Kirsten Martins (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel.  My life has been a bit hectic since I arrived in France last week – since I managed to land a week of daywork on the next day!  I just want to thank you for putting in such an amazing effort in the PYA GUEST Stew courses. Your passion for the industry and your store of knowledge is just amazing, and I know we just saw the tip of the iceberg over our 5 day course with you. Without your course and your shared knowledge I would never have landed my now permanent position as 3rd Stew on board a stunning yacht – thanks to you I didn’t mess up too badly or feel like a total fool during my trial of daywork.  I just felt the need to share my gratitude with you… I now smell permanently like vinegar and my best friend is a vacuum and a cloth – but it’s the smell of success and friends that probably won’t leave my side for a very long time.  I fight with mirrors and shiny surfaces all day and my knees are bruised from scrubbing floors, but I am glad you didn’t paint this pretty picture for us, but instead made our expectations realistic and made sure we knew how much hard work this career entails.  Hope you are well, and I hope this email serves to let you know that your work with us green Stews is very appreciated and makes a huge difference in our experience as greenies.”

Calvin (Deckhand)
“Good day, I just want to let you know that I have received both my license and deckhand certificate. Once again , I just want to say thank you very much for the experience, and all the information I have walked away with after the courses. Hope to see you again soon in the future if the chance comes to better myself in the industry. All the best to you that side! Keep well.”

Corine Howell (Stewardess)
“I hope all is well back in South Africa and that your classes are booming, because let me tell you, I have heard so many junior girls saying that you don’t need a Stewardess course, because they teach you everything on board, but I feel like I was a step ahead of the other greenies because of my knowledge about cleaning, the terminology in and around the boat, about service and organising skills – basically everything you taught us, because it landed me a job – and just to add – a job that wasn’t even available on the boat, they created the position for me!!  The Chief Stew just simply said: ‘Wherever you did your training has done a marvellous job, because I have never met a green stew who knows soooo much, not just about the interior, but also exterior, and tricks and trades of the industry’.   All thanks to you I got this job, and I am being paid above average, because the captain felt it would be unfair to pay me less – due to my skills and knowledge.  All thanks to you and your AMAZING COURSE!!!  I remember so many things you taught us and just chuckle when the other stewies on board ask me:  ‘how do you know that?’  So I just reply:  ‘SUPER YACHTING SOUTH AFRICA and give Isobel a call’.”

Mike (Deckhand)
“Hey Jason, I just signed for a new 52m Feadship. I just wanted to know if there was any way I could leave a review on your website or so, because without all your courses and help, none of this would have been possible.” 

Rustelle Janse van Vuuren (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to ‘check in’ and let you know that I am more than halfway through first my contract as a sole stew/deckhand/cook on a yacht.  It has been a wonderful experience up to date and I use your manual and things taught in the course regularly.  So just want to say, thank you for the lovely introduction course, it really eased me into my position as a Stew.” 

Danie (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason, hope you are doing well, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity to be a student at SYSA. The past 2 months was, to say the least, amazing. The courses are really well structured and I learned something new every day. Plus I enjoyed every minute of it. Also, the instructors at SYSA are truly fantastic, as well as the facilities. Once again, many thanks to you and your team, can’t wait to see you guys again!”

Renee Engels (Stewardess) 
“We have arrived back from Cape Town and are applying for our visa now. The reason why I am writing this email is to say ‘thank you’!  You have widened my world and knowledge so much and I am so grateful for that. The whole experience was wonderful – from meeting you, right through to all our other instructors.  I am so excited to go overseas, but am nervous at the same time, but I know everything will work out the way it should.  I just wanted to thank you for everything and to tell you that we enjoyed every minute of it. So worth it to do the courses!” 

Matt (Deckhand)
“Good day Jason. I just want to thank you for such an incredible course at SYSA. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and I have left with more than my money’s worth just in experiences and good times. You guys are fantastic.”

Rachel Barbosa (Stewardess)
“I want to thank you for the great preparation you give us into the yachting industry. Soon, I’m heading off to the Med to start my new career.  I had a Skype interview recently and felt extremely prepared for everything that was thrown at me because of your teaching.  And now I have a job.”

Liam (Deckhand)
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all these courses and being so accommodating with regard to all my changes and requests. It has truly been a spectacular learning experience and SYSA has prepared me for the yachting industry more than I could have ever hoped for. All the best for the rest of the year and I hope to see you soon.” 

Rachel Fisher (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to send you a quick message to say a big thank you.  I took your Stewardess course six years ago!  I can’t believe it has been that long!!  I still follow your Yacht Stewardess Tips Facebook page and I learn huge amounts all the time and I thank you for that.  I have stepped up over the years and I have become Chief Stew, which I have done for the past year and it has been amazing.  I just want to say thank you for starting me in this journey and for the guidance and support throughout with your Facebook group. I preach it to my team I have and I will keep doing so with every interior team I have.  Thanks again.”

Michael (Deckhand)
“Can’t thank the team at SYSA enough for all the courses and knowledge they gave me before entering the industry, I highly recommend them! They’re friendly down to earth and know what they’re doing, without their skills and tricks of the trade none of this would have been possible!!” 

Kiyra Rathbone (Stewardess)
“I really felt it was important that I email you to say thank you. Thank you for an enjoyable and informative course, thank you for the affirmation in my abilities that completing your course gave me and thank you for your kind personal words to me at the end.  I really want to give everything I do 100% of my all and meeting you has inspired me.  If you hear of any opportunities that you would consider me as a good candidate for, please don’t hesitate to let me know and I will jump on it! Thanks again for everything thus far, you are a real super star!”

Herman (Deckhand)
“I said i would tell you when I get a job and I landed one!  It is such a jol and having the best time ever.”

Emma Dickens (Stewardess)
“I am just finishing up my first season on the yacht.  It has been amazing!  I did the Caribbean, which was great.  I am now in Florida, a week left of cleaning the boat and then off to my holiday!  I have been asked to return for the next season, which is great, knowing I have a job to come back to!  The yacht has a great captain and owners.  Again, a massive thank you to you, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the course!”

Aryon (Deckhand)
“I am full-time employed!  It is a 30m and based in Monaco with a full Med itinerary.”

Caterina Gouws (Stewardess)
“I would just like to thank you again so much for the course! You were absolutely wonderful, your insight and enthusiasm has made me even more excited and determined for my yachting career. I loved your way of teaching as well as your persistence in letting us get to the answer.  Hope to make you proud and uphold the fantastic name you have built for yourself!”

Bianca (Deckhand)
“I hope you are well! I wanted to extend a huge thank you to you for the continued references in my search these past few months. I am flying to join a new boat today. It is a 62m world traveling private and charter – first trip will be to Alaska for the summer. All your help when I was here, the advice, teaching and support have led me to landing this role. It’s hugely appreciated.”

Jamie Lynn Jason (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know that I have successfully found a position as a Sole Stew on a yacht.  Thank you for all the training, tips and tricks as that has played a huge part in this journey.”

Camden (Deckhand)
“I am in Antibes now, got a seasonal position on a classic sailing yacht. Loads of sailing, regattas and charters! Pumped!!”

Nikita Batlis (Stewardess)
“The past week has been a whirlwind of excitement, nerves, and mild panic attacks. I put in endless nights online registering and emailing job ads before even arriving in Antibes.  On Monday just before my flight, I got a response to come in on Wednesday for an interview with a 53m yacht.  The night before, I went through the Introduction section of your manual, jotting down notes and practicing answers. Needless to say, the first interview went incredibly well! I was constantly referring back to the Stew principles and things you had told us in class, and felt fully prepared for every question she had. She even called the Captain down to meet me at the end of the interview because I impressed her with my knowledge of the boat and nautical terms.  She emailed me again this morning to come back and chat with her on a more personal level.

She wants to take me under her wing and bring me into her team.  I start on Monday and couldn’t be more ecstatic!  I can’t get over how quickly this is all working out and I have no doubt that I have your guidance to thank.  Every ounce of info you shared with us has helped and I wouldn’t have had the confidence to pull this off without the rock-solid foundation I gained from your course.  I really cannot thank you enough, Isobel.  Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!!”

James (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason. I just wanted to thank you for the courses. The instructors are really awesome man had a real great time. Recommending you to connections!!”

Chiara Hicks (Stewardess)
“There has been a bit of a change of plan, I am no longer going to Antibes, because I have been given a job on a 60m yacht. The boat is flying me to Costa Rica tomorrow to join them, from where we will depart for the Galapagos Islands.  The boat has a crew of 16. The boat is scheduled to go to Tahiti in the French Polynesia, Fiji, Hawaii, California and the plan is to be in Miami in the first week of December.

My role on board is Stewardess/Masseuse/Hair Stylist, so after coming back from my Stewardess training in Cape Town, I have worked as a waitress, completed a Massage Course and various Hair Stylist courses. I also shadowed my hair stylist for a few days and assisted in the salon and helped out at home with the washing and ironing.  Thank you for all the knowledge you have given me that has prepared me for this journey.”

Henry (Deckhand)
“Hey there!  I landed a job. I will see if I can get in touch with you on Friday, I need to tell you all about it! It is a charter boat – and we are very busy.  Crossing to Barcelona at the moment.” 

Nicole Collen (Stewardess)
“Thank you for the extensive effort you put into the Stewardess classes.  After ten years of tertiary education, I can honestly say it was the most interesting course I have ever done.”

Patat (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason. I am in yachting again!  Leaving for St Maarten soon – I got a job as First Mate/Engineer on a small yacht. Just thought I would say hi.”

Sarah Buys (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for such an informative week. I feel like what I have learnt is invaluable. I really enjoyed being in your class and maybe one day I shall see you again for further training.”

Carel (Deckhand)
“Good day, Jason. I want to thank SYSA for the time spent on us in training, I have been on a 50 meter yacht for 7 months now and the captain and owner asked me to prepare myself as thay want me to go all the way up to my Y3 and they will be my financial support for all my courses. I know this yacht very well now and it is great to be on this team, we are currently in Monaco for the winter.  Send my thanks and regards to Lee and Justin and the team there – thanks again and I’ll keep in touch.”

Kylie de Vlieg (Stewardess)
“I hope you are well and that all the Stewardess classes are going well.  Thank you for all that you taught me though training, I am so grateful that I can go over knowing what I know now. Scary how little I knew before.  I am so excited to be starting my career with the building blocks that I now have and know that is is exactly what I want to do with my life.”

“I have been dying to tell you my news, but wanted to wait until it was all 100% confirmed. The last time we communicated was a Sunday night after you kindly made all the necessary changes to my CV.  By that Thursday evening, I had sent out my CV, had a Skype interview and by some miracle been offered a position as Sole stew on a 30m sailing yacht in Spain.  Due to the job offer, I was able to apply for a visa and was granted it this morning.  I start my position in April and apparently our first trip is to Croatia. I fly to Spain beginning April, giving me a little time to walk the docks and hopefully get some experience before I start my journey all on my own.  I would just like to say thank you again for everything you taught me, I would not have this job without the foundation of knowledge I got from you.”

Johan (Deckhand)
“I have a job on a yacht I just interviewed with and they might contact you regarding my reference I got from SYSA . Thank you for all your time put into my training – SYSA ROCKS!”

Amy Hird (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for the course last week. You provide such an abundance of information and for someone like me that had only heard about what the industry was like briefly through friends and by word of mouth, I felt I walked away with a much better and rounded understanding of what to expect before I set out. More than that, your passion for the industry was completely infectious and has left me with such a sense of excitement for the year ahead – thank you for that.”

Erin (Deckhand)
“I just want to say thank for everything, all you guys at SYSA are are nothing but professional. Such a good vibe.”

Kayla Shefer (Stewardess) 
“Thank you for your extra time and effort put into my CV and once again thank you for an amazing experience and for a very fun and worthwhile course.” 

David (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason, Thanks again (very much) for your help with the PB Level II. I really appreciate it, and really enjoyed the course. I will join the list of people recommending you guys. See you around!”

Paula Robertson (Stewardess) 
“Thank you very much Isobel!  Your effort and time dedicated to this course is easily seen. I walked away on Friday feeling confident and ready to take on the next few years, so thank you very much!”

Ashleigh Proudfoot (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much! And thank you for an amazing course and for being a really caring and great teacher! I found it thoroughly enjoyable.”

