This month’s Stew of the Month is the lovely Sonja, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on the Vegan Yacht Chef course ran by Sabor Vegan Culinary Academy.
What did you do before yachting, and how did your yachting career first begin?
In my former life, I worked as a Travel Agent. After sitting at a desk for nearly 10 years I decided to take a year off to travel around the world – that was 7 years ago! Whilst travelling, I came across an ad in a newspaper: “Volunteer Crew wanted, no sailing experience necessary”. I applied, and got the job. It was on a support boat for 7 traditional Polynesian canoes called ‘Vakas’. We had a movie crew on board filming the stories of the Pacific Islanders and the importance of the ocean for them, to raise awareness for the environment. We sailed from San Diego down the Mexican Coast to the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia and Cook Islands. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which got me completely hooked on sailing yachts.
What has been your favourite boat you’ve worked on, and why?
I liked every boat I have worked on so far. I really enjoyed my last summer season on SY Camilla – the owners and guests were absolutely lovely and my work was very much appreciated.
What are the best and worst parts about working on-board?
For me the best part of working on a sailing yacht is the travelling itself.
I love sitting at the bow while sailing, just enjoying the peace and the view over the water. The absolute worst part is when there are disagreements among the crew. We are all human – sometimes emotions can boil up, or in stressful situations you just rub each other up the wrong way. In such small spaces where there is no way to escape, it can really suck. A friend recommended to punch a pillow – gets rid of any stress and frustration and, funnily enough, it really works!
How do you keep sane on charter?
Firstly, I really enjoy what I do; after back-to-back guest trips I sometimes have to remind myself of that. Mostly I think it’s a mind-set. You can either make your life really hard by complaining and focusing on all the stuff you don’t like, or you can just get on with it and focus on what you have achieved at the end of the day.
What are your best strategies for spoiling charter guests?
Most of my guests haven’t been on superyachts before and are very down-to-earth people – so they are just in awe of being on a 5* floating hotel. Best way of spoiling them: smile and make their holiday an incredible experience. A guest once said to my captain and I, “You guys must have the most relaxed job in the world!” That was the 5th week of a non-stop owners’ trip and in reality, all I wanted was to sleep for 7 days straight! We took it as a compliment – there was a lot to do and yet we still managed to make it look as if we were completely relaxed.
What is your signature cocktail?
None of the boat owners so far have been very keen on alcohol. They come to the boat to relax and reboot, so prefer healthy stuff. I like to offer them fresh juices in the afternoon: watermelon & mint is a nice one. Also a must-try: ginger, lemon, honey and water; leave it overnight in the fridge – it is very refreshing with a lovely kick.
What is your favourite yachting destination?
Luckily I had the chance to sail the Pacific twice. The remote & unspoilt islands of Fiji; the really amazing landscapes of French Polynesia; the picture perfect palm tree beaches from the Cook Islands; and the great people everywhere would make me go back there in a heartbeat! I could happily live for the rest of my life on fresh coconuts and papayas!
What career achievement are you most proud of?
I stepped into the yachting world at the age of 34. Having made it in a world where youth and beauty counts a lot, I am proud of my achievements so far.
Best housekeeping tip/hack?
I have my own set of Enjo Gloves. It still shocks me the amount of interior cleaning chemicals on board yachts! Apart from the protecting the environment, I personally do not want those chemicals on my hands or on my skin, so that’s why I am an absolute fan of Enjo.
Tell us about a funny moment you’ve had on board.
On one yacht we didn’t have aircon and it was an incredibly hot summer – 42degrees plus outside! So for turn-arounds and just before going to bed at night, I would cover myself with babypowder to stop me from sweating. My Captain would shake his head in disbelief every time and call me the Talcum Monster!
What’s your favourite adventure in Mallorca?
Mallorca has a lot of fantastic hiking paths – you are spoilt for choice of breath-taking views. My personal favourite is to start from Valldemossa, go up the GR221 and then you have 4 different choices from 1 to 3 hours round trips or going ‘over the edge’ to Deia.
If you could give your 20yr old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Everything I have ever done – whether I enjoyed it or not (and even the weirdest jobs are suddenly useful skills on a SY!) – has led me to where (and who) I am now. I wouldn’t want to change any of it, so the only advice I would give my 20yr old self is: stop worrying about the future – everything will be fine.
What’s your plan for the future?
Be happy & healthy, enjoy my life, meet interesting people and maybe find that nice little sailing yacht that needs a cook/stew for a circumnavigation!
