations
For Ruan, the word “no” does not exist in service. His approach? Treat owners and guests as people first, regardless of their status. A genuine, friendly attitude and attention to detail go a long way. He thrives on surpassing expectations, not just meeting them.
Memorable moments
Some of Ruan’s most exciting duties have included: Serving as a Krka Waterfalls tour guide in Croatia (after a crash course in local history). Acting as a chauffeur and helicopter escort for guest arrivals. Experiencing breathtaking destinations, he wouldn’t have visited otherwise.
Onboard pet peeves
Every yachtie has their irritations, and for Ruan, they are crew leaving things out instead of putting them back. Dirty dishes abandoned next to the dishwasher (so close, yet so far!). The “that’s not my job” mentality—yachting is a team effort!
Embarrassing rookie mistakes
Now a seasoned Chief Steward, Ruan can expertly navigate service with grace. But in his early days? He once proudly announced, “I’ve finished vacuuming the roof!” otherwise known as the deckheads. Lesson learned!
Favourite yachting destinations
Palma, Mallorca. A mini-Barcelona with stunning beaches, vineyards, and Spanish charm. A highlight? Diving with sharks at Palma Aquarium. Antigua. This small island is a hub for yachties, ensuring familiar faces at every turn.
Croatia. A hidden gem of history, breathtaking coastlines, and incredible sailing. As a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik was a dream visit.
Bucket list destinations
Antarctica, a remote paradise of icy beauty, home to orcas, seals, and penguins in their natural habitat and Asia, a region rich in culture and landscapes that Ruan has yet to explore.
Proud career achievements
Completing his Butler certification transformed his seasonal job into a lifelong career, and he hasn’t looked back.
If he owned a superyacht…
Ruan has no plans to own a superyacht, but if he were Jeff Bezos? He’d ensure crew rotation to prevent burnout. A well-rested crew is a happy, high-performing crew.
Advice for aspiring yachties
Persistence is key! Getting into yachting is tough but leaving it can be even harder!
Embrace change! If you’re unhappy, don’t fear stepping out of your comfort zone. Growth happens when you take risks.
Future plans
Career, progressing toward a rotational role with aspirations of becoming a Purser on a large yacht and personal goals, finding a place to call home and making the most of life beyond the water.
Thank you for reading!
Name: Ruan Weltz
Position: Chief Steward
Yacht: (SY Wisp)
+34 646 897378
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