Chris (Deckhand)
“I hope everything is good on your side. Season is going great. I am sole crew on a 23m charter Catamaran. It is a seasonal position. We did a 34 day charter and busy with a 10 day one now. I really do appreciate all your help, Jason.” 

Sarah Lax (Stewardess) 
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful and challenging week. I feel so well-equipped with the knowledge we have gained from your course. I am so grateful for all of those nuggets that you shared. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone who is interested in yachting.”

Jonathan (Deckhand)
“I hear you are in Palma at the moment. If you got some time would be great to catch up. I am based here all summer on a 70ft charter yacht!”

Kirsten Goncalves (Stewardess)
“I would like to thank you for the outstanding Stewardess course taught – I truly learnt so much from you, more than I ever expected. You have given us the skills and knowledge to succeed so it’s all up to us now to put them in place and make it happen. Thank you once again and all the best for your new group this week.”

Kennith (Deckhand)
“Hi from Paris.  I would first of all like to thank you and your team for the warm welcome and training I received from all of you, your staff and your instructors.  It really is a first class school.  Please also thank Chantelle Hardie for the Advanced Power and Tender Operator course she gave me.  It was pleasant and professional.  She is a great trainer.  Your teaching of the Personal Watercraft Instructor Course was the highlight for me.”

Jacob Madhanzi (Steward)
“Thank you so much for your message and course. I have learned so much from you and I look forward to learning more. Your illustrations and well-detailed knowledge has given me valuable confidence to go out there and make you proud.  The moment I will manage to step on the yacht, I really want to perform to my best knowing I have been instructed by the best tutor, Isobel.  Thank you for being a remarkable teacher and I am very grateful to have complete my Steward course at SYSA.”

Dean Tomlinson (Deckhand)
“All going well at the moment, just putting the final touches on my CV and ready to start sending out.  Thank you very much for everything!  It has been such an amazing experience doing all my courses at SYSA!”

Vanessa Oelofsen (Angelique and Caitlin Oelofsen mother) (Stewardess)
“Thank you for your very valuable and thorough instruction on the Stewardess course.  All of the girls thoroughly enjoyed it and say they feel much more confident and competent now.  So thanks for a job well done!”

Sage Botha (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I just wanted to say it was a truly a honour to have been taught by you. You are truly incredible and so knowledgeable, and I hope we can keep In touch.”

Ginny Leary (Stewardess)
“I wanted to thank you for that amazing Stewardess course. What a joy it was to learn with you, you have a contagious passion for the industry and I hope to have the same passion as I enter the yachting industry.  Thank you!”

Pauline de Kock (Stewardess and Chief Stewardess)
“I am taking a couple of months off from work to regroup and then will probably start looking for work again in March/April, after doing a month of yoga (or something similar). I feel like it’s what I need to reset.  You have always been “my chief”.  I have not worked with anyone that has even 10% of your knowledge and enthusiasm about the job, so I am really glad that I need my Introductory Stewardess course with you five years ago to give me the correct standards that I need to work towards, and now also my SYSA Chief Stewardess course.  You really are the best.”

Yolande Loubser (Stewardess)
“Just want to let you know I started working on a yacht on Friday. When I went for the interview, she said she saw I did my training with you and knew I had proper training, which was one of the reasons she appointed me. I just want to thank you. The plan is to gain experience and go over next year. Will keep you updated.  Thanks again for everything.”

Francesca Naglieri (Stewardess)
“First of all THANK YOU so much for your hard work.  You gave me a lot of passion for this work. We are not cleaners, we are professionals!  That will be always in my mind. Trust me!  I love your passion in this wonderful yachting world. Thanks!”

Bianca Blohm (Stewardess)
“I am in Croatia, on a 50m yacht.  Currently it is a 3 month contract, but there is potential that it could become permanent.  Thank you for all the support and encouragement over the last few months, I wouldn’t be here without you.”

Zayntana Jonsson (Chief Stewardess)
“I must admit I have followed you for years, but had no idea how huge and successful you really had become – CONGRATULATIONS!  It is so amazing seeing this and reading up more about you and the courses you offer.  I always find it incredibly interesting and inspiring being exposed to different and better ways of improving within the industry.”

Telana Van Wyk (Chef)
“I just want to share with you, my boss also owns a 50m yacht based in USA.  They asked me to the crossing in October from the Med and then to become the new Sole Chef on the 50m!  I just want to thank you again for everything, I would have been lost without all your tips and advice.  I am so blessed! Thanks again!”

Lana Roux (Stewardess)
“I have been wanting to email you for soooo long!  My boyfriend and I were so fortunate to find a job together on a 24m yacht.  We charter in Montenegro and Croatia and have already done six charters!  Our Captain and Chef are teaching us so much, they have been on board for four years.  Thanks again for everything you taught me during the PYA GUEST Stewardess course, I have already experienced quite a few of the scenarios you taught us about during the training.”

Zané Combrink (Stewardess and Chief Stewardess)
“I am 3rd Stew/Head of Housekeeping on a 74m privately owned yacht.  Learning a lot, I have 3 Stews under me – in charge of the laundry and rotate into service when we have our busy 25+ people lunches.  Your Chief Stewardess Course truly helped me, I am more confident and motivated, and I still refer to all the materials you gave me, and not to forget your Facebook group YACHT STEWARDESS TIPS – that page is equivalent to the entire Google!!  THANK YOU!!!”

Emma Dickens (Stewardess)
“Hello Isobel. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the classes I had with you. It was great and has paid off. My second day in Antibes, I somehow landed four days of day work as Deck/Stew on a 23m yacht. I then received a message on Sunday asking if I would like to return on Monday to the same boat for about 3 weeks – doing a Corsica trip.  I was so shocked and over the moon.  I really thought I would be stuck at Antibes for a while longer before getting any kind of work.  I know it is not permanent, but it is great experience. The Captain is great and is teaching me a lot too. Again, thank you ever so much for all your help and definitely a great course to do!!!”

Chantelle Rautenbach (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know that I got a job on a 45m yacht in Greece.   I just wanted to thank you so much – everything you taught us has helped me so much!  I would not have been able to handle this without your course and your guidance.”

Sharon K Mutiga (Stewardess)
“I just finished my WSET Level II – by the way, your lecture on PYA GUEST Introduction to Wines and Spirits was very beneficial to me, as you equipped me with the knowledge on wines and the regions beforehand, hence making it much easier for me. I hope I am going to make you proud.  

I just want to thank you immensely for the one week I spent in your lectures at the Stewardess course. I did not know what to expect when I enrolled for the course, but needless to say, you surpassed my expectations. You are an amazing woman, patient and very knowledgeable in matters concerning yachties.  I must admit that choosing to change careers for me has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made – leaving a stable job with all its perks and venturing out into a different path that is new to me.  I was scared, but the knowledge you instilled in me gave me so much hope and confidence – that I can do this, and now I am ready to go out and conquer the sea, because you inspired me to believe in myself.  I am excited about this new path in my career and my life.  Thank you so much, Isobel, for everything.  You are a blessing.”

Corine Howell (Stewardess)
“Where do I start?  All I can say is, MIND BLOWN!! I have attended many courses in my life, but never have I ever attend a course that is so informative, interactive and so much FUN.  Thank you for not spoon-feeding us, but forcing us to think like yachties. Thank you for preparing us for the ‘real world’ and sharing your stories to give us an idea of what to expect.  Life on land seems like a walk in the park!  Thanks to you and your incredible training course, I feel confident starting my career in the yachting industry and I will definitely recommend your academy for anyone considering this journey.  P.S. – If my yacht sinks you will be the first person I phone!!”

Sarah-Jane Osbiston (Stewardess)
“After 3 weeks of being in Antibes and working temporary jobs, I have finally landed a job on a 75m motor yacht for my first season. I cannot describe how excited I am! I leave for Italy tomorrow. I would just like to say thank you, thank you for everything. You didn’t sugarcoat anything and you pushed me to go for what I want. Your Stewardess course is fantastic and I will keep recommending it, you taught me so much. I just wanted to say thank you.”

Sarah Murphree (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to thank you once again for teaching me all the precious information you have learnt and discovered through your years of being a yachtie.   I had so much fun throughout the course and can’t wait to make you proud in the next two that I have to do.   I know I have to gain the confidence and I feel that I really need the yacht industry in my life, but I hope through time and experience, I can become confident enough to say that the yacht industry needs me!  It was an honour meeting you and I will definitely recommend you to anyone who asks me how to join the industry.”

Hanicke Mulder (Stewardess)
“I just finished some daywork at the Cannes Lions Festival and I am flying to Turkey on the 25^th to start a new job – and I just want to say THANK YOU!  Thanks for all the help, advice, trouble and also for all your feedback.  I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Caroline Warren (Stewardess)
“Thanks so much for your help as always Isobel. I have realized more and more every day just how valuable your Stewardess course was. I literally live out of your manuals. Our Chief Stew had resigned, so whilst waiting for our new chief stew to arrive, your manuals were an absolute life saver! I honestly don’t know what I would do without them!”

Monique van Wyk (Stewardess)
“I want to try everything to do this job perfectly, whilst enjoying what I do!  I cannot wait to start my first job on a yacht and learn more.  I am so happy I did the Stewardess course and it has inspired me to do more research, read up, re-read your Stewardess manual, Google and grow even more before I go overseas.  I cannot thank you enough for everything, I am so excited!  Thanks for being so organised prior to and during the course.   And thanks for organising the job for me!!”

Loren Curry (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you for the amazing week of Stewardess training you gave us girls in March, as I have just landed my first job and I know I wouldn’t have gotten it if it hadn’t been for those PYA GUEST Stewardess qualifications on my CV.  I am the only girl on board who is completely green, and the boat decided to take a risk, because I did have, at the very least, a good introduction into service and yachting through your course.  It’s basically my dream boat, so I’m very chuffed!”

Megan Richardson (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. I just wanted to thank you for all the support and help along the way. After 3 weeks of intense dockwalking, I have managed to find a job. I am so excited to start my yachting journey. Your Stewardess training definitely made it possible and you trained us well. Thank you!”

Maretha Swanepoel (Stewardess)
“Thank you very much for this lovely week at the Stewardess course! It was amazing and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for all your hard work and effort you put into this course to make us better Stewies! I am really honoured to say I was one of your students. It was an amazing education experience.”

Harriet McNamara (Stewardess)
“I haven’t had a chance yet to let you know that I got a job on a private yacht based in Monaco!!!  Started on Wednesday!  I have been appointed 2^nd Stewardess. I am also managing the junior stew, which is a big learning curve. I am getting there and loving every minute of it!   Thank you again for your fantastic training!!  It is being put to great use!  I am learning more and more every day! 

Megan Ross (Stewardess)
“I’ve been meaning to send you a mail for a while.  I just wanted to let you know that I got a job as a Cook/Stew on a really great 35m yacht.  I’ve been on board for 4 weeks now and am just loving loving loving life!  Great Captain and crew with a super itinerary lined up for the summer.  Really enjoying the job – can’t believe how lucky I am!  The South of France is just so beautiful! It has been so much fun exploring and shopping at all the local food markets and cooking the various Mediterranean dishes.  Loving the food produce here in France – incredible seafood and vegetables!  And of course, I have been sampling all the delicious pastries and wines. Bottles of chilled rosé on the beach, such a treat. Thanks for everything. I’m right where I need to be.”

Emily Craik (Stewardess)
“I needed to say thank you again for preparing us stews, the way that you did during our course. I have found a job on a 43m yacht!   And one of the first things my chief stew said to me after I got the job was how concise and well written my CV was.  I feel so prepared and ready for this job and it is because of the SYSA Stew course you have created. Thank you so much for all you do for this industry.”

Harriet McNamara (Stewardess)
“Thank you for such a wonderful course last week! Your passion and enthusiasm for Stewardessing is both inspiring & contagious! I am excited to get there and to start applying my new-found knowledge! I will most certainly stay in touch and let you know what happens there.”

Riza-Gene Swart (Stewardess)
“I would also just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for all the support and motivation and information. It has given me so much yachting world knowledge and made me realize with you in SA I can do anything. You have given me the tools to turn myself into a successful Stewardess of whom you will be proud of.”

