yachting schools in cape town

CAREER GUIDANCE

Starting out in the super yacht industry is an exciting and rewarding choice of employment. Some choose to use the experience as a gap year while many others follow it as a long term and extremely rewarding career path.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK) (MCA) set the world standards which are followed by South Africa and many other countries.The industry provides safe and rewarding employment for young persons.

What do I need to qualify to work in this rewarding industry?

You will need to:

ADVANCED COURSES

Deck officer training.

PYT is your first choice MCA approved training provider.

PYT is recognised by the industry as a world class super yacht crew training academy. The savings on most of our course modules could well cover your traveling costs to South Africa.

Our value for money is hard to beat in the world of super yacht training. Our course schedule is designed to be flexible to suit super yacht crew.

Let us kick start your steps up the ladder of command.

OUR LECTURERS

Iyt courses, iyt master of yachts 200t unlimited.

TESTIMONIALS

“Happy days polishing the boat in the sunshine 🌞😋 Sitting on a yacht in Cannes beyond happy to have made it into the industry. It is so intimidating at the very start, trying to get your foot in the door but having done the stewardess course with @the_stewardess_co and Maxine's continued support post-course gave me that extra needed boost to step into the industry with confidence and find my first job on a super yacht!” Luiza Dos Santos

"I was lucky enough to complete my stewardess training with Maxine Oakley from The Stewardess Co. An absolutely fantastic course is provided here. There are so many additional sections pertinent to the yachting industry included in this course that aren’t covered by many other Stewardess Schools in South Africa. Maxine really goes above and beyond to ensure her students feel comfortable and happy with every section of the course. Maxine fully explained what the industry entailed and fully prepared each and every one of her students for every aspect of what it takes to be an excellent stewardess. Needless to say she is an amazing mentor and professional in the yachting industry.Not only is she an excellent teacher but she is also incredibly open to listening to the mentee and providing great insightful advice. Max is very humble and friendly, I couldn’t recommend a better place to complete your stewardess training. I feel so confident in my skills and my future in the yachting industry. It was a huge privilege to learn from such an exceptional woman. Her authenticity, Her willingness to share her own experiences and wisdom are all qualities to be highlighted. 10/10 would recommend The Stewardess Co. to anyone looking to learn more about being a stewardess in the yachting industry. .” Teagan Volkwyn

"From start to finish The Stewardess Co. course comprehensively covered a spectrum of knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a stewardess. The course is the ultimate kickstart for anyone wanting to join the industry. After the intense week of classes and practical experience I feel far more confident walking onto a yacht. What I appreciated most about Max and the course she presented was the extra effort put into the training. Along with a boatload of theory, students spend time on a yacht and build their practical skills. Another bonus is all the extra tips and tricks that you are exposed to in class from a first hand experience. It is the attention to detail that stands out and puts her and this course on a pedestal, I cannot recommend this course more.” Courtney Ann Trow

"This course is very worth your while! I loved every minute! The group of girls I was with was super fun. I learnt some excellent techniques in housekeeping, flower arranging, cocktail making and silver service. Maxine is a dynamic personality who gets the best out of everyone. She’s always ready to share of her time and expertise. I cannot enthuse enough about this course.” Cydney Malcolm

"I am so incredibly proud to be a student from The Stewardess Co. We have been taught all the little details in theory and most importantly practically. Here at The Stewardess Co. we became a family that lifts everyone up and we give it our all, even if we aren’t having the best day. We are all so lucky to have Maxine Oakley as our Stewardess Teacher but also as our life coach. When I worked with The Stewardess Co. students, Captains couldn’t believe that we were greenies to the industry. They said we really know what we are doing. Thank you Maxine and all The Stewardess Co. students for our life long sisterhood.” Mia Karlhuber

