Elevating Yacht Interior Training – A Trainer’s Perspective

Kim, you’ve had a diverse career in yachting. Can you tell us about your journey into interior crew training?

After spending nine years in yachting, I had the opportunity to return to training, combining everything I had learned onboard with my skills as a teacher. Becoming a GUEST-accredited trainer allowed me to work alongside industry professionals, delivering high-quality training both onboard yachts and online. My focus is on interior team members who already have one or two seasons of experience and want to refine their skills, grow in confidence, and truly enjoy their roles. I specialise in training Chief Stewardesses and Senior Interior Crew, offering one-on-one mentoring to develop their leadership, administrative, and technical skills.

What sets your training apart from others in the industry?

Unlike many trainers, I come from a teaching background with five years of professional teaching experience before entering the yachting world. I’ve worked predominantly with adults, which means I really understand the learning needs of yacht crew members. I create a safe, supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions they may have been hesitant to ask before. At the same time, I push them outside their comfort zones to help them realise their full potential. It’s all about fostering confidence, adaptability, and leadership—not just technical skills.

How do you approach teaching and training your students?

I believe in blending theory with practical exercises to maintain engagement and maximise retention. I know that the average attention span for learning is around 30 to 40 minutes, so I make sure to change lesson formats frequently. For example, after discussing a service style, we immediately put it into practice. Quizzes and interactive discussions also keep students engaged, ensuring they not only understand concepts but feel confident applying them. My goal is for them to learn from their mistakes in training, rather than when it counts with guests onboard.

You mentioned that some crew members don’t realise the value of formal training. What’s your perspective on that?

A big challenge in training is the misconception that formal training is unnecessary after gaining initial experience. While hands-on experience is invaluable, structured training helps identify and correct inefficiencies, bad habits, and gaps in knowledge. I’ve been in their shoes, assuming onboard training was sufficient. However, I soon realised how external training could accelerate career growth and improve service standards. It’s about giving crew members the tools they need to step up their game and succeed in the long run.

Kim, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. Your passion for training and the development of crew members is inspiring, and we’re proud to spotlight you as a Bluewater industry pioneer.

It’s been a pleasure, thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences. I’m excited to continue supporting interior crew members in their professional growth!