Kendra Coleridge (Stewardess)
“Excellent news! I got a job!! Been in Antibes for a week, got day work and on the third day they offered me a job! What a momentous occasion it was for me! They were blown away by my cleaning skills and attention detail! I just want to say to you – THANK YOU! thank you! thank you! I can’t tell you how well prepared I felt for work – I knew my “stuff” and all the cleaning aids AND remembered what is cleaned with what. I knew how to clean in a professional manner – every detail you taught me came back to me as I stepped onto the yacht – you and your lessons were constantly playing in my head the whole time! I really feel SO proud to be your student and incredibly grateful for those 5 magical days of training! Thank you for teaching and sharing your passion with us stews and for inspiring us!! I’m ready for the challenge and cannot wait to kick off the season and meet the guests, but I am most excited to see how the yacht looks/turns out after all our hard work done and EVERY detail is attended to! Can’t wait to see the guests’ reaction… What I have learnt with all the many km’s of dock walking and handing out CV after CV, is to keep the 3p’s up – Perseverance! Patience! Personality! So thank you again!! SYSA has made an excellent name for itself all the way here in Antibes!”

Tamlyn la Grange (Stewardess)
“Thank you for all your help and assistance over the last year and for encouraging and helping me get here. I have learnt so much over the last few weeks doing all these courses and I have made some lovely friendships, it has been an great experience and I know there is so much more to look forward to. I would also like to say a huge big thank you for sharing your time, passion, experience, knowledge, stories and of course those “golden nuggets”. Your five day PYA Stewardess course was an incredible learning experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone! You have really set an incredible standard of teaching and you really deserve all the recognition you have worked so hard for. SYSA has exceeded all my expectations! Thank you for your incredible service and training!”

Hanicke Mulder (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to thank you for the week’s Stewardess course with you. I learnt so much and am feeling so much more confident and relaxed about my new adventure. I am currently working through the CD you gave us during the course, and I just realised how much effort, planning and work it must have taken to compile that for us. Everything to make our lives easier during the entry-level phase. I am so grateful for all the teaching aids you gave us.”

Michayla Shone (Stewardess)
“Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, it’s so lovely to be taught by someone who is passionate about and loves what they do. Thank you very much.”

Lana Roux (Stewardess)
“Thank you once again for the fantastic Stewardess Course! I had such a great time with you and the rest of the group. Never could I imagine that there is so much to learn and so much to know when planning to work in the yachting industry – thank you for opening a whole new world to me. I am so excited about this new chapter! Looking forward to attending many more courses with you at SYSA as I progress in my new career.”

Anja Immelman (Stewardess)
“Thank you very much, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be taught by you! I am really chuffed with my test results! They were easy to achieve with the manner in which you teach – everything you said, just stuck in my mind. Your passion really shines through and I can see why you have earned such an outstanding reputation in the industry. Not only did you teach us how to be professional stews and give us invaluable tips but you continue to send us information and job opportunities which I cannot thank you.”

Kelly Forman (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know, that yesterday I accepted a Junior Stewardess position on board a 77m motor yacht. There is absolutely no way that I would have been able to do all of this organizing, job searching and preparation without you and your incredible PYA Stewardess course. I remember telling you on our last day that your course was by far the most helpful, eye-opening and educational course I have completed, and I really mean that. Thank you for all of your help and inspiration along the way and for being passionate about what you do.”

Hermine Greyling (Stewardess)
“I just want say thank you very much for teaching and helping me understand the industry much better. I appreciate it a lot that you take interest in us as students and I can see that you only want us to succeed. So again thank you very much and for keeping me entertained the whole week.”

Jenna Fawcett (Stewardess)
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I really appreciate all the information, insight and guidance you passed on to me. I am so excited to be joining the industry and you’ve made me feel far more capable of doing so. I have a job now and I feel so prepared!”

Shannon Bailey (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you for all your help with the Stewardess course, it really was lovely to come into contact with someone that is so passionate about her students and the yachting industry in general.”

Christie Rowson (Stewardess)
“Thank you very much again for the Stew course – it truly exceeded expectations and I feel FAR more prepared for the industry now!”

Emily Craik (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for offering to go through our CVs and offer advice on how to make them perfect. Thank you so much for the Stewardess course and all you taught us.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was blown away by how much knowledge you have with regards to the industry and how much you are willing to use it to teach us ladies and prepare us as much as possible for all that is about to come our way.  You have paved the way for the highest standard, as well as making the title of being a stewardess not just a “toilet cleaner”.  This is powerful and motivating! Thank you for a great course!!”

Anri van Schoor (Stewardess)
“I got my visa! South African Yachties was amazing assisting me with that! I just want to thank you again for all your continuous help and support. You have meant so much to me over the past year. I don’t know if I would have been able to attempt all of this without your motivation and support. I am so happy and love my job and all the adventures.”

Alexa Robinson (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for your unbelievable course. It not only equipped me with the knowledge I need in order to enter the industry with confidence, it too inspired me to work as hard as possible in every aspect of the business, as I now know that I am dealing with the wealthiest people in the world who expect nothing less than the utter most best from the crew.”

Kelsey Neilson (Stewardess)
“I had such fun in your class and learnt a whole lot of information and techniques that will not only help me on the yachts, but also in my daily life from now on. You have such a passion for what you do and it really shows. Many thanks again.”

Jenny White (Stewardess)
“Thank you again for a great course, I learned so much and it is definitely a boost in my confidence going into the industry. I showed my mom this morning how to fold a fitted sheet.”

Kirsty van den Bergh (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for sending my results through! So pleased I did well – thank you for all of your guidance throughout the course. I feel so privileged to have learnt from your vast knowledge and experience over the last week.”

Jessica Wilkins (Stewardess)
“Again thank you for all the guidance this week, I could never imagine going into this without having done your course.”

Jeannie Griessel (Stewardess)
“First off, I need to thank you again for the wonderful ‘foot in the door’ you gave me for giving up my name to go work for Jason. I will always remember you as not just my Stewardess Course (cool) lecturer, but also as that angel that made things a bit easier for me as I get to put down a reference on my CV.”

Liske Ayliff (Stewardess)
“I can report that your course is extremely helpful for a yachting newbie – I was able to quickly adjust to my role on the yacht during my recent temporary yacht job/experience. I was way ahead of other girls that started green in the yachting industry 5 months before me. (I say this not to brag but to confirm the benefit of doing your course prior to entering the yachting industry)! Anyway, I am now looking to enrol my colleagues on your Stewardess course as soon as possible.”

Lindsey Everingham (Stewardess)
“Thank you for your kind words! And an even bigger thank you for the wonderful Stewardess course! I have learnt so much from you, and I am looking forward to applying what I have learnt into my next job! The transition will be much easier now that I know what I know from your course. I’m thrilled with my test results! Thank you again for all that you have taught me. And thank you for the stewardess dictionary – that will be very helpful!”

Ingrid Kromker (Chief Stewardess)
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the time and effort you put into training. I thoroughly enjoyed the Chief Stewardess course and would recommend it to any stewardess wanting to step up. Even a Chief Stew like myself that does not have much experience can benefit doing this course, I DID! 🙂  After the Chief Stew course I am on a high, so looking forward to my other courses and applying the new learnt knowledge to my next yacht.”

Shannon Watkins (Stewardess)
“I wanted to say thank you for such a great Stewardess course. It was so interesting and informative. I am definitely going in with my eyes wide open but I am going in even more excited and very well prepared and all thanks to you.”

Gareth Ford (Stewardess and Deckhand)
“I would also like to thank you sincerely regarding both Shannon’s and my courses over the last week. We thoroughly enjoyed it and were blown away by the advice, support and management shown over the week. It really was a great experience, and for both of us has given us direction and stoked a flame for our enthusiasm into our futures in the industry.”

Carren Ross (Stewardess)
“Just a big thank you for the training last week. It was very informative and I’m so grateful to have learnt so much, I cannot believe I was even at all doubtful about doing the stewardess course.” “I got the job!!! The captain wants me there on Monday! I am so beyond grateful to you, you have no idea! Thank you thank you thank you!!! I am so unbelievably happy!”

Tamarin-Lee Isherwood (Stewardess)
“I was actually going to mail you this week to say thank you so much for the time and effort that you have put into creating the manuals. I have been studying them this last week and they really have calmed my nerves and made me feel prepared for the industry. Your work and efforts are greatly appreciated and inspiring and for that I thank you.
Here is my journey since I left you guys after training: I did some daywork where I put all your teaching to good use and performed well onboard and the Captain said that they would offer me a permanent position, but the owners wanted Russian speaking stews. I also had daywork on a 63 meter yacht and that’s where everything you taught me about detailing got put to use. Everything was organised so well and every product used was by the book and it was fantastic and satisfying see how it is the way you described it would be. Next I was offered a crossing job to Miami on a 58m yacht!
So here I am, in the middle of the Atlantic, counting my blessings and raving about that fact that everything I know was taught by you and I have even been teaching the 2nd stew a few new small tricks. All that being said, I would just like to thank you for all the information and help that you provide on a daily basis. There is no doubt that all the hard work that you put into training us has not and will never go to waste. You have changed the way I see things into seeing them through a stewardess’ eyes. It is safe to say that you can be proud of the stews that you assisted and trained to get into the industry. And for that, I thank you. I am very grateful for all that you taught me.”

Alyssa Dehrmann (Stewardess)
“I did some daywork on an 89m yacht last week. The Chief Steward asked me if I am willing to work as a service stew for a month. Obviously I said yes, as the living conditions are really good. I am a little nervous for service, as it is English service.  However, the owners are apparently very nice people.
The first day I stepped on board, my jaw just dropped.  The vessel is so beautiful.  I can’t even believe the food that gets served to the crew – it is always beyond delicious! I could apply so many of your stewardess course tips practically in detailing and cleaning.  I am so happy and lucky for this experience I have gained and will be gaining.  Thank you for motivating me all the way.”
“I just thought I should pop you an email.  The chief steward and owners want me to become a permanent service stew. I am beyond excited.  I wish I could explain to you how awesome this vessel is and how much I am enjoying it.  The crew is great, the food is so delicious and the pay is fantastic. I really enjoy the guest service.  I just get so nervous when I have to clear the main plates and chargers as my arms are beyond short and the plates are heavy. At this exact moment, I am sitting on my bunk with my feet in are soapy bucket as I have little circulation in my toes from running from sundeck to crew deck, etc. I wish I could explain my excitement. Thank you for all the support!”

Megan Gilham (Stewardess)
“I joined my new boat yesterday and today I started work. What an amazing boat – everything is so organised and such amazing systems in place. I could not be happier! The crew have all been on the boat for over 2 years, and I can definitely see why. Your Stewardess course has been an

incredible help and I have felt so comfortable in this environment from day one because of it. If I don’t know, I ask, and have no trouble admitting I don’t know. So thank you again for your incredible teaching!”

Gina du Plessis (Stewardess)
“I would like to thank you so much for the most amazing 5 days of learning from you, I have not stopped bragging about you and your high level of professionalize to everyone back home. It was really an unreal level of education in such a short period of time, I appreciate all your hard work and effort.”

Samantha Gardiner and Keegan Corken (Stewardess and Chef)
“Just an email to tell you after 5 weeks of dockwalking finding no luck, Keegan and I found a couples job together as Chef and Sole stewardess (your manual will definitely come in handy) on 26 meter motor yacht. It is based in the Mediterranean.”

Tessa Symmonds (Stewardess)
“My friend Simone said she did her course with you recently and loved it. I have a job and loving it! It is on a 133m and the most breath-taking thing I have ever seen. I just want to thank you again for your Stewardess course and excitement and passion about the industry – I totally understand where it comes from.”

Cornelle Scheeres (Stewardess)
“I was here for 3 weeks and I got the news on Monday! I have a job! I am so excited and once again thank you for the information, tips, do’s and don’ts – it as all helped me so much. I will make you proud.” “I just want to thank you once more for the Stewardess course. It was unbelievable! The amount of information almost made my head explode! I never realised a Stewardess had so many responsibilities on a yacht! Your way of teaching is excellent and I never felt bored or that I was losing interest.”

Bron Gilchrist (Stewardess)
“Just to let you know I AM OFFICIALLY on a yacht! A beautiful 45m yacht! The crew is South African and they are great. I started dayworking for them (for the last 2 weeks) and then last minute they offered me a permanent position! So excited! We are going to the Med in about 2 weeks. I just want to thank you once again for everything! Your course has helped tremendously in achieving employment.”

