Can’t find a fulltime Stewardess this Summer? This could be the reason why
Summer is here, yachts are in full swing and coming off a year of harsh lock downs and minimal international travel, owners are keen to use their yachts. But where are all the stewardesses?
The very simple answer …..Freelancing !
Gone are the days where stewardesses are gunning for fulltime positions onboard superyachts.
Once upon a time daywork was reserved for the keen ‘greeny’ frothing to get some experience, hoping it might lead to a permanent position.
Now, it is reserved for the experienced stewardess keen to share their time between both work and the beach (and getting paid top dollar for it)
But who can blame them… the freelance rate for a stewardess in Sydney harbour has gone through the roof !
We’d all prefer to hit the beach over summer and work when we want. And why wouldn’t you if your financially better off.
2-3 years ago the standard day rate in Australia was $250 / day , maybe $300 / day for someone experienced.
Now, girls are freelancing for upwards of $400-$500+ / day and over $1000 for the major events like NYE.
Captains & Engineers are scratching their heads wondering what happened to their salaries.
Decky’s are discreetly looking up stewardess fast track courses in their spare time.
Networks are flooded, with “we need a stew this weekend URGENTLY” “Can anyone recommend a stew” “ I need a Steeeeeewwwww !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Over 50% of the stewardess positions on yachts in Sydney harbour are now filled by freelancing stewardesses
How did this position turn into a role that is now only filled casually?
Here are a few reasons…
You pay for what you get. Owners need to be educated that if they want the best possible service, the same faces, the crew to live on constant standby ect… they have to pay for it
2020 has seen an influx of new yachts arrive into Australia to take up residence here. More yachts means more crew are needed and there just doesn’t seem enough crew (namely stewardesses) to go around
There is allot of in the hand transactions in the freelance market , or in the very least through an ABN where rates are paid in full
When demand is high, the price goes up … its simple business
Everyone would prefer to be at the beach than go to work
No finger pointing here but if yachts take care of their fulltime crew and meet their financial and lifestyle needs, they tend to keep them long term and fulltime
So how does the fulltime stewardess drought get fixed?
Short Answer…There needs to be a cultural shift back to making the fulltime stewardess position attractive again.
Otherwise rates will keep going up , the drought will get worse and the search to find that elusive stewardess will go on
As the world is shocked by yet another terrorist attack in France today, Superyacht crew around the world are beginning to rethink their travel to Europe.
Today in Nice, France. A man drove a truck down the high st of Promenade Des Anglais during Frances National Bastille Day Celebrations, killing over 70 unsuspecting people and injuring dozens.
Nice is the primary entrance port, for superyacht crew flying into France.
Nice being only 20 minutes to the ports of Antibes and Monaco and a stone throw away from the pubs in the old town of Nice, a regular hot spot for superyacht crew on their nights off.
Reports from yacht crew currently in Antibes say the security presence has intensified this season. Not only in and around the airport but at all major seaports along the French Riviera.
“It is not unusual to see hordes of police wearing tactical gear around areas of significance”, Says chief officer Ben Lewis, “there definitely seems to be a greater security presence this year than in previous years.”
Superyachts are also incorporating strict security measures, with many maintaining 24 hour gangway watches when in port. Other Superyachts are choosing to remain at anchor instead of spending a night in some less secure marinas along the Mediterranean coast.
French Immigration officers at airports have also intensified their boarder control measures particularly with their decisions about who can enter Europe and for how long.
Foreign Superyacht Crew should definitely be prepared with the adequate visas, seaman’s discharge book and ships papers if wanting to be guaranteed a smooth entrance into France. In light of today’s events they should also be prepared for lengthy delays if travelling to Nice in the coming weeks.
But is the increase of security actually working and is it safe for superyacht crew to undertake the season with confidence of their safety, particularly around the ports of Europe and North Africa?
“We shouldn’t change how we live our lives” says Ben Lewis, “Increase security measures, absolutely… But our yachting life must go on. The day we stop doing the things we love is the day terrorism wins”
Tired of doing the Milk Run ?
Hats off to the crew at Motor Yacht Glaze for this amazing shot of taking Superyachts to new & exciting destinations around Australia
The Kimberley’s is a growing Superyacht destination in Australia, offering spectacular cruising grounds and untouched anchorages without anyone else in sight.
The picture above speaks a thousand words and signifies the rewards that await for owners wanting to venture further than North Head in Sydney harbour.
Remote locations do offer their own challenges though, including fuel range, provisions, parts, owner transfers & local knowledge, but the benefits are obvious
Major Yacht Services will continue to assist Superyachts wishing to make the journey to remote locations and ensure seamless, stress free cruising for both the crew & owners alike.
Geoff Majer, managing director of Major Yacht Services has assisted over 750 superyachts on their visit into Australia.
“It’s been incredible to witness the growth of the Superyacht Industry in Australia over the years” Says Geoff Majer, “Especially in the desire for foreign flagged commercial yachts wanting to charter in Australian waters. Whilst previously possible, the cost to implement restricted interest and drove business into the Pacific or New Zealand.”
Thankfully the regulations have relaxed and foreign vessels can now charter in Australia under the temporary licence issued under the newly released Coastal Trading Act 2012
Under this agreement Major Yacht Services can establish all of thenecessary permits from the various departments and can arrange the taxation collectionfor GST on the Yachts behalf
CEO of Superyacht Australia, Maryanne Edwards advises visiting yachts “to ensure you get it right and don’t make any errors we strongly recommend using an Australian agent”
“This is great news for the Superyacht industry in Australia” Says Geoff “and Major Yacht Services will continue to assist as an agent to foreign charter & private yachts to ensure a memorable, stress free & cost effective visit into Australia”
The team at Major Yacht Services offer a full range of services from Charter Assistance, Cruising Advice, Custom & Immigration Clearances, Berth Options, Fuel, Duty free parts, Crew placement & Visas.
“Australia was a new territory for us” Says Andrew Lawrence, Captain of MY Secret (82M) “Having your agency at our beck and call, made a huge difference to our operation. From advice on local laws to assisting with restaurant reservations, pilots and berths to planes and helicopters in the Whitsundays, we recommend Major Yacht Services to all yachts that travel to Australia”
