By Ellie Brooke-Smith, Product Marketing Executive at EliteMarinas
The Mediterranean charter season is officially underway, and if you’re anywhere near a marina right now, you’ll feel it. The hum of engines, the clinking of halyards, and the buzz of crew prepping for the months ahead. After a few years marked by uncertainty and shifting travel habits, yacht charter guests are returning with confidence and high expectations.
From Superyacht Stewardess to Shoreside Strategy
As I watch this year’s season kick off from a different perspective, now working shoreside as a Product Marketing Executive for EliteMarinas, I find myself reflecting on my own time at sea, working as a stewardess aboard a 74-metre superyacht.
Preparing for the Charter Season
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of putting on your ‘boss on’ uniform for the first time each season. It’s a mix of anticipation, adrenaline, and the calm before the storm. Months of preparation had gone into getting the boat ready, detailing every surface, re-learning how to make a bed to exact superyacht standards (yes, there is a precise method), and running through every drill and service scenario imaginable. And yet, nothing truly prepares you for what’s to come.
The most exciting part is the ever-changing itinerary. One day you’re anchored off the coast of Greece, the next you’re docking in Monaco, before cruising onwards to the Balearics.
During this particular season, we spent nearly two months on trip, and as crew, that meant rarely stepping off the yacht. Long hours and busy days were balanced by the changing scenery, from quiet anchorages with turquoise water to the striking coastlines of the Med. It was a whirlwind, but those pinch-me moments made every shift worthwhile.
The Power of Systems and Seamless Communication
Working on a well-run superyacht is all about systems. Everything hinges on process and precision, from the way we fold napkins to how we log guest preferences. Stews rely heavily on radios for real-time updates, while Heads of Department juggle multiple spreadsheets and crew management tools to ensure each charter runs smoothly. Communication is constant, structured, and crucial. Whether it’s noting a last-minute request or sharing feedback from a beach set-up, every detail matters.
Bringing Yacht Discipline to Marina Operations
This behind-the-scenes reliance on systems feels very familiar now in my role at EliteMarinas. While the context has changed from sea to shore, the principles remain the same. Our team works closely with marina managers to implement smart software solutions that improve operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. From berth availability tracking to customer profiles for returning visitors, it’s all about anticipating needs and streamlining communication, much like life onboard.