Ané Venter (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you very much for the past month. I appreciate the way you organised my course dates to follow on one another and I also really enjoyed the Stewardess course. I feel as if anyone who learns something at SYSA is a step above the rest and, therefore, very fortunate! My eyes have really opened up to the yachting industry.”

Nicole Williams (Stewardess)
“I just received a phone call from the Chief Stew that you forwarded my CV to and she has offered me the position. I’m really excited and thank you so much; I don’t know how to thank you!” (The Chief Stew is also a former SYSA Stewardess Course graduate)

Verné van Dyck (Chief Stewardess)
“Thanks again for the amazing courses! I learnt so much and I am feeling a lot more relaxed and prepared for the future. I am ready for all the challenges that the new job will bring.”

Shelley Robinson (Stewardess)
“I’m all safe and have been working hard here on the yacht (SYSA assisted her in finding this position through one of their yachting contacts, also a former SYSA Stewardess graduate).  Today I felt a little sea sick unfortunately, but I know I will adjust.  Just want to thank you again for this opportunity and all your invaluable input and for putting in a good word for me. I greatly appreciate it. I remember the things you taught me while I’m cleaning. I am very happy here. The Stews are great and the yacht is beautiful. I most certainly won’t disappoint you.”

Melissa Schoeman (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for the email, and I wanted to thank you for the course and all the tips. I am leaving tomorrow and definitely feel more prepared. At least now I know what is expected of me and I like being informed. Thank you very much again.”

Slaine Costello (Stewardess)
“And yet another one of your Stews found a job!!! I got a job on Monday and I move onto the lovely charter yacht tomorrow! Yayyyyy!!”

Lian Malynn (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. I just wanted to let you know that I got that job on the sailing yacht! I will be Stew/Yoga Instructor on board. I am off on Monday to join the yacht in Europe. So very excited and thanks so much for all your help!”

Cara de Bruyn (Stewardess)
“I arrived in Antibes last Tuesday and the past week has been somewhat of a whirlwind. I had signed up with all the crew agencies before arriving and had set up appointments with as many as I could. By Wednesday afternoon, I had my first interview and had a trial on a boat on Thursday and Friday – where after I received a formal offer. Another agent organised a trial for me on a neighbouring boat, which I completed from Monday to Wednesday – and they also gave me an offer yesterday afternoon. It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make, as I could see myself working on both boats. I finally reached a decision and I am moving on board my choice this weekend, to start work on Monday. I am completely blown away by how supportive and friendly everyone in this industry has been since I have arrived. The SYSA PYA Stewardess course has been really well received over here and both Chief Stews that I interviewed with, said that having this course made them far more comfortable to train a stew with limited experience. Thanks again for all your advice and instruction. Cannot wait to start this new adventure!”

Jodie Bouwer (Stewardess)
“I got a job on a 43m private M.Y. and I start on Monday in Genoa. So excited!! I also want to thank you again so much for all your advice and training, I definitely feel that I was in a better position or more equipped than most of the ‘newbies’ out here!”

Chantelle van der Merwe (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I have had several compliments about my boat terminology and how organised I am regarding joining the industry. People over here are blown away how intense your Stewardess course is and how well we have been prepared. I have also been complimented about how neat and presentable we look and how excellent our CVs and paperwork looks in general. It is all due to your excellent Stew course and the CD you gave us. Thank you!”

Nicole Blunden (Stewardess)
“I just want to tell you that I am officially hired. I got a job on a 30m charter yacht. I would just like to thank you for the level of training you gave me; I learnt a lot and cannot wait to utilize these skills in my new job! Thank you!”

Chennise Ray (Stewardess)
“I wanted to let you know that I have found a position as a second Stew on a 34m motor yacht. I have just been so lucky since I arrived! I found daywork the night I arrived in Antibes and my new captain I met on the third day here. He asked me to work a week’s trial on board his friend’s yacht and the Cannes Festival and I moved onto the yacht the next Monday. Thank you for all your support and guidance along the way!”

Polly Randell (Stewardess)
“Dear Isobel. Just wanted to say thank you for teaching such a useful and necessary Stewardess to help prepare us for the super yachting industry! Reading over the online manual, I couldn’t help but think THANK GOD I have done this course and that you were able to share your valuable knowledge and experience with us. I have never taken in quite so much interesting and different information as I have done during our week with you, and regardless of whether or not I find a job in the industry, I am so grateful that I have done your course and learnt such interesting tricks and skills. Thank you for giving us more than we expected and making our week so worthwhile. I really appreciate all the effort that you have put in to produce such a comprehensive and essential manual, so thank you for sharing your expansive knowledge and helping us become better prepared. I am greatly looking forward to getting over to Antibes to put it all in to practice!”

Jessica Sandell (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, thank you so much for sending me details regarding the wine courses. I am currently on a lovely yacht based in Savannah, Georgia, and I really got lucky landing this as my first job. Crazy how many Stew courses you are running! That’s definitely a good thing as your course is brilliant. When I was in Antibes last year, I got offered a job purely based on the fact that the Chief Stew recognized your course on my CV and was so impressed with the other students who had attended the course.”

Bianca Schaub (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, thank you so much for getting back to me via email to answer my question! I so enjoyed your course and found you incredibly easy to listen to, follow and remember what you taught us. I look forward to next year’s adventure on the yachts!”

Julie Langlois (Stewardess)
“Thank you Isobel, I am currently helping to sort out uniforms for the crew, and taking over as Chief Stew soon. I am so grateful for your Stewardess course and your notes. Thank you also for your time and passion and for helping me in my journey, for that I am truly grateful!”

Cara Ruthven (Chief Stewardess)
“Good morning Isobel. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your wonderful course!! Amazing information and worth every sent! Best decision ever to do that course!! I appreciate all the time and effort that clearly went into developing that manual and I will recommend it to anyone I speak to.”

Lindy-Leigh Koster (Stewardess)
“I have never met anyone as knowledgeable as Isobel. She made the class so interesting and we laughed, but also worked. I wish I could have more time with her, she is super fun and amazing to listen to. I never thought I could learn as much in a week. I will definitely recommend this course to anyone, and I enjoyed it so much.”

Nicole Wilson (Stewardess)
“The course was amazing, I realised how much I still need to learn and I am excited to enter the industry. Feeling a lot more confident after the course.”

Claire Dorward (Chief Stewardess)
“Isobel, thank you so very much for the Chief Stew course and squeezing me into your busy schedule. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and I am very excited for my future as a chief stew. I shall most definitely use your advice and we shall keep in touch. Once again thank you, you are very passionate about stews and that certainly will drive your students!”

Megan Wolff-Piggott (Stewardess)
“I did the Stewardess course with you earlier this year before I travelled over to France to find a job and I’m very happy to say that I did find one! I have spent the last couple of months working on a sailing yacht where I have been the Sole Stew and although I love the freedom of having control of the interior, it has been a tough first job. Without your course and incredible Manual I cannot imagine how I would have gotten through the season and so I would like to let you know how much I appreciate it. Thank you very much for your excellent teaching and very useful Facebook Yacht Stewardess Tips group.”

Jess Robinson (Stewardess)
“Thank you very much, it was very nice to meet you. Thank you for all the skills you taught me, I am already using them every day on the yacht!”

Jenny Ramsay (mother of 2 Stewardess course students)
“Thanks Isobel for helping them last week, they thoroughly enjoyed the Stew course!”

Simone du Buisson (Stewardess)
“THANK YOU again for presenting such a fantastic course! I am so glad that I found out about you, this week was a lot more than I expected and definitely worth every penny!!”

Melissa Wood (Stewardess)
”Thanks once again for giving such a fantastic Stew course! I absolutely loved it!”

Jenny Harwin (Stewardess)
“Thanks again for such an in-depth and relevant course. I really enjoyed every second and feel 100 times more prepared than I did a week ago. Thanks so much for your help!”

Eva Nixon (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I just wanted to say thank you for all your help – the course really taught me a lot and has prepared me for what to expect on a yacht!”

Hannah Moritz (Stewardess)
“Hey Isobel! Just thought I’d drop in to see how you are doing. Your Stewardess course is so well known over in the Med, just thought I’d let you know! You are a famous legend, I’m telling you! I got a job within the first 2 weeks of being in Antibes… I arrived beginning of April, found my job mid-April – was supposed to start beginning of May, so I had 2 weeks to chill in France, soak up some sun. Then 3 days before I was set to fly off to Turkey at the end of April, I broke my foot. Hospitalized for 4 days. Luckily I had insurance, which you advised us to get. So just when I thought that’s me for the rest of this season. I’m done – 3 month recovery period – May, June and July before I am able to walk again. I thought all was down the drain, and I don’t have a cent left to show for it, because I was supposed to start my job. Anyway, so I was sitting here in Cape Town, feeling very sorry for myself… But I just got a call from a boat launching in Italy in September that heard about my story and said they would like me to come over when my leg is better and start work in August. AND – to top things off – they would like my boyfriend to come on board when he finishes his contract with his current boat in Barcelona in October. Holy Moses! How amazing is that news??? Went from feeling like a sore loser to such a winner, and I just wanted to let you know. I am definitely going to learn your Stew manual very well before I go. Thanks again for all your amazing help. You are truly such an inspiration to all of us Stewies – everyone speaks so incredibly highly of you and I am so happy to have done the course with you!”

Taryn Ward (Stewardess)
“I want to say a big thank you for a fantastic stewardess course – was incredibly helpful and have referred back to my manual a number of times after the course! You are a great teacher and I appreciate all the knowledge and information you have provided us with and am excited to head into the Yachting industry with an understanding of what is expected of me.”

Terri Hill (Stewardess)
“I would just like to say thank you again, for all you taught me and for making this out of this world experience happen.” (SYSA assisted her in finding her dream job through an old yachting contact)

Roxy Dreyer (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel! Just an update from me, I’ve been working on a 40m yacht for 3 weeks. The owner came about 6 days after I started the job, I have been basically a sole stewardess. The captain told me he’s impressed and the owner is very impressed that I’m handling everything on my own! I must say, the Stew course helped HEAPS!! I came onto the boat, sorted out my caddy and got on with everything. The captain said he is really happy, he hasn’t had any stewardesses who just gets on with everything and hardly asks any questions and does everything so well. Well I don’t need to ask any questions because of the amazing Stew course I did! Just want to say thanks again! And keep well.”

Danelle Laubscher (Stewardess)
“It has been one of my main priorities this week just to let you know – I am safe in France – WITH A JOB! I flew over at the end of March, took me two weeks of docwalking before I got a phone call for daywork. I did daywork for the yacht for a week, good money and it got me through the next couple of weeks. Then they asked if I would like to work for them for the season. I agreed, not even knowing fully what was expected of me, but it was a job and I was relieved! It is a private, 90ft motor yacht in Cap d’Ail. I am a stewardess/deckhand and I cook for my captain and chief stewardess. I am gaining a lot of experience in different areas, under a low pressure environment. I just want to thank you for making this possible with the guidance you gave us during the stewardess course. I am enjoying it a lot and the bug might have bitten me as well, because now I can’t imagine doing anything else. I miss home a lot at times, but this journey is amazing and I am learning something new every day.”

Daynee Fourie (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I got a job! I was in Palma for a month and I landed a cool job on a small motor yacht. We have come to Croatia for the season and I’m loving it. The trip to Croatia from Palma was a real experience. The owners arrive in a week so we busy busy busy.”

Justine Henkes (Stewardess)
“Thought you should be the first to know I got a job for the season on a 25m yacht starting tomorrow. It charters a lot and the owner is only 23 years old. So excited, will let you know how it goes!”

Christi Wasserman (Stewardess)
“Proud to let you know that yet another one of your stewies has found a job! I managed to get a few weeks’ daywork and finally got the call to do a charter on my current 34m yacht for two weeks. After we finished the charter, they asked me to join for the season! Going to be a busy one for me! The yacht has charters booked until the end of August. I am 2nd Stew and will be busy with all things stew from laundry through to service. I cannot tell you how high on life I am! Thank you for all the help, would not have been able to do it without you. My Chief Stew borrowed my Stew course book and is very reluctant to give it back – we will be using it throughout the season!”

