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Talking Flowers On Board with Superyacht Stewardess Sarah McNally

Posted: 10th Jun 2021

Written by: Sam Watson

After working in hospitality, Sarah McNally's leap into the role of stewardess was a natural fit. But it's also allowed her to find her creative side and she's now an accomplished florist. Here, she discusses the latest trends in superyacht flowers and her long term ambitions. Read More

Business Lessons from Trans-Ocean Crossings

Posted: 1st Jun 2021

Written by: Lance Mortlock & Tristan Mortlock

Trans-ocean crossings are serious business. They can be carefully prepared and a great experience, but they can also be an encounter that hits you broadside with no prior warning, leaving you scrambling for what to do next. Read More

Inside the Engine Room with Marine Engineer Mustafa Kara

Posted: 17th May 2021

Written by: Sam Watson

Marine Engineer Mustafa Kara describes himself as a citizen of the world with a voracious appetite for life and learning. Over Zoom we discuss his early years in Bodrum, how the commercial sector compares to yachting, and pays tribute to those who helped him along the way. Read More

Flowers with Longevity – Blooms for Long Guest Trips

Posted: 26th Apr 2021

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

A Complete Guide to Caring for Flowers on Board Superyachts

Posted: 26th Apr 2021

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

Josh Nicholson on the Secrets to Becoming a Successful Bosun

Posted: 26th Apr 2021

Written by: Sam Watson

Working rotation on a 100m+ charter yacht, Josh Nicholson is an experienced bosun with his feet firmly on the ground. Currently based in Palma, we discussed the impact of the pandemic, the mood on the dock and the secret to a successful career in yachting. Read More

Cyber Security: AV/IT Advisory

Posted: 14th Apr 2021

Written by: Captain Rod Hatch

Whoever has responsibility for a yacht’s AV/IT systems has two tasks. The first is to maintain the functioning of all units associated with entertainment and with communications/connectivity. The second is to detect and prevent malicious interference with such functioning.
Read More

Managing Mental Health On Board with Purser Samantha Morris

Posted: 6th Apr 2021

Written by: Sam Watson

As finance manager on board a cruise ship, superyachts first caught the eye of Samantha Morris when she was moored alongside in St Martin. Now a purser on a 130m+ vessel, she's paying it forward to younger crew coming up the ranks. Read More

In the Galley with Superyacht Chef Caroline Morgan

Posted: 19th Mar 2021

Written by: Sam Watson

When it comes to the culinary world, like so many others, it's notoriously been a man's one for many years. Thankfully the tables are turning and, making waves as a young, talented chef in the superyacht industry, Caroline Morgan is certainly one to watch. Read More

Ship's Cook Certificate: About Time, or Waste of Time?

Posted: 5th Mar 2021

Written by: OnboardOnline

Seven years on, we have a clearer idea of the requirements for the Ship's Cook Certificate for yacht chefs, but there is still some confusion. With the help of OceanWave Monaco, we clarify what's involved and do away with some of the myths. Read More

Ensuring Superyacht Quality from Farm to Table

Posted: 9th Feb 2021

Written by: Gemma Fottles

The superyacht industry proudly boasts seven stars standards for guests in all aspects of the onboard experience, but when it comes to the suppliers to the yachts themselves, do chefs have the same peace of mind? Read More

Stew Tips: Wellbeing Ahead of the Charter Season

Posted: 12th Dec 2020

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

Long Stays: Activities for Guests On Board

Posted: 9th Dec 2020

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

Considerations for Yachts Over New Anchorage Regulations on the Cote d’Azur

Posted: 13th Nov 2020

Written by: Captain Rod Hatch

With new anchorage regulations on the Cote d’Azur, the whisps of seagrass washing up on the beaches are unlikely to cause a stir, but Captain Rod Hatch outlines some important considerations regarding the potential impact on yacht operations. Read More

Getting the Most Out of Yard Periods

Posted: 29th Oct 2020

Written by: Sam Wheaton

Yard periods can mean different things for different departments - some look forward to possible downtime while others, usually engineers, are preparing for a revolving door of contractors. In all cases, a yard period is an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t. Read More

Being an ETO: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Posted: 28th Sep 2020

Written by: Ryan Porter

As an experienced superyacht ETO, Ryan Porter shares his insight into the role for anyone wanting to get into the superyacht industry. From fixing the captain's email, to troubleshooting an engine fault, the role of an ETO is ever broad and varied. Read More

