In the second part of our interview with Isobel Odendaal, the owner and director of Super Yachting South Africa talks us through her top tips for both green and established stews and stewardesses.
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Isobel Odendaal is celebrating 25 years in the superyacht industry this year, and on speaking to the owner and director of Super Yachting South Africa, it’s clear that she has relished each and every one of them.
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We have so many amazing discussions in our Facebook group, Yacht Stewardess and Steward Tips, on any given day. A frequent discussion is how to ensure that Russian guests have the best and most memorable trip possible.
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It’s no secret that quality and bespoke design are integral to the superyacht industry, and one company that prides itself on every detail of its trade is Hartnack & Co., a family-run business specialising in hand-crafted guest books, menus, portfolios and presentation boxes.
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While flowers play such huge part when it comes to creating the ambiance of a superyacht, with so much information to navigate, arranging the perfect display can be a challenge. Here we’ll discuss some expert ways to arrange and care for flowers and more.
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While colour and variety are of course important factors to take into consideration when perfecting the ideal flower arrangement on board, it’s also essential to consider how long your flowers will last.
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During a busy yacht charter season, long hours, stressful conditions and demanding guests can take their toll on our physical and emotional health. We sometimes forget that we have to first take care of ourselves before we can serve others. Isobel Odendaal, ex-chief stewardess and trainer, shares her personal tips to soothe your body and soul.
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With Covid-19, some of us have had guests on board for extended periods of time, many wanting to live aboard for weeks or months to avoid the risk of infection. Here are some tips and ideas on how to keep your guests entertained during long stays at sea.
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A crucial part of managing a successful interior team, whatever the size of the yacht, is to compile a useful and comprehensive steward/ess training manual. Here are some suggestions on what should be included.
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Isobel Odendaal knows how difficult it is to switch off and relax on charter, but as an ex-chief stewardess she has some insider tips on how to take care of yourself and restore your energy reserves so you can give your all to the guests.
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Plenty of people are eager to offer their expert advice, but how much do they really know? Ultimately we’re only as good as the education we’ve received along the way, but too often that knowledge comes from third parties who aren...
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Carpets. They're everywhere you look, but often unnoticed until sensed by your feet, sinking into a plush pile, or until wine is spilled, leaving a stain that stubbornly draws the eye. We speak to Richard Perkins, a carpet special...
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Back in April during the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona, the 70m motor yacht JOY won the Table Decor category of the Superyacht Chefs’ Competition with a tablescape that captured the essence of Seven Star Hospitality. So what did ...
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How many of us have the best of intentions of going green? The fact is that making changes to our behaviour to benefit the environment can be difficult. That's why ex-chief stew and trainer Isobel Odendaal is here to help, with fo...
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In part 2 of our overview of ecological cleaning techniques, Isobel Odendaal sings the praises of vinegar and has tips for cutting chemicals and waste in the laundry. In addition to reducing harm to marine life and decreasing wate...
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Eco-friendly products are improving all the time, along with a growing readiness to consider alternatives to the plastics that pollute our oceans. Ex-Stewardess and interior trainer, Isobel Odendaal, shares her tips on using natur...
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Marble and stone care experts Isobel Odendaal and Dawn Riordan leave no stone unturned in this comprehensive guide to looking after the expensive and beautiful materials in your yacht's interior, from bar tops and shower floors to...
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During the summer in Antibes, a selection of junior and senior interior crew congregated at the Royal Hotel to participate in a day of training workshops offered by GUEST, the yachting industry standard for interior training. From...
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When it comes to interior operations, there has never been a more powerful or simple-to-use piece of software that encompasses everything from SOPs, familiarizations and training to crew certificates and hours of rest. The Total S...
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When it comes to high end hospitality, etiquette and manners are timeless fundamentals. But fashions change, and owners are also getting younger, perhaps with different expectations. Does this pose a challenge for interior trainer...
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As Christmas is fast approaching, this is one of the busiest times of the year for many yachts so we've put together some of our most popular Christmas ideas and suggestions from our Facebook group, Yacht Stewardess Tips.
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Over the years we’ve seen a shift from selling superyachts to selling the ultimate experience which, by definition, puts the spotlight on luxury hospitality. However, according to Peter Vogel of Luxury Hospitality Management, the ...
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Many years ago a female guest walked on board and announced that she was going to be seasick the entire trip and that her children were forcing her to come along on this charter. I had the unfortunate experience an hour or so lat...
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Q: Katie, Stewardess, 24: “I saved up for so long to come to Antibes and get a stewardess position, but now I have one I’m not enjoying it at all! It feels bad even admitting it - but I can’t bear the lack of freedom onboard and I...
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For this column, I'm stepping away from the educational side of Facebook group, Yacht Stewardess Tips, and I'm taking a light-hearted look at our ‘more serious’ personality (dis)orders and how these affect us each and every day, e...
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The rate of expansion in our industry in the last twenty years, combined with natural attrition, has resulted in a shortage of experienced interior crew. Training opportunities have certainly improved, and relevant experience alwa...
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When it comes to interior, crew and leadership skills training, there aren’t many individuals with more passion or zest for the business than Peter Vogel. A veteran who managed Paul Allen’s superyacht stable for nine years, Peter ...
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Are you a stew or stewardess and thinking of completing a course during the winter? Why not learn all about wine and spirits by completing WSET Wine & Spirits qualification. Riviera Wine are offering these internationally recognis...
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I always tell my students at the Steward/ess course that Grandma had the right idea – she used basic ingredients in the house, such as glycerine, soap made from animal fat (see definition Boerseep) baking soda, vinegar, sunshine, ...
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A Purser’s training for bookkeeping is challenging because many different software platforms are used on board yachts. Specific financial reporting requirements are determined by whoever manages the yacht and there is enormous var...
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