Nicola Cowie (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all of your help and assistance! I’m currently in FL and all of the crew agents that I have met with have complimented me on my professional CV, attire and level of organization regarding documentation, etc. And it is all thanks to you and your wonderful advice and course! Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it”

Roxy Dreyer (Stewardess)
“I just got the phone call – I got the job on that 39m Yacht! I am so excited! Thanks so much for all your advice and help.”

Sara Connaway (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I thought I’d fill you in on my progress and the process and give you some insight into my experience. I moved to Antibes on the 4th Feb which I think may have been a little too early. It took me until the 2nd of April to start working. I had a day’s work on land at a private party. The first opportunity I got to do daywork on a yacht, was for the yacht I’m currently on. They did not want a ‘greenie’, but the stewardess and I got along really well and she managed to twist the captain’s arm after I had been working for them for a couple of days. The yacht is a beautiful 53m Feadship and its a mixture of private and charter and a permanent position. I’m feeling really blessed. The crew and itinerary are ideal and the salary is really great as well! Thanks so much for everything.”

Justine Henkes (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you for the recommendation to the crew agent! I thought you would like to know that my first job, (3 days after arriving in Fort Lauderdale) was a three week job as Sole Stewardess on a charter yacht in the Bahamas with 8 guests. It was tough to say the least, but I had a very nice captain and chef, so I made the most of it. I then got daywork the day I arrived back in Florida and went straight up to West Palm Beach to work on a yacht. They offered me a permanent position, but I had to come back to South Africa for my brother’s wedding.”

Mignon Nel (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know I found a freelance job on a 30m yacht until August and it may become permanent if the owner likes me. The Captain said the owners like what they see so far and the chances are good for me to stay on permanently! Thanks for all your help!”

Kerry Warne (Stewardess)
“Thanks again for the stew course – it was awesome!! You’re an amazing teacher! And thanks for all your help and advice, I really appreciate it.”

Michaela Letley (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU again for an amazing course – it really made me look forward to working in the industry. Thanks for sending the photos from my birthday and for making my day special in the class.”

Marlene Botha (mother of Stewardess)
“Hello Isobel. Just a quick note to let you know Liezl found a permanent job on a 47m yacht in Fort Lauderdale! It has been a stressful time for her, but successful nonetheless. Thank you so much for everything you did for her and meant to her.”

Nikita Cloete (Stewardess)
“Hello Isobel. I finally leave on Friday and should arrive in Nice on Saturday afternoon – so excited! Really looking so forward to starting this new journey and potentially creating a new career path. Another huge thank you, a crew agent mailed me to ask for my CV, she mentioned you had recommended me. I am so grateful that you have taken time to recommend me, and I hope that perhaps I can follow in you footsteps and leave a mark in this industry and show true perfection and pride in my work as a stewardess. All the best and thank you for the invaluable knowledge you have shared.”

Liz Parkin (Stewardess)
“It may seem quick, but I just wanted to drop you a line (because I am so excited!) to say that I have decided to throw myself whole heartedly into the yachting industry! Thank you so much for the time you spent with me this afternoon and all of your advice. The Stew course is truly excellent in every way and I am so grateful to have done it. You are an excellent teacher and I enjoyed the course thoroughly. Thanks again.”

Henriette Ueberscher (Chief Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I just wanted to get in touch with you and let you know that I am starting my new job tomorrow! I am a Chief Stew on a 52m charter yacht in Italy. I am super excited it’s a fantastic opportunity for me and I hope I can show my new skills, I’ll manage three girls under me. The material from your PYA Stew course I’ll take with me and I finally have uploaded the CD you gave us with all the extra info, thank you! I do hope I can contact you if I am in doubt or need one of your legendary Stewardess tips!”

Robyn Pieters (Chief Stewardess)
“I’m back at work and loving being busy again! Busy typing up my stewardess training manuals for my juniors. Thank you so much again for all the advice and tips on how to do this during the Stew course. I told my captain the other day I was going to try cut down on the products we have used previously and switch to the products you suggested, and I think he nearly jumped for joy! I had to have a giggle and thought I should tell you…once again, thank you!”

Katie Watts (Chief Stewardess)
“My gratitude to you extends further for such an incredible two days of learning with such a lovely group. I feel so privileged for all the information you shared and the inspiration you gave me, I’ve finally found someone I can look up to in this industry. It was also so kind of you to offer your assistance during my first new build project, I have to admit that I’m nervous, but also ready for the challenge.”

Rachel Bernhardt (Stewardess)
“Much Appreciated Isobel! Our new Chief Stew Justine did a workshop with you recently at the Monaco Yacht Show. She had nothing but lovely things to say about you!”

Rodleigh Fortuin (Steward/Deckhand)
“Hi Isobel, it was a pleasure to have met you and learn all your valuable skills. I will definitely put them to practice and off course, like a good Stew – do it perfectly! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.”

Danielle Janse van Rensburg (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. I am safely in Fort Lauderdale now and have been here just under a week, just finding my feet, applying to agencies, dockwalking, networking and meeting so many friendly people. I have my first interview tomorrow and am very excited. I am busy going through everything you have given me about the interview and portfolios and I just wanted to email and say thank you for preparing me so well, I would be so lost without your guidance.”

Andrea Seabrook (Stewardess)
“I thought I’d just check in and say hi!!! It was very refreshing getting some super yachting news in your SYSA Stewardess Newsletter. Lloyd and I have decided to take a break from yachting and begin to establish ourselves and our previous careers on land and close to our families and friends in Johannesburg. That’s not to say that we won’t do another season or two sometime in the future. Yachtie life and the beauty of being at sea really gets under one’s skin. Yachting has afforded both Lloyd and I the opportunity to travel extensively, save good money and make incredible friends. We are coming out of the industry with a property each and are currently looking at the possibility of buying another to refurbish and flip. A chunk of my savings is going towards my dream of starting a furniture refurbishing business. I have also been lucky enough to come across and work with many South African SYSA Stewardesses. I remain close friends with all of these wonderful girls and for that I am thrilled! With the money we’ve saved we are hoping to take 6 months off to travel Europe and the East next year! A BIG THANK YOU to Jason and yourself for our wonderful introduction into the industry.”

Lauren Doney (Stewardess)
“Just to update you on my progress in the Med as I know you love to hear back from your students. I arrived less than a month ago and settled in Antibes. Dockwalked for about 2 weeks and then managed to hook myself up for 10 days daywork in Genoa. They invited us to stay on board for the duration and we sailed to Naples. Had my first bought of seasickness, which was not fun! But I also learnt more about attention to detail whilst working! Whilst in Naples, I got offered a job. The captain was looking for someone inexperienced, willing to learn and down to earth and he found my personality suitable. After only a chat on the phone, he offered me the position immediately. I consider myself very lucky! I am Sole Stew and Cook on board and I help out on deck. I don’t think I could possibly throw myself into a deeper end, but am keen for the challenge! The captain is such a friendly supportive guy and the Deck hand on board is my friend. We all gel together so well so that puts me at ease. We are currently in Sardinia and sailing through to Rome soon. I am very excited for the season ahead! Thanks for your all your help! I often use your book often as a reference!”

Inge Brenzel (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to tell you I have been on board a 47m motor yacht for the past 2 months. I got the job via a crew agency after about 10 days of being in Antibes! They decided to fly me out to Turkey for a three week trial, and after only two weeks, they offered me a permanent contract. I am 3rd stew on the yacht and six weeks paid leave with two flights home. It has a very professional South African captain, and the previous Chief Stew also did her courses with you! You are very well known around here I must say, they immediately know your name when asking where I did courses. We mainly cruise in small islands around Greece and Turkey, but might do Croatia and Maldives this summer.”

Pauline de Kock (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. I hope that all is well and that business is as busy as ever. I just wanted to say thank you for always responding to my emails so quickly. Whether I am super stressed out about something or just needing advice, I really appreciate it every time that I get an email from you. Thank you for being so supportive and inspirational. I have great news! I am flying to Seattle this weekend, I got a job on a 70m new build. Thank you again.”

Robyn Genever-Stuart (Stewardess)
“I finally got employed! I am Chief Stew! Thank you so much for everything.”

Georgina Brazier (Stewardess)
“I have been meaning to let you know the good news, but it has just been so busy! The yacht I am on, hired four new Stewardesses about two weeks before the owner arrived, so we have been insane! I am really enjoying it here, the crew is so friendly and our Chief Stew is lovely, which makes such a difference. It is a 70m yacht, which is great, because there are eight Stews (all South African except one), and we all get along really well. We are in Cannes for the Film Festival, but the owners are on board, so I doubt we will see any of the festivities! I’m very happy, learning a lot and definitely feel that it is the perfect starting yacht for me, I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Thanks so much for all the visa information, it was really helpful.”

Nicola Bock (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. Thank you for your update email with the visa information, it will definitely come in handy. All is well on this side, we are in New England for the summer. It is a very busy boat! Five months back-to-back trips with two day turn-arounds. Looking forward to it! Just wanted to thank you, we have a Stew guide on board, but even with it, I always go back to the SYSA Stew Course Manual. It has guided me all this way.”

Robyn Genever-Stuart (Stewardess)
“Good morning Isobel. I just want to say thank you for the starter pack CD you gave us during the Stewardess Course, it is a life saver.”

Soné Enslin-Francis (Stewardess) and Ross Francis (Chef)
“Hi Isobel. We just wanted to share our great news with you – we found a job together!! It is on a 28m yacht and has 5 crew. This morning for the interview, Ross had to make Eggs Benedict and the owner loved it! The Captain is South African and his wife is Spanish and I did daywork for them on Friday. We are starting tomorrow and we are going to Turkey and Greece for the summer. The best of all – we found a job together! Thanks again for all your help during and after the Stew and Chef courses.”

Cornél de Jager (Steward)
“I just wanted to let you know that I passed my STCW and ENG 1. Now I am busy getting everything ready for the job hunt. I just wanted to thank you for all your help and assistance during and after the Stew course. It was an awesome course and all thanks to you and your know-how and experience! Once again – thanks so much for everything!”

Kay-Lynn de Nobrega (Stewardess)
“I have been in Palma for 3 weeks now and having an amazing time – it is so beautiful here! I had an interview last week and also got a call for daywork to start tomorrow. It is with an old student of yours and she is the Chief Stew now. She asked where I did my Stewardess training and it turned out she also did hers with you at SYSA! She speaks so highly of you! I just want to express my appreciation and thanks for all you taught me, I have my Stew course manual with me, always reading it, and always remembering the little things you said to us in the class and the great advice you gave!”

Sarah McFarlane (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. Just wanted to let you know I landed a permanent position on a 49m yacht as 3rd Stewardess. I have my own cabin – such a bonus! I joined the boat yesterday and loving it so far. I have used ALL the things that you taught us in class! The course and the manual has really been such a help. Thanks again.”

Karson Winslow (2nd Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel! I finished my circumnavigation on the sailing yacht and have started a new job as Second Stew (cook/stew/deck) with a crew of 5 on a 44m yacht currently in St Maarten. It is private with mostly just the owners and their friends. We will head to the Mediterranean for the summer. I am very excited about this new job. Thanks again for your training, and you can tell your students it definitely pays off to have your Stew course!”

Georgie Brazier (Stewardess)
“Thanks for the offer to edit my CV for me! I leave for the Med on Thursday and am so excited! Having done your Stewardess Course, I now feel so well prepared and really don’t know how people manage without doing it! Thanks so much for all your help!”

Jill Stephens (Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School)
“It was great to meet the students this morning – glad I could make it!  Your new training room looks great and the views are stunning!  They are all loving the Stewardess Course – as have all our previous girls – thanks for doing such a great course!”

Kyle Macintyre (Deckhand)
“I struck gold after 2 1/2 months on a 41m yacht, I got an offer on a 20m Azimut – this is exactly what I wanted and I am learning a lot.  I work with Matthew Mentz, also one of your students.  You got him a job a while ago in the Caribbean.  We work for a French owner and do charters almost every day, I have even done some simple food preparation on the trips, and of course full deckhand responsibilities.  I am planning to come home during my time off and do my Yachtmasters and also try and get some work on yachts in Cape Town for some more experience.  After that, I want to look for a delivery from SA to the Caribbean.”

Cobie Janse van Rensburg (Stewardess)
“Isobel, we had the BEST time during training with you!  I am astounded at the amount of experience and knowledge you have about the yachting Industry – it was really the most organised course I have ever attended!  It was so loaded with information and I think even if the course was for an entire month, we still would not know half of what you know.  Thank you so much for parting with so much of your knowledge and experience and that you answered every single question so thoroughly.  I don’t know how anyone can enter the Industry without completing your Stewardess course.  Thank you thank you thank you!”

