Embark on a captivating journey with Braiden, a seasoned Second Officer with seven years in yachting, Kimberly, a 23-year-old stewardess and spa therapist, and Michayla, an accomplished Chief Stewardess of eight years. Together, their stories offer insights into the diverse and exciting world of yachting.
Braiden Coates (26)
Second Officer
Braiden’s yachting journey began with a life-changing spearfishing trip on his dad’s friend’s catamaran yacht after high school. “I fell in love with being on a boat at sea,” he recalls, leading him to dive into the world of yachting. Choosing yachting over a desk job perfectly aligns with his love for the outdoors and being active. The real thrill lies in global travel opportunities, allowing him to explore the world while getting paid.
Transitioning into yachting wasn’t without challenges, including adapting to the demanding routine, long hours, and homesickness. Yet, shared experiences with crew members transformed these challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth. The yachting industry has profoundly shaped Braiden’s perspective, fostering an appreciation for home and exposing him to diverse cultures. Some view it as a temporary income source, while others, like Braiden, make it a lifelong career, striving for excellence.
The Mediterranean holds a special place in his heart, offering crew members post-season downtime to explore European countries. Alongside onshore festivals, Braiden has introduced a unique onboard tradition – a crew-organised annual Triathlon fostering a sense of community and making it a memorable, fun event.
His daily routine consists of early morning checks, coordinating activities, overseeing tender preparations, and planning boat movements. For those aspiring to join the yachting world, he stresses the need for specific qualifications.
Whether in deck, interior or engineering, certifications like STCW basic, ENG-1, PBL2, PDSD and PWC are essential for a successful entry. As experience grows, more advanced courses open doors for skill enhancement.
Braiden also advises you to be curious, take initiative, and be resilient. Showing interest, asking questions, and a willingness to learn are crucial. Acknowledging the initial challenges, he emphasises the importance of positivity and kindness for a rewarding career at sea.
Kimberly Philpott (233)
Stewardess & Spa Therapist
Meet Kimberly, also known as Kim or Kimi, whose journey into – yachting began as a serendipitous career change after finishing high school at 17. Formerly successful in the beauty industry, managing salons and offering various services, her desire for travel and international work opportunities led her to the yachting world nearly two years ago. The turning point in her decision was the prospect of 
offering beauty treatments to celebrities on superyachts, expanding her clientele, and introducing exciting changes to her services. Despite facing obstacles such as getting familiar with cultural differences and living in close quarters on smaller boats, Kimberly shares that working on a larger yacht offers more options. On days with guests, her schedule is tight, managing laundry and breakfast service. During guest-free days, the crew follows checklists, addressing tasks before the next trip.
Personally, yachting has transformed Kimberly, leading to improved health, close bonds with the crew, and a deeper appreciation for family. Professionally, she has expanded her beauty services and is studying to broaden her role in the onboard spa.
For aspiring yacht professionals, Kimberly highlights the importance of additional skills and essential courses like STCW, interior crew courses and basic seamanship. She advises gaining experience through temporary or day work to enhance your CV, staying open-minded and true to oneself, and embracing change – a fundamental aspect of the yachting lifestyle.
Michayla Shone (30)
Chief Stewardess
Born and raised in Ballito, Michayla’s educational journey led her from Umhlali Preparatory to Ashton College. After school, she completed a corporate communication degree and delved into the corporate realm as an accounts manager. Simultaneously, she ventured into entrepreneurship with a wedding planning business. In 2016, driven by a desire for global exploration, she made a bold decision. “I soon realised that I wanted to accumulate some capital and decided to start yachting in 2016. Eight years later, I am still in the industry!”
Michayla’s plunge into yachting wasn’t an immediate embrace. Fears of leaving family and uncertainties about an overseas venture lingered. “I definitely didn’t want to go into it initially. I did my courses in Cape Town, sold my car, loaned money from my mom, and then made the jump overseas to a town called Antibes in France where I dock-walked for over a month until I found a job.”
Qualifications are paramount in yachting, and Michayla highlights the significance of the STCW course. ‘Dock-walking’, a challenging process, taught her humility and appreciation, fostering mental and physical resilience. “Dock-walking is not for sissies! Living on half a baguette for lunch and the other half for dinner really made me appreciate what I had at home. I appreciated every job I got thereafter.”
Despite inevitable career crossroads, the eight years abroad provided invaluable lessons in management, leadership and hospitality. She gained confidence and independence. “Personally, I have become a different person.” Michayla’s role as Chief Stewardess involves orchestrating seamless yacht interiors. Mornings start with comprehensive meetings, and days vary based on shipyard or charter activities. Collaborating with the captain, overseeing guest experiences, and managing administrative tasks fill her charter days.
Reflecting on her yachting journey, Michayla offers valuable advice. Having a financial plan, wise money management, and an understanding of sacrifices are essential for those considering a yachting career change.
“Have a plan. Going abroad is a huge sacrifice. You miss birthdays, funerals and weddings, so make sure the sacrifice is worth it by using your money wisely.”