"My experience at The Stewardess Co with Maxine really just exceeded all expectations and provided me with a lot more than just following course material. It being the first course of my Superyacht training I was nervous at first for the whole journey and as I walked into the doors, being met with the small class of girls and Max, I immediately felt so comfortable, safe and excited. It was the perfect environment to learn, as it is was with a smaller group. This created a space of comfortable learning, easy sharing and as much conversation around the topic as possible. Max really instilled confidence in our abilities and has ever since then provided us with each with as many opportunities and references as she can. The same can be said from all the girls she’s taught before. She has never forgotten about all those who pass through her doors and does the most she can to see us succeed even after those 5 days which I think is beyond remarkable and the main reason I would recommend going through her rather than any other institution. Max treats everyone like family and is a lot more than a successful woman running a business. She has the experience in the field to know exactly what she is talking about and would teach us life lessons and expose us to the reality of the working world which I felt was so important and considerate. We shared many laughs, stories and exciting future dreams. I am so grateful to have signed up through The Stewardess Co and my journey through those weeks wouldn’t have been the same without that experience along with the friends I met from that first day, including the guidance, confidence and support from Max. And it showed, thank you to Max, straight after my full set of courses, I was able to land a job on a yacht for the total of 5 weeks through her contact, where I was offered to stay on and even run the department. All couldn’t have been without Maxine and her world class training at The Stewardess Co. I recommend it through and through. ” Cameron Beaufort

"I had the privilege to apply and complete the Stewardess course in September 2022 with Maxine Oakley. Definitely learned a lot more than what I thought I knew and having had someone that knows first hand and has been apart from a chief stew , Maxine just like us started as a Stewardess , she taught each class with a lot of love, knowledge and gave us always the truth of the matter. I enjoyed the teamwork with my classmates when it came to our practical test , one thing I’ll never forget was I accidentally broke champagne glasses by it falling off from the tray, Maxine told me a few words that will forever stick with me :’ Don’t let one bad thing determine the rest of your service’ Also want to thank the team behind every phone call whom assisted to the best of their potential Thank you Stewardess Co team ” Roxane Colmant

“My experience with The Stewardess Co. has been absolutely amazing! Without their support and help I would have never been able to secure a job on a yacht this fast. Maxine, their Chief Stewardess instructor, is such a great trainer and always willing to help and provide support. Since day one she has been there to guide me and she still checks in on me. I would definitely recommend them to anybody who would like to break into the yachting industry!” Jami Dyers

"I don’t think any other trainer or course could have prepared me for the yachting industry better than The Stewardess Co. I got my dream job as a service stewardess onboard a prestigious 125+m vessel in the UAE shortly after completing my course at The Stewardess Co and I would not have been able to do it without Maxine’s support and guidance. Her course is comprehensive, detailed, and up to date with current yachting trends. Her hands-on training will equip you with the knowledge and confidence you need not only to create a good first impression, but to exceed expectations and stand out from the crowd. She is a caring, approachable and knowledgeable mentor and her constant support and motivation has been invaluable to me. I highly recommend The Stewardess Company to anyone who wants to succeed in the industry.” Mieke Du Plessis

“Thank you to Maxine from The Stewardess Co. for your professional training program. After five years working as an ocean-based tour guide and dive instructor, deciding to train as professional yacht crew was quite intimidating, but having a mentor with such deep knowledge of the industry is a great way to learn. Throughout the course I gained confidence in the skills and techniques needed to thrive in service. I'm excited about the future and can't wait for the journey ahead.” Yente Coetzee

The Stewardess Co. provides professional Yacht Stewardess training for the modern Superyacht industry. Our years of experience on both private and charter vessels ranging from 25m to 80m in length provides our candidates with the very best in Superyacht instruction and allows for a unique and in-depth understanding of the Yacht Stewardess role.

Our hands-on training takes place in the beautiful City of Cape Town, South Africa, at our purpose-built facility in Blouberg. We also offer our students the opportunity to gain practical experience while training onboard some of the most prestigious motor yachts that the V&A Waterfront has to offer.

This extensive 6-star training is for anyone looking to enter the Superyacht industry as a successful and confident Superyacht Stewardess.

MEET THE TEAM

WHY THE STEWARDESS CO?

18 + Years of yachting and training experience

Chief Stewardess Instructor

Industry-relevant hands-on & practical training

Training onboard premium motor yachts in the V&A Waterfront Purpose-built Yacht Training facility with onsite accommodation. We offer local daywork through our extensive daywork program.

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Choose Your Course Select your Course 3 Week Yacht Stewardess Programme 5 Day Yacht Stewardess Course MCA/Highfield Food safety level 2 Ultimate Yacht Therapist Course Advanced Stew Masseuse Course

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YOA SUPER YACHT STEWARD/ESS TRAINING Cape Town

Our focus is to provide first hand and current insight into the yachting industry and help new deckhands acquire the skills and techniques necessary to confidently start careers at sea. 

We are located in Cape Town, South Africa and welcome students from around the globe.