Shaun Laurie (Deckhand)
“Things are good on my side, I found a job on a 120ft Benetti.  The crew is great and all is good.  We are picking up our first charter on Tuesday. I still often refer back to your notes on Tender manoeuvres, etc., but seeing that I am now driving a twin engine tender, I would like to ask for your advice…  Thanks again for all your help.”

Jessica Ritchie (Sole Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel.  I cannot thank you enough for all the amazing information you provide in your course!  I have started as a Sole Stewardess on a small yacht, but I have it waxed thanks to you!  The owner is very happy and I can confidently carry out all my duties, learning as I go, but with a brilliant Stew Manual to refer to on how not to make mistakes.”   

Wayne Reiche (Deckhand)
“I just want to say a massive THANK YOU for all your help and encouragement along the way.  I work on a 45m yacht with nice owners and a cool crew.  It has been a long hard 3 months adjusting on my new yacht and I appreciate all the support you have given me.”

Andrew Cerff (First Mate)
“Thank you so much for you confidence in me.  Your compliment is most certainly one of the greatest!  I must say, it puts some pressure on me to continue to do you proud and to put in the effort and work and to do all of that with excellence!  I have been given a great Reference from my first yacht and a huge amount of credit to you.  I have been doing lots of daywork and even though there has been some frustrating times, I have pushed through and I am learning a lot.  Numerous positions opened up, but nothing came of them, but I am a believer that there is a right position for the right person.  I recently received a call from a friend who said they needed a Mate urgently.  The Captain remarked that he saw the comment of “character and integrity” on my Evaluation and I realised that there are people who realise the value of these characteristics.  I went for the interview and I am starting the job today!!  The crew is great and that makes a tremendous difference.  It is the first time I really feel at home.  So to you, Jason, a huge thank you!  Rarely a day goes by that I don’t apply something that you taught me or imparted to me.  No matter what the situation, I find encouragement in the advice you left with me in some way.  You continue to have an impact on me every single day!  Thanks again for everything you have put in.”

Carli Botha (Chief Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel.  Just wanted to pop in and say hello.  Thought you would be proud to know that you had a massive influence on one of your students.  Thanks to your fantastic Stewardess and Chief Stewardess courses and help, I have been Chief Stew on a 46m Motor Yacht for 2 months now and have only received fantastic feedback.  We had three weeks of charter of which one was a charter with (name omitted for privacy) and his family onboard and after the charter he had said that out of all the yachts they had chartered before, they received the best service onboard our Yacht.  Just thought I’d thank you for all your help and fantastic course.  Good luck with the business and keep well.” 

Marius Smit (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason. First of all, I cannot thank you enough for setting me up with this Deckhand position.  I have managed to settle down nicely on this yacht.  Working hard and really enjoying myself.  We were in the Maldives for a long time and it was great!  It was also an opportunity to save some money, however now that we are in Antibes, things are much more expensive, but I am still managing to put away something.  The yacht pays very well, seems like the boss pays higher than average salaries, which is good.  He has also now launched a new yacht, which apparently will be for charters.  In regards to doing my Yachtmasters, I am keen to and I will let you know as soon as possible.”

Charlotte Egerton-Hobbins (Stewardess)
I am emailing you to tell you that I got a job!  Whoohoo!  Lovely boat, a little older and the crew is lovely, very relaxed and the owners are also very relaxed, we head out to the Caribbean after Christmas.  Thank you for all your help and guidance and your emails.  Thanks so much again!”     

Colm Costello (Deckhand)
“I am definitely going to be doing some more courses when I get back to South Africa. I am still deciding whether to work towards getting my Y4 Engineering or go the Deck Officer way. I am enjoying the Industry a lot and I have seen some really amazing spots, such as the Panama Canal, most of the Caribbean, an Atlantic Crossing and soon going to Alaska!”

Jessica Mitchell (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much Isobel for your kind words and also for doing my CV.  I am “Yachtie of the Month” at Luxury Yachts in Fort Lauderdale – don’t know how I managed that when I have only been here for two weeks!!”

Luke van der Merwe (Deckhand)
“Just dropping you a line to say thanks again for giving me this opportunity and courses. The boat is amazing!”

Andrea Seabrook (Sole Stewardess)
“I have been wanting to e-mail you for a while to let you know how things are going in the yachting world.  I am working on a 25 meter Sunseeker, spending the summer in the Balearics.  I am the Sole Stewardess – a position I would never have accepted had I not done your Stewardess Course last year.  The knowledge that your course empowered me with has given me the confidence to really thrive over here.  I am absolutely loving everything that the job entails.  The owners are wonderful and the crew are fun and supportive.”

Corne de Necker (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason, thanks for all the info – it is great to have someone like you who knows all this stuff and who is willing to help so much.”

Nikki Sely (Stewardess)
“Isobel, thanks so much for the Stewardess course!  I think one of the most valuable things that I acquired during your course is that I actually think this industry is one that I will LOVE!  The info gained on your course was invaluable to me and I am sure it will make a big difference with obtaining a job.  I also just wanted to send a big thank you for the amazing Power Boat Level II course which you offer in your training programmes.  It was brilliant and I was able to gain even more knowledge and confidence during my time with your Instructors.  I have now found a job in Antibes – Thanks again for everything!”
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Wesley Harrison (Deckhand)
“So the journey finally began – I got a job on a 42m charter yacht. We have 9 charters already booked, so it looks like I am going to be working very hard this season, but it is awesome! Thanks so much for all your help and advice – much appreciated.”

Monique Borel-Saladin (Chief Stewardess)
“I am doing well and still really enjoying my job.  We are currently busy with a refit in the shipyard, adding 15m to the ship.  I have been promoted since we last spoke, I am now the Chief Stewardess on board.  This is such a great opportunity and I am so happy here.”

Warren O’Leary (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason.  I just wanted to send you an update of my yachting career so far.  I joined a 90m Benetti in February, and I am having an awesome time!  They have paid for me to do some courses – PWC Instructor, RYA First Aid and I am currently doing my Dive Masters.  We have been cruising the South of France and Monaco.”

mCharlotte Egerton-Hobbins (Stewardess)
“I wanted to email you to thank you for the Stewardess Course.  I was geniunely so impressed with the depth that you went into, as well as your passion for the industry, which really inspired me.  There was not one minute where I lost interest or felt like I wasn’t understanding you.  I am really appreciative of that and happy that I got to do my Stewardess Training with you.  I feel far more confident than I did before the course, which is exactly what I wanted.  I now know that this is an Industry I want to be part of!  Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you, I would love to stay in touch.”

Nadine Kruger (Stewardess)
“The course was very much in detail, extremely interesting! I liked that we did a lot of practical and Isobel challenged us with tricky questions. I never knew there was so much more involved! If anyone has any doubt about Stewardessing as a career – do this course! I have found my passion!!”

Danielle Davenport (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I just wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity and preparing me for seeing the world.  I got back about 2 months ago and I had the most life-changing experience over there on the yachts.  I definitely had such an amazing adventure!”
  
Tayla Brown (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you for an amazing week.  I really enjoyed the course and I thought it was absolutely brilliant.  I learnt more than I thought I would and I am now so much more prepared to start my career in the super yacht industry.  Not only did you increase my knowledge, but also my confidence, so thank you very much.”

Anel Wessels (Stewardess)
“It was a very extensive course, well-structured, interesting and enjoyable.  Thank you very much, Isobel!  I will enter the Industry as a Stewardess with new, useful knowledge and confidence.”

Lance Harley (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason.  I am very well, life on yachts is fantastic and literally everything I had hoped for when I joined the industry, has become, or is in the process of becoming a reality.  I got a permanent job as Senior Deckhand on a 52m yacht.  Another deckhand on board was also one of your students.  Your SYT course has saved me on multiple occasions – so I must thank you – that course was a phenomenally fundamental course and one which has already earned me the Captain’s respect!  I have just finished two charters where I accummulated € 5000 in tips!  My girlfriend, who did the Stewardess course with Isobel, has also just joined us as Stew on the yacht – I know how lucky we are to have found a job together.”

Zelri Fiet (Stewardess)
“An excellent course, thank you for your in-depth knowledge and tips.  I really enjoyed all the practical sessions and thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge – and for doing it with a smile!  I would definitely recommend this course – it is excellent to have these skills, even if you do not work as a Stewardess on yachts.  Thanks so much!”

Angela Cathro (Stewardess)
“Yes!!  I arrived in Antibes on a Monday and got a trial on a yacht after dockwalking that Thursday.  I worked for five days and then they told me I have the job!  I am sorted and it is such a good feeling!  Thanks again for all your help and advice, I would have been lost without it!”

Nathalie Schoeben (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know about the changes in my life after the Stewardess Course.   I found daywork on a fantastic, huge yacht and after a week, they offered me a temporary Stewardess job for a few months and I might even do the crossing with them to the Med.  I love working here, they have a great crew and I am having lots of fun.  Your Stewardess course helped me so much when I was doing my first daywork job, they took me to a cabin with a to-do list and let me do my own thing.  They were happy with the way I did the detailing (as you taught us in the course), and they even wrote me a reference letter without me asking for one!  I am having a great time in the Yachting Industry and I am getting to know a lot of great people!”

Ursula Botha (Stewardess)
“Isobel is extremely hands-on, professional and a fantastic teacher.  She is passionate and energetic.  Her focus on detail and perfection was beneficial to us all during training.  The course is extremely enriching.  Sad that it is over!  I have learnt new things to last a lifetime!”  ”Antibes is truly amazing!  What a fantastic industry this is!  I feel so fortunate to be taking part in it. It was boat show over the weekend, which was such a great time for networking and getting familiar with all the products, caterers and flower arranging classes.  Then, there is the dockwalking, which, for me, is very exciting.  Seeing all the boats, speaking to the people, it’s great!  I met a Chief Stew here who knows your course well and she said that she has interviewed girls who have done the SYSA course and all of them show a lot more technical Stewardess knowledge than other candidates with loads and loads of hospitality experience.”

Lieschen Buitendag (Stewardess)
“Excellent Course!  Everything was very detailed and well worked through.  I was totally blown away by your extreme organisation.  The manual is such a great help and everything was written down so precise.  Thank you for your effort with that.  Classes were fun and I enjoyed all the yachting stories!  I will most definitely recommend this course.  I loved every moment and will enjoy using the knowledge that I gained from this course for the rest of my life.  Thank you so much Isobel, it was worth every cent!  Thank you for the pleasant things you mentioned about me, I will go out and work my butt off and make you proud!  You really make everything so much easier.”

Victoria Tilders (Stewardess)
“This course is really useful for people who have little or no boating experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a career as a stewardess. Thank you so much!”

Marc Odello (Deckhand)
“Thanks brother, if it was not for your course and SYSA book, I would not have made it! That is for sure, so thank you! I ran out of money after the first month, then luckily managed to get some daywork, and then things started to roll in. Head down and 1000% – like you said! The boat I now work on, is a 60 meter new build Lurssen – it is awesome!”

Michelle Rooi (Stewardess)
“I wanted to just take the time to say ‘thank you’ again for the Stewardess Course.  Your course is an eye-opener to us who think that we know what a Stewardess’ job would consist of, but we don’t really!  Everyday was an overflow of information that was amazing and you, as well as Alison, delivered it with such passion – I loved it!  I do feel that this has prepared me to be a great Stewardess someday.  So thank you and good luck!”

Anna Steyn (Chief Stewardess)
“Very thorough course! All very detailed, with lots of practical tips – thank you very much! What a wealth of experience! And you still have passion for everything you taught us! Thank you so much, Isobel, for all the inspiration.”

Vicky Brooks (Stewardess)
“I was a bit nervous for my test results, so I am glad to hear I passed!  Thank you so much for everything!  And for pointing out where I went wrong as well – important to know!  I really thought your course was fantastic – you have a wonderful way of teaching and keeping everyone interested!”

Andrew Cerff (Deckhand)
“As I was going through your manual and the things you had taught us, I was completely astounded at the incredibly wide variety of skills that you imparted on us. And for that I can’t say a big enough ‘thank you’.  I did make a large amount of mistakes, but hopefully I will learn from those and not make them again and improve dramatically with the skills that you taught us.  Thank you for being willing to walk this new road with us, it is really a priviledge.”

