Empowering Women in Yachting: Training, Growth, and Building Stronger Crews

In the world of luxury yachting, the role of interior crew is often undervalued, despite being the team with the most direct guest interaction and the highest influence on the guest experience. From maintaining impeccable service standards to fostering a positive onboard culture, these crew members are the face of the vessel — yet their training opportunities, career progression, and recognition frequently lag behind other departments.

Industry insider Gemma Hulbert, known to many as The Yacht Stew, has built her career on changing that. Drawing from over a decade at sea, she is leading a shift toward structured training, professional empowerment, and creating environments where interior crew can truly thrive.

From Green Crew to Industry Leader

Gemma’s journey into yachting began at 18, fresh out of the Art Institute of Vancouver, where she studied event management and hospitality. Like many young crew, her early days were marked by rapid learning curves, unexpected challenges, and the steep climb to finding the right boat. She recalls everything from working on vessels mid-refit with “no walls” to navigating seasickness and being let go from her first yacht.

Rather than walking away, she sought positions that offered stronger team structures, better leadership, and opportunities to develop skills. That determination became the foundation for a career that took her to chief stewardess positions, managing teams of up to eight interior crew, and delivering world-class service for some of the most discerning owners and guests.

The Gap in Interior Crew Training

One of the most pressing issues Gemma identifies is the disparity in training opportunities between departments. While engineering and deck teams are often provided with annual training budgets and clear advancement pathways, interior crew — particularly stewardesses — are expected to “pick it up on the job.”

This lack of formal training can hinder career progression, fuel burnout, and limit the potential of an entire department. It also overlooks the fact that the interior team is often the most visible to owners and guests, shaping the yacht’s reputation with every interaction.

“I would like for captains, management companies, and owners to view every department with equal importance,” Gemma says. “The interior has untapped potential that could take guest service from six-star to eight-star experiences — but only if the crew are properly supported, trained, and valued.”

Training as a Tool for Empowerment

Gemma’s training philosophy focuses not only on technical skills like housekeeping, laundry, service, and event planning, but also on:

• Professional confidence — helping crew voice opinions, set boundaries, and handle complex interpersonal situations.

• Leadership development — preparing second stewardesses and junior crew to step into senior roles effectively.

• Mental health awareness — ensuring crew understand their rights at sea, recognise unhealthy work environments, and feel empowered to make career choices that align with their wellbeing.

• Transferable skills — highlighting the service, organisational, and crisis management abilities that can be applied to shore-based roles after yachting.

  
  

By offering online training as well as in-person sessions, Gemma addresses a long-standing challenge: crew shouldn’t have to choose between taking leave to rest or taking leave to upskill.

The Role of Boundaries and Hobbies in Crew Wellbeing

A recurring theme in Gemma’s message is the importance of self-awareness and personal boundaries. New crew, especially young women, can feel pressured to conform to the social culture onboard, even if it clashes with their values or comfort zones. Learning to recognise when an environment isn’t serving their personal or professional growth — and having the confidence to walk away — is vital for longevity in the industry.

She also stresses the value of maintaining hobbies outside of work. Whether it’s art, reading, music production, or fitness, having a personal outlet helps crew preserve their identity beyond their role and avoid the trap of defining themselves solely by their job title.

The Business of Better Crews

Gemma’s approach isn’t just about personal development — it’s a business strategy. Well-trained, empowered interior teams reduce turnover, deliver consistent guest satisfaction, and enhance a yacht’s reputation. This ultimately protects the owner’s investment and improves operational efficiency.

The benefits of investing in interior training include:

• Higher crew retention rates

• Better guest experiences and repeat charters

• Stronger onboard culture and morale

• Increased efficiency in service and housekeeping operations

  
  

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Interior Department

The yachting industry is slowly recognising the need for parity in training, rotation, and benefits across all departments. For the interior team, this shift could mean more structured qualifications, standardised career progression frameworks, and a culture where stewardship is seen as a respected, specialised profession rather than a “learn as you go” role.

Gemma envisions a future where:

• Training is budgeted for every department equally

• Interior crew have defined role expectations and career pathways

• Mental health and wellbeing are prioritised as part of professional development

• Soft skills like communication, conflict resolution, and leadership are treated as essential, not optional

  
  

Final Takeaways for Aspiring Interior Crew

For those just starting out — perhaps still learning how to iron a fitted sheet — Gemma’s advice is clear:

1. Learn the fundamentals well — mastering basic skills will give you the confidence to grow.

2. Know your boundaries — and don’t be afraid to leave an environment that doesn’t support you.

3. Be mindful with money — you may work for billionaires, but you aren’t one.

4. Keep personal hobbies alive — they’ll keep you grounded and balanced at sea.

   
   

The bottom line: Empowered, well-trained interior crew aren’t just a “nice to have” — they’re essential to delivering the calibre of guest experience that defines the luxury yachting sector. By investing in their growth, the industry stands to gain not only better service standards but also a more sustainable, inclusive, and professional future.