Courses we offer:

STEWARD/ESS COURSE

STCW-10 BASIC TRAINING

FOOD HYGIENE & SAFETY LEVEL 2

STEWARD/ESS PACKAGE

R 20 380.74

YOA Superyacht Training was founded in 2014 and is run by MCA Chief Officer Don McKee, who spent 15 years working on board some of the finest motor and sailing yachts in the business.

Don facilitates our 4 day deckhand course and is the co-owner and director of YOA ltd., an MLC2006 compliant crew agency with locations in Cape Town and New Zealand, that supplies crew to yachts worldwide.

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I’ve found Cape Town’s chicest — and best located — waterfront stay

The cape grace has been newly refurbished and, with its ultra-convenient location and table mountain views, makes for an action-packed stay.

A s we pull up to the glistening harbour, a chorus of staff cheer, “Welcome home!” It sets the tone for our stay at the Cape Grace hotel.

I know Cape Town well — my dad grew up in the southern suburbs and we’ve been visiting family there for more than 20 years — but I’m used to bunking in family friends’ spare rooms in the leafy suburbs of Constantia or crashing at my cousin’s pad in trendy Sea Point. This newly refurbished five-star hotel in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of Cape Town’s most touristy spots, is a different scene altogether.

When I was growing up, the waterfront is where I’d come with Dad to shop for souvenirs, meet an auntie for lunch, get the ferry to Robben Island to visit the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during the apartheid era or just mooch around the bay, basking in the sun. It has one of the best views of Table Mountain. I’d have a bright green cream soda (my childhood favourite) and Dad would enjoy a crisp chenin blanc at one of the restaurants overlooking the boats, beneath the mountain’s shadow. We’d wait eagerly for its “tablecloth” to appear — the wispy clouds that creep over its sharp, flat edge.

There’s always so much going on and, while it’s enchanting, even amid the chaos of tourists and buskers, I wouldn’t normally think to stay here. However, the location is pretty much perfect — 20 minutes from the airport, a short drive to the rest of the city and just a bridge walk from all of the waterfront’s restaurants and shops.

The hotel has been around since 1996, so it must be doing something right. Many of the staff have been there since the beginning — we meet Laetitia van Rooyen and Janene Isaacs, who have worked in the restaurants for more than 20 years — and are eager to show off all the fancy changes. It’s just reopened after a big refurbishment under new management with Fairmont. The interiors, by 1508 London — the design firm that transformed the old War Office in London into a jazzy new Raffles hotel, OWO — have been transformed.. Now it has a modern aesthetic, while keeping original features, including the porthole windows in the pool changing rooms. The grand entrance is filled with polished herringbone floors contrasting with vibrant, African rugs and green velvet armchairs.

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With 112 rooms, including 25 suites, and long corridors, it does feel like a ship, which is fitting given the location, concealed from the crowds, between a private yacht basin and a working shipyard. Most rooms have views — there’s something spectacular to see at every angle, be it the marina, Table Mountain or Signal Hill. If you’re feeling flush, the Cape Grace Suite on the fourth floor has a panorama of them all. But even an entry-level room is luxurious — they are all bright and airy, with elegant panelled walls, slick chocolate-brown floors, oversized concrete lamps and bespoke geometric rugs.

After a quick whizz around the waterfront to show my boyfriend, Jonny, the location, we head back to the hotel’s Library Lounge for a pre-dinner negroni. It’s full of books and trinkets — such as Mandela’s autobiography and books on southern Africa’s extensive bird life, as well as chess sets and antique compasses — that pay homage to the Cape region’s history. The large French-door-like windows that run along the bar and restaurant wall (where there used to be a corridor) are the most striking change. As we sip and gaze out at the spectacular view of the marina, the bartender tells us proudly how much it has opened up the room.

Dinner in the Heirloom Restaurant next door is led by the renowned chef Gregory Czarnecki, and is an array of fancy amuse-bouches, homemade breads, buttery gratins, fresh fish and creamy lobster dishes. The kingklip with grapefruit emulsion main is a standout. The food is rich and heavy in an old-school French bistro kind of way, but utterly delicious. The hotel’s Bascule whisky bar isn’t due to reopen until next month, so we take the sensible option of an early night.

We’re here for three nights and there’s plenty to pack in, so we make good use of the hotel’s complimentary chauffeur, who will take guests anywhere within a six-mile radius of the hotel — perfect for nipping about town and ticking off our sightseeing list. First up is a 7am kayak — rumour has it that two orcas are chilling in the bay.