Maxine van Deventer (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel.  I have been on my new boat for almost a week now.  We are currently in Spain.  I am the 2nd Stewardess and the crew is great!  I just want to thank you for all your trouble and the great support system you provide to all your crew!”

Andrew Tremblett (Deckhand)
“Your course was great, I learnt a lot, and some of the course I have already put into use for conversions on my boat.”

Danielle Thompson (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help during the course.  It really was a great week and your enthusiasm, experience and passion for what you do made it so much easier to learn and understand everything.  I have been for that interview you recommended me for and it went very well.  All I can say is thanks so much for your help and advice and I appreciate all you have done for me.  Thank you for preparing us so well and for giving us such a good background to this industry.  Things are good in Antibes!”

Guy Daley (Captain)
“Hi Isobel.  I just want to thank you once again for your assistance in finding a suitable Stewardess for our yacht.  All your girls I interviewed seemed more than capable and very well informed of what to expect of the Industry.”

Victor Skinner (Deckhand)
“Just wanted to let you know i hooked up a job last week – working for a Royal Family. I am skippering a 34 ft boat, twin 275 hp, one of those Sportfish go-fast boats – so sweet! Basically, I follow the main yacht around and if his Highness wants to go for a cruise, I hook it up. I have to call the King “His Highness” and his right hand man “His Excellence” – crazy! I have honestly landed my arse in the butter. This family has 10 Super Yachts, most of them based in the Middle East, so it looks like I’ll be based out of there. Supa Kief! Thanks for the help.”

Tracy Stedall (Stewardess)
“Excellent course. Really fun, knowledgeable, informative! You really know your stuff! Priceless information!”

Colin Huddy (Deckhand)
“I first contacted Jason while finishing my Chef course in Hermanus, South Africa. Knowing full well that I did not want to go and sit in some random hotel in London in the freezing cold, I was looking into various options available.

The idea of working on a boat travelling the world, while getting paid, sounded too good to be true, but after numerous conversations, I finally took the leap and joined the exciting world of Super Yachts. In order to better prepare myself and to try and give my CV some much needed add-ons, I decided to do the Super Yacht Deckhand Course at Super Yachting South Africa in Cape Town.

This was a brilliant course in all aspects, not only was Jason extremely knowledgeable and patient, but he also underlined the realities of the industry. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies, it is bloody hard work, but at the same time extremely rewarding. The earning potential, while getting to see some amazing places, is unbelievable!

Jason assisted me from start – in so many aspects – from wash-downs, varnishing, to helping me prepare my CV and giving me some extremely valuable tips with regards to customer service. These are the necessary details that can make the difference between a guest having an ‘OK’ time, or leaving the boat thinking ‘WOW’ that was unbelievable.

I would highly recommend anyone contemplating joining the super yacht industry to contact Jason and DO THE COURSE – you will regret not doing it and you will also loose out on meeting one of the friendliest, most helpful people you could ever wish to meet.”

Hayley Clark (Stewardess and Chief Stewardess)
“Big thank you for all the help you have given me… I have thoroughly enjoyed both courses and learnt an immense amount! I feel excited and 100% more confident and prepared for the years that lie ahead. I wish you every success in your budding venture. I believe you guys will do brilliantly and I will have no hesitation in recommending SYSA to anyone! I am sure I will be using more of the services SYSA has to offer in the future! The courses were great, but having you run them, made them EXCELLENT!”

“Just when I thought all hope had been lost – your student’s CV came through! I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to be able to get one of your girls, I really wanted to get someone that was fully aware of what the industry was like. Good news, she has now decided to join us for the stewardess position on board. I am really excited about having her work with me. So I just wanted to say a BIG thank you for helping with this. You said you could send me your Course Assessment report on her performance, would it be possible for you to send it to me? I want to show the Captain that it is VERY worth while to consider girls who have done your course for future jobs on our yacht, and the other boats under our management company. He has a lot to do with crew and stuff like that, so I thought it would be good for the other boats to have brilliant quality Stewies who are clued up and come with an Assessment report from you, and so on. Thank you so much again Izzy!”

Leslie McKenna (Stewardess)
“The Stewardess Course is full of life lessons that you think you know, but don’t.  It exceeded expectations, Isobel is friendly, playful and has knowledge no one can top.  The course was fun, interesting and definitely worthwhile.  Isobel shared personal experience and it made the course believable, realistic, valuable and exciting.”

Nicholas Baleta (Deckhand on 50 m yacht)
“Heard about your company, that’s such great news! I have been spreading the word over here already… I wish you all the best and I know it’s definitely going to be big… It’s such a great organisation you have started, crew over here or be it in the Med are already really impressed and I can see big things happening from it… Give it Horns Bru!”

Tanika Cronje (Stewardess)
“This course was excellent.  Every day had something new and different.  Isobel made it interesting and exciting.  She makes each topic clear and has so much knowledge – hopefully I will be like that one day!  I liked that there was practical sessions – and especially the flower arranging and wine tasting.  I am definitely going to practice everything I learnt on this course!”

Lara Malherbe (Stew/Masseuse)
“Excellent course – I learnt more than I could have ever guessed.  Isobel has above excellent knowledge and I feel more confident in my career on yachts.  I loved the fact that it not only gave me knowledge for my new career, but also for life afterwards.”

Blair Fraser (Stewardess)
“Excellent course!  I loved every minute of it!  Isobel is absolutely fantastic and I feel so much more prepared for the unknown – it would be CRAZY not to do this course!”        
   
Jako Hall (Captain)
“Thought I’ll pop you a quick message to let you know I will be starting a rotation Captain’s job at the end of the year on a 164 feet Codecasa. I fulfil all the requirements already. Still owe you man!!! BIG TIME!”

Natalie Glass (Stewardess and Chief Stewardess)
“Great, I feel much more ready to work on yachts. I cannot believe I might have gone without doing the course! I have been doing some daywork over here in Antibes, and all the detailing, etc. got put into use, and I was so happy I had done your course!”

Clyde Davies (Deckhand)
“I must say man, thank you so much for the course. Really, without that, I would be stuffed. I have been sanding all the rails and had to varnish them like a true professional. The other deckie had no idea. The captain was well impressed with my varnish. I must say that all the crew spoke Polish and very very little English, so the Instructions were basically hand signals!!!! I had to do full wash downs and the 2 part teak deck treatment! Oh, and of course polish, polish, polish and polish! Well, I managed to remember all the important stuff. Really, Jason thanks a mill dude!”

Sara Rickard (Chef)
“Hi Izzy! Yachting is pretty amazing, so once again, thank you for the encouragement to get involved! It is great that you guys now offer a Chef Course, it is a fabulous idea, as there seems to be a shortage of Chefs on the whole! Hope it just gets better and better and goes up and up from here.”

Dane Gadney (Deckhand)
“I am thoroughly enjoying the boat and the life. Thank you very much for the attachments, will hand them to my captain today. I have already started my Training record book, will take about two years to complete if I do it properly, I believe. Will most likely be coming back to SA in September, and will be looking to completing my Ocean there with you. Thanks once again, keep in touch.”

Lyndsay Theron (Stewardess)
“I loved hearing Izzy’s stories. She answered everyone’s questions thoroughly. Loved every minute. I am now even more excited to go over and work on the yachts!”

Matthew Glazer (Deckhand on 60 m yacht)
“Things are going well, settling in nicely with the crew and getting to know the boat. There are about 19 crew in all, and I’ve had a lot to do onboard so far – been out on the bosun’s chair cleaning the side windows – quite an experience, and got to drive the main tender – its a super customized mahogany Boesch speed boat, does about 50mph, amazing!”

Kate Leff (Stewardess)
“Very good introduction to a career as a Stewardess. Lots of good tips to put us above the competition and to look and act professional.”

Hein Grebe (Deckhand)
“Thank you for the mail. It sounds like things are going well on that side. Our Easter was good but very busy. Erika and I are currently working on a 26 m yacht and we had the owners onboard. Busy but good. I wish you all the best and thanks for keeping in touch!”

Danielle Josten (Stewardess)
“We are in Antibes and I would just like to thank you once again for all the help and with the visas and CVs. We have been doing some daywork and all the info has come in really handy!”

Jo Willcox and Jason Twaits (Couples team on Luxury Catamaran)
“It is amazing here, we are so happy on the boat and our crew is great. We met a few of the crew you have sent over here and they are so nice. So, thanks for everything, we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you!”

Timmy Hart (Deckhand on 40 m sailing yacht)
“All is great this side. I am in Barcelona at the moment and will be leaving the motor yacht to join a 40 m classic sailing yacht. They will be chartering for the summer and I am so looking forward to it. They were also talking about helping me to do my Yachtmasters. So I’ll definitely come back and do it through you… you might see me sooner than you think. WOW, what a great company you got going… GREAT RESPECT TO YOU!!!!!! Thanks again for everything and helping this dream of mine to become real… I’M LOVING IT !!!”

Abigail Nurock (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. You are super invaluable to me!”

Marc Odello (Deckhand)
“As far as training done by yourself – SYSA has been a blessing and extremely valuable along the way.”

Meg Tonkin (Stewardess)
“You are a wonderful teacher. You are enthusiastic, friendly and extremely welcoming. I would have loved to have you as my Chief Stewardess – I’m just sorry you won’t be with us next year on the boats!”

Brett Simpson (Deckhand)
“Regarding the course … Fantastic! My first real gig. Arrived on the job with no surprises, because I had ‘been through it all’ before, I was confident enough to get stuck right in and the transition was painless. Jason knows his stuff and has put together an action-packed course.”

The manual has been a great reference and lives in my travel bag. Have had a great time and in this industry, it seems, experience builds upon itself, so life just gets better. With a good attitude, some hard work and this information… you can’t go wrong. Make your own luck!”

Sarah Alexander (Stewardess)
“Thanks so much for a wonderful week. It was so amazing. I think I’m falling in love with this industry. I thought it was a very good and thorough course. Definitely benefits girls wanting to join the industry.”

Timothy Hart (Deckhand)
“I would just like to let you know that i found a job (yipee). It is on a Private 40 meter Motor Yacht and we just did a crossing from Monaco to Italy and now we are in Spain for the winter. This is great, as I got my foot in the door now and I just want to get the sea-miles and the experience. I would just like to thank you for helping me get this far and for making my dream come true…… SO THANX A MILL BUD!”

Andrea Blunt (Leticia Van Allen Crew Placement)
“Wesley Lodge has just been to meet with me. I was very impressed with his attitude… He spoke very highly of your company and courses.”

Jason Geyser (Catamaran Captain)
“Having a good time, learning a ton and appreciating the opportunities offered to me. Patriotism aside, Jason, you are very well informed considering where you are geographically… Once again, I am grateful for all of your efforts … you could argue that you are just doing your job, but I reckon you’ve done a lot better than that. Thanks!”

Kelly Evans (Stewardess)
“Most of the agents have been really interested in your course and have been really impressed with my knowledge of the boats since doing it. It truly has given me an advantage over the all the other newcomers and some of the agents have put me up for the stew jobs that have asked for a season’s experience. I have my first interview on Wed for a Stew, really excited.”

Amber Briant (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for all your help over the past week. I found the course extremely helpful and I am so glad I did it! I have already recommended it to several of my friends. Thanks so much once again. I also wanted to let you know I got that job. Thank you so much for putting me forward for it, I am going to put my Stewie and Cooking skills to the test!”

Oriel Harmer (Stewardess)
“I don’t think I have ever had a lecturer who could provide as much knowledge and insight as to what they were teaching, purely due to experience!  It was an excellent course and I would do it again anyday!”

Annelize Jacobsz (Stewardess)
“The Stewardess Course is very comprehensive and covers all aspects on board.  It was very interactive and encouraged all the students to think, use our own initiative and common sense.  It was worth every cent!”

Ruth Gathercole (Stewardess)
“I am currently in Golfe Juan where I have found work on a yacht.  It is a lovely 34 meter motor yacht and we will be doing charters this season.  I have been working on the yacht for 2 weeks already and even though it is hard work, it is loads of fun and the crew is great!  I really want to thank you, as your course was so helpful, informative and beneficial.  I have become friends with two guys who did the Deck Hand Course with Jason and they are also so grateful that they did his course!”