Superyacht Chef Duncan Biggs on Why Knowledge is Power

Posted: 23rd Sep 2020

Written by: Gemma Fottles

Starting out as yacht crew and working his way up to head chef on iconic boats such as 113-metre Luna, Duncan Biggs has always had a passion for knowledge. In 2015 he co-founded Ocean Wave Monaco to educate aspiring superyacht chefs and pay it forward. Read More

Managing Yacht Crew Rotations

Posted: 1st Sep 2020

Written by: Sam Wheaton

Rotational positions are becoming more common and naturally they are very popular with crew seeking a greater work life balance. Efficient handovers are key, and nowadays there is a raft of software and tools available to ensure they work smoothly. Read More

Choosing Your Yacht's AV/IT System - 7 Things to Consider

Posted: 14th Aug 2020

Written by: Ryan Porter

Despite there being such a high demand for it, the word ‘reliability’ is consistently overlooked when sourcing a new AV/IT system. Ryan Porter highlights the seven parts to consider, all of which play a vital role in the overall outcome of any integration or systems upgrade. Read More

Mastering the Art of Shiphandling

Posted: 13th Aug 2020

Written by: Captain Brendan O’Shannassy

After emergencies, shiphandling is a question I am always asked about. Not because it is the most important, but it's a black art to those not in the maritime profession, so I'm going to discuss my own shiphandling journey and the impact that a mentor made to this. Read More

Superyacht Captaincy - Myth Busting HELM

Posted: 13th Aug 2020

Written by: Commander Sean O’Reilly (aka Horatio Hardy)

The biggest, single subject in the professional syllabus at most naval colleges is leadership. In the commercial world, it’s rather catchily known as HELM, the purpose (and value) of which is still often misunderstood. Instructor and mentor Sean O'Reilly explains. Read More

Luxury Hospitality: Chief Stew and Trainer Svenja Halligan

Posted: 27th Jul 2020

Written by: Sam Watson

Growing up far from the sea where a superyacht was never to be seen, how does an A grade student in Germany become the chief stew on one of the world’s most iconic vessels? Now a specialist trainer at Luxury Hospitality, Svenja Halligan tells us how it all came about. Read More

The Future of Onboard Connectivity

Posted: 12th Jul 2020

Written by: Ryan Porter

With the world seemingly opening up again after the pandemic, who among us isn't interested in faster, more reliable and significantly cheaper connectivity? There are some universal limitations, but most owners could save a fortune and enjoy a better experience with minimal capital outlay. Read More

How to Compile an Interior Manual for Steward/esses

Posted: 12th Jul 2020

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

Prevent Fires On Board with Preventative Maintenance and Documentation

Posted: 29th Jun 2020

Written by: Sam Wheaton

News travels quick. Maybe it’s because we live in an age of the creating and sharing information that we are hearing of more and more fires on board yachts. Most crewmembers out there will know of someone who has had an encounter with an onboard fire incident. Read More

The Importance of a Superyacht’s Vision Statement

Posted: 8th Jun 2020

Written by: Captain Brendan O’Shannassy

Last month on OnboardOnline I talked about the best models of yacht management, and referred to the importance of a vision statement to guide the yacht’s efforts. This generated a lot of reader interest and in response I will unpack this a bit further. Read More

Managing Maintenance On Board Post COVID-19

Posted: 21st May 2020

Written by: Sam Wheaton & Matt Hyde

The impacts of COVID-19 have reached far and wide within the yachting community. Owners, suppliers and crew alike have all been impacted in recent months, causing a revaluation of how different elements of the industry interact. Read More

What is Yacht Management and What Should it Be?

Posted: 14th May 2020

Written by: Captain Brendan O’Shannassy

There was a time when I shared the view that yacht management reduces the ability of good yacht captains to deliver their service to yacht owners. Now with more experience and maturity, I see the view that management is not essential was wrong. Captains should not work in isolation. Read More

Superyacht Laundry Services with Jill Devine

Posted: 29th Apr 2020

Written by: OnboardOnline

While superyacht charters are on hold for now, it’s only a matter of time before things pick up and crew prepare to welcome guests back on board. Behind the scenes this includes everything from safety drills to laundry, a topic on which few are more qualified than Jill Devine. Read More

Stew Tips: Taking Care of Yourself During the Charter Season

Posted: 30th Jan 2020

Written by: Isobel Odendaal

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. Read More

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