Unfortunately, the weather has other ideas. “They say Cape Town is like a baby, you never know whether the winds are coming or going,” one of the staff informs us at our early wake-up call. The locals are used to it. The hotel concierge is a marvel when it comes to chopping and changing our plans owing to temperamental weather. We ditch the squally sea and decide to make the most of the morning by walking up Table Mountain.

After four hours of hiking — there are at least five routes to walk up the mountain and my outdoorsy boyfriend and his Garmin watch take us up Skeleton Gorge, one of the more challenging — we’re eager to get the cable car back down and check out the hotel breakfast. It does not disappoint. The staff guide us to our “favourite table” overlooking the harbour as the sun streams into the Library room. Here, we are brought plate after plate of delicious, fresh food. I devour a well-earned omelette and Jonny goes for the poached eggs and avo on toast, flecked with bonito flakes.

With full bellies and sore legs, we decide to chill by the pool and wait for the skies to clear. The outdoor area has also been given a facelift — the pool has a nautical vibe, with zippy orange-and-white striped sunbeds. Set behind the twinkling turquoise water is the impressive outdoor bar, clad in rattan and with a hint of art deco. The hotel’s refreshed Fairmont Spa above the pool area, with gym downstairs, is due to reopen, offering treatments including the Tranquillity Signature Massage (75 minutes; £90).

The wind hasn’t died down, so we swap a windy-looking surf at Muizenberg for a refreshing swim at Clifton Beach on the other side of the mountain. A short amble to Saunders Rock (frequented by locals for a cold morning dip or seriously good sunset) brings us to the best spot to have our dinner picnic of takeaway sushi from Willoughby’s at the waterfront — don’t be put off by it being in a shopping centre, it does some of the best sushi in town (dishes from £3; willoughbyandco.co.za).

We have yet another leisurely breakfast the next day on our balcony (the water is again too rough for kayaking). Sipping coffee in the balmy morning sunshine with just the clinking of boats and the sounds of seals frolicking below is not a bad swap. Our day continues in a similarly relaxed vein with a long, lazy lunch at one of the Cape’s most striking wine farms, Klein Constantia, a 25-minute drive from the hotel. It produces wine from some of the oldest vineyards in South Africa and, after a thorough tour through the cellars, it feels only polite to work our way through the wine list beneath the jacarandas on the Bistro’s terrace (two courses for £17, wine pairing £12; kleinconstantia.com/the-bistro).

We manage to squeeze in a two-hour sunset hike up Lion’s Head — avoid the chains and ladders route unless you’re confident — before retiring to Cape Grace. The small (669m), distinctive peak is a straightforward climb and busy with locals at sunrise and sunset, who come for panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain and the Atlantic.

For the third and final time we rise before the sun in hope of a paddle out to sea. At last, we’re on and our trusty chauffeur Eddie delivers us to Mouille Point, where Sue from Cape Kayak Adventures is waiting for us, eager to get out on the water. Good things do come to those who wait (for bad weather to pass). Although we don’t spot Port and Starboard, the names the locals have given to the orcas, a school of dolphins swim beside us for at least 15 minutes — a truly magical finale. Sidonie Wilson was a guest of the Cape Grace, which has B&B doubles from £756 ( capegrace.com ). Fly to Cape Town

Where to eat

Salon, Woodstock Luke Dale Roberts, the chef behind the now closed Test Kitchen, has brought excitement back for foodies with his recently opened restaurant, Salon. In the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, one floor below the super-popular Pot Luck Club restaurant, it does dishes themed by countries Roberts has worked in — duck suzette represents France, while dumpling with mushroom dashi gives a taste of Japan — all amid chic decor. Choose from the nine-course Journey dinner (£70) or seven-course Explorer lunch (£35). All the countries featured are places Roberts has worked. Delicious cocktails too (salonct.co.za).

Black Sheep, City Bowl area On the buzzy Kloof Street, in the heart of the City Bowl, this little place has a lively atmosphere and laid-back approach to food. Signature dishes include the grilled kudu and south Indian coconut fish curry. In the daytime, the bistro-style windows open wide for an airy lunch. At night, it buzzes with life. A great option if you want to experience Cape Town’s more lively and less pretentious foodie scene (mains from £6; blacksheeprestaurant.co.za).

Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic Dine on a deck overlooking the Atlantic, at the base of Chapman’s Peak and within the Table Mountain nature reserve area. It goes without saying that the view is spectacular but the food demands equal attention. In keeping with its seafront location, there’s delicious fish and seafood dishes, such as togarashi squid and barbecued line fish. It’s very popular — the kind of place where people get engaged — so book in advance and arrive in time for a sundowner of local rosé (set menu options from £30; chefswarehouse.co.za).

Check out a market Many areas — including Hout Bay and Kalk Bay — have exciting weekly markets, offering fish, fresh food and farm stalls. And just beyond the V&A Waterfront is a great local hangout, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, with lots of street food and local artisans. It’s organised by a woman called Sheryl Ozinsky, who’s bringing a farming community to an area where there has been a lot of crime (ozcf.co.za). Neighbourgoods Market takes over the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock every Saturday and Sunday (from 9am-3pm; theoldbiscuitmill.co.za). Browse the huge array of local cuisine, fashion and culture — ostrich burgers, plenty of biltong and proteas — to the backdrop of live music.

Walk around Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden At the foot of Table Mountain is this botanical paradise. Learn about the Cape’s flora, unique fynbos species and rich South African heritage. There’s lots to explore and as you get higher, it offers great views. In the summer months, it hosts concerts and outdoor events, so it’s worth looking at what’s on. Tickets from £9.50 (sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch).

• 17 of the best hotels in Cape Town • Best hotels in South Africa

Take the circular drive around the Cape Peninsula It’s a beautiful, 40-mile drive to the most southerly spot in Cape Town: Cape Point. Head out via Kalk Bay (as the sun rises on that side) and stop off in Simon’s Town to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. When you reach Cape Point, you can catch the funicular to the lighthouse to gaze over the Atlantic, or there are more hikes and trails among endemic fynbos and uninterrupted views of mountainous, breathtaking bays and deserted beaches. You’re likely to spot baboons and mountain zebras too (capepoint.co.za/facilities).

Where else to stay

Kaap Mooi guesthouse , Tamboerskloof In a quiet neighbourhood, this guesthouse places the emphasis on taking it easy. The rooms are small but they’re all you need when you’re out exploring the city. There’s a small courtyard with a pool surrounded by greenery and the option of breakfast on the bougainvillea-draped balcony. Details B&B doubles from £70 ( kaapmooi.com)

Babylonstoren, Franschhoek A trip out to the wine regions is obligatory. Stay at one of the most stylish of the farms, Babylonstoren, only 90 minutes from the city. Expect classic Cape Dutch architecture in a rustic, serene setting with top-notch food. There’s a gazillion activities to keep you occupied, from wine tasting to feeding baby water buffaloes and paddling on the dams. For ultimate privacy, stay in one of the newer Fynbos Cottages. Details B&B doubles from £690 (babylonstoren.com/hotel/fynbos)

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Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre will make significant contribution to scholarship

Attendees at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance.

'Lots of them.' Write-in votes in Bourne town election near 1,000 for empty seats

BOURNE — Early morning and late afternoon voting was light during Tuesday's annual town election, but there were overwhelming numbers of write-ins and organized sticker candidates. “Lots of them,” Town Clerk Barry Johnson said later in the day.

There were six positions without candidates, notably for constable, library trustee, School Committee, community center trustee and Board of Health (two vacancies). There were 758 School Committee and 221 library trustee write-ins, according to preliminary results.

Select Board Chair Mary Jane Mastrangelo secured a third term with an 848-vote tally. Planning Board member Jeanne Azarovitz was also elected to the Select Board with 643 votes. Daniel Degan placed third with 565. John “Jack” MacDonald secured 375. There were 21 write-ins.

“I am happy the voters have supported my re-election and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens to the best of my ability,” Mastrangelo noted in an email message.

Recreation Authority incumbent Louis Gallo was reelected with 763 votes along with Robert L. Buckley III with 665.

Unopposed incumbents included Moderator Amy Kullar, Town Clerk Johnson, Planning Board members Chris Farrell, Catherine Walton and Daniel Doucette, library trustee Susan Schmidt with 966 votes and School Committee member Kari MacRae with 674.

William “Dusty” Meier was reelected to the Community Center trustee board’s non-military veteran slot with 995 votes. A second trustee slot attracted no candidates.

The following people notified the town clerk’s office ahead of election day they were launching write-in campaigns: Joshua McMahon and Margaret Earao (School Committee), Miguel Prieto and Margaret Reali (Board of Health) and Margaret Song and Amy Sharpe (library trustee).

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