Sarah Kenchington (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to say a quick ‘thank you’ for recommending me for this boat, they hired me a few days later!  I started 2 weeks ago and I am loving it!  The crew is amazing, the boat is beautiful and the itinerary is awesome.  Thanks again, Isobel”

Mandy Murgatroyd (Stewardess)
“I thought I would just pop you a quick email to let you know what I am up to, but mainly to say ‘thank you’ for teaching me all the basics – they have come in very handy.  I was in Fort Lauderdale for a week when a crew agent (who I hadn’t signed up with) phoned me and asked me to come in for an interview that afternoon.  He had a look at my CV and told me to come in for an interview with the Captain the following day – which I did and I got the position of 2nd Stew on a private 50 meter yacht that cruises the Caribbean and Central America.  I have been working on board for a month now and I am very happy.  Thank you so much for all the effort you put into our stewardess course, honestly I would be so lost if I hadn’t done it.  The other Stew is very open to me asking her questions, but it was nice to know how to wield a bottle of vinegar and water without being shown how to.  I have also been involved in breakfast and dinner services – which are far less daunting when you know all the knives and forks and where to put each (very expensive and I hope I don’t drop one!) glass.  The industry is very exciting and I am really having a great time.  Thanks again for all your knowledge.”

Jess Mitchell (Stewardess)
“The Stewardess Course was excellent – covered all that we will need on the job – a bit of everything!  In such a short time, I think the amount of work and detail covered was amazing!  Isobel is very passionate and was obviously held very high in the yachting industry (probably still is!).  It is awesome to learn from the best – and I learnt so much!  The course has offered me a far more in-depth look at what to expect in my future – the good and the bad.  I feel confident and realise how much there is to know!  I am very fortunate to have done this course and it has settled me and has given me a head start on what is yet to come!  Thank you so much, Isobel!”

Jelaine Hermitte (Stewardess)
“Isobel is a great teacher, as she explains every single thing thoroughly and is able to keep all of our attention and gets us thinking.  She is very fun!  Excellent standard!  Extremely helpful and interesting!”

Fredl van der Merwe (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason! I arrived in Antibes on the 5th of March, got a week of daywork that same day and now I got a job as Deckhand on a 42m private yacht! I could not be happier! It was all worth it and I am so excited for what the future holds. Thanks again for all your help and advice!”

Christine Baas (Stewardess)
“I definitely feel comfortable to now go out there and find that great yacht job, since the information was great and very detailed with a lot of great tips and tricks and I can see there are YEARS of experience behind it!  It was a lot of fun, yet still informative and detailed.”

Graeme Steenkamp (Deckhand)
“Things are going really well here, I went to Fort Lauderdale and hopped on a yacht just over a week later. We are cruising around Cuba at the moment, so I am really having a great time! We are probably heading to New England for the summer and I am hoping to do a couple of seasons over here before heading over to the Med. Thanks again for everything!”

Tanya Josefowics (Stewardess)
“I would offer this course to a lot more people other than stewardesses – I found it to be extremely comprehensive on a wide variety of topics.  More intense than I expected!”

Shaun Simpson (Deckhand)
“Jason, I have just landed a job in Barcelona – starting tomorrow! I can’t tell you how happy I am! I am ready to work my fingers to the bone! Thanks a lot for all the help.”

Angela Baufeldt (Stewardess)
“Many many thanks for your kindness and patience in enduring our ‘no-question-is-stupid’ queries!  This week has been a real learning experience and I appreciate all your knowledge you have passed on to us.  I never realised how much planning and work was involved, and I am really glad I did this course.  I feel so much more prepared and I have a much better understanding of what will be expected of me in the industry.  All the best for the future!”

Detlef Moormann (Deckhand)
“I found a really great job on a motor yacht and did my first charter this month. We are in Malta for the next three weeks. Your courses and info has really paid off and it saved me from looking like a complete idiot on my first charter. They basically got me right into it when I boarded, so thanks again for all your help!”

Beth Armstrong (Stewardess)
“I am really impressed and so grateful to have had all this vast knowledge shared with me.  The course is a good balance of realistic info, annecdotes from the inside of the industry, contacts to use, etc.  I have a great idea of what I am getting myself into!  Thank you for sharing so many years’ experience, knowledge and information with us!”

Mike Norval (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason, I got a job in San Remo! I will keep in touch and let you know all about it. Thanks again for everything.

Ursula Botha (Stewardess)
“Been meaning to tell you:  When we did the course with you, I noticed that you sometimes got this look in your eyes when you spoke about your yachting days.  Like there was something about it you could not explain…  Well, now that I am in the Industry, and I sit on the deck of the yacht, looking out at the sunset or just seeing the clear blue waters, I know what your eyes were longing for.  It just cannot be described!”

Quinton Misplon (Deckhand)
“I got the job! So stocked! I found work on a 90m yacht as a deckhand and I fly out to Athens soon! I got the job because of my surfing, because the owner’s son is really into it and I must help him out with it! I am so excited! Thanks again for all your help and advice.”

Angelica White (Stewardess)
“Isobel is a great teacher, I have learnt so much from her expertise and personal experience.  She made me feel comfortable and welcomed, it was great fun to be in her class!”

Clinton Weiss (Deckhand)
“I just wanted to drop you a quick message and say thank you again for putting me onto this job. It is such an amazing set-up here and I couldn’t be happier! I am extremely grateful and I definitely owe you a few beers when I am back in Cape Town!”

Nikki Sely (Stewardess)
“Isobel, thank you for your email.  It is great to know that by enrolling as a student for the Introductory Stewardess Course at SYSA that I am able to get advice and knowledge from people who were in the Industry for a long time, not only during the course, but afterwards.  Your Chief Stew Course is something I am very interested in!  Also, buying property was part of the reason why I entered the Industry, and I am looking forward to your next email regarding the do’s and dont’s of investment.  Thanks again for your help and advice.”

Calvin Barnard (Deckhand)
“Jason, how are you? So I finally got a permanent job! I am in the Bahamas at the moment, docked in Atlantis and it is really cool here! I am working on a 48m Broward and I am the only Deckhand on board and report directly to the Captain. I am working seriously long days, but loving it! Just a massive THANK YOU for all the advice and help, it has been a rough ride, but I made it!”

Robyn Pieters (Chief Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. Thanks so much for the enormous amount you have taught me in the last week, and the invaluable information and experience you’ve shared with us in class. I’m so excited to go back with all these fresh ideas and renewed confidence for my first season as a chief stew! It was so great to meet you, and I’ll be sure to stay in touch. Once again, thank you so much for everything.”

Taryn Stacey (Stewardess/Beautician)
“Isobel, I thought I would let you know what I have been up to since doing your course.  I went off to Antibes at the end of March and stayed in the Crew Grapevine, like you suggested.  By some miracle I applied for a job through one of the Crew Agents and I got a job on M.Y. (very large yacht, name omitted for confidentiality) as Service Stew/Beautician/Masseuse!!!  I am so happy here and the crew is absolutely amazing!  I remember it was the first yacht I really heard about through you and a lot of stuff on here is exactly like you taught us.  Thanks so much again!”

Terence O’Brien (Deckhand)
“Hi Jason. I got a permanent job!! I had the interview on Thursday and I got a call from them this morning! The yacht is in the UK at the moment and I am joining them in Antibes late March. Thanks so much again for everything!”

Donald Yendall and Candice Johnson (Engineer/Deckhand and Cook/Stew)
“We got a job on a 30m yacht – really working hard, but enjoying it. Thank you again for all the info!”

Leonore Jacobs (Parent of a student)
“Jurgen got a job on a yacht in Thailand! He is flying out tomorrow. Thanks again for all your help and his training and other preparation for this. We will let you know how he is doing – our prayers have been answered!”

Terri Hill (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel, I hope you are doing well!  I have been overseas for about 3 weeks now, and found a job on a yacht after only 2 weeks!  I am feeling so very blessed.  It is a beautiful 27m yacht and I am Sole Stew.  I have also taken on some Deck responsibilities, as well as child care.  It is a great first job!  I really must thank you, your course has prepared me above and beyond for this, and I not feel nearly as confident as I do without all your guidance.  Thanks so much for sharing your great experience and inisght.”

Andrea Seabrook (Stewardess)
“I hope that you are well and things are going well at SYSA?  Our yacht is currently in the Balearics enjoying a month-long crazy charter.  Ursula Botha, also one of your students, has just joined our team.  She is so fantastic and often we will catch ourselves saying:  ‘Oh my word, that is something Isobel taught us…. Did Isobel teach you that?’.  So good to work with another South African girl who is so great!  I have a holiday coming up after this season, and would like to do some courses whilst in South Africa, I have been looking into Massage and the WSET courses.  Is there any advice you can give me?  One last thing… Following all your advice and with the help of contacts, I am also now the proud owner of my first property in Pretoria! Tenants have already moved in, bond approved – all very exciting stuff!”

Marcelle Meijer (Stewardess)
“I really enjoyed the Stewardess course and the information was so unbelievably valuable!! Thank heavens for someone like you to prepare us beforehand! You are an awesome person and you certainly know how to inspire a group of students! Keep up the good work!”

Zelda Colyn (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel! I just wanted to let you know that I arrived in Fort Lauderdale on the 9th of September and I found a job my first week there! I am so excited! It is on a 50 meter new-build yacht and at the moment we are in Mississippi, not living on board yet. We are going to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October. It is such a stunning yacht and it is so exciting to be getting her ready for her maiden voyage. I am learning so much and am so happy!”

Peter Thomas Hamilton White (Steward)
“Hi Isobel. I just went up to the US Embassy in Paris and got a 10 year US visa! After finishing on my yacht, I have been keeping busy with the usual dockwalking and networking, as well as doing a Wine Course whilst here in France. I had a great cocktail evening where the PYA Steward/ess programme was introduced and I spoke to Joey Meen from the PYA who had lots of good things to say about SYSA. I have been offered one or two land jobs, one of them to be a Butler in Dubai, but I think I want to wait for another yacht job. All is well here.”

Judith Vlok (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. Hope you are well! I just wanted to share with you: I saw the advertisement you placed on the SYSA Facebook group for daywork at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show and I got the job! So excited! Thanks for the effort you put in for your students!”

Nadia Brits (Stewardess)
““I just thought I would let you know I made it to Fort Lauderdale and have been dockwalking and visiting the crew agents, as well as attending all the social events for ‘networking’ purposes. I would like to thank you again for giving me the knowledge to help me feel more comfortable with what I am talking about and what is expected of me now that I have entered the Industry. I have been getting some daywork, so all the experience is racking up nicely for my first permanent job! The Manual you gave us is now my bible and I make sure I have that with me no matter what! It has proved to be very useful even at the strangest times!””

Zané Combrink (Stewardess)
“I have great news. In August, I found a permanent position as a Sole Stew on a 31m Azimut. I am absolutely loving the industry, although it robs me of all my family time, but I’m sure you know all about that hahaha. I would like to enrol in the SYSA Chief stew course on my next holiday, the captain suggested that I do your Advanced course, because we will be getting another Stew for 2 months next year while the owner is on board, and she will be working under me. And of course, I will be getting a raise once that happens! I am so happy that I joined the Industry!”

Estee Steyn (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel. I just wanted to get in touch and let you know how I have been doing since arriving in Fort Lauderdale. I was living in the crew house and one day, a guy was not able to go to his daywork job (painting an engine room). So, I offered to go in his place for the day. You said we should be willing to do anything as a dayworker!! Every time the yacht asked me if I was available to work the next week or over the weekends, I simply answered yes! They then offered me the job of 2nd Stewardess, and I am currently just outside Nassau in the Bahamas on this very yacht! It pays to not give up, have a positive attitude and be willing to work hard, no matter what the job. I am very happy on board and I am learning so much from the 7 crew members! Again, thanks so much for helping me to make the move to the yachting Industry – it has changed my life!!”

Nicole Viljoen (Stewardess)
“Hi Isobel.  I just wanted to let you know that I am on my first yacht!!  We are based in Bocas Del Tora and I have been here for a week now shadowing the Chief Stewardess before she goes on holiday and then I am on my own – eeeek!!  We leave for Belize in one week.  I am enjoying this so much!”

Kirsten Bettesworth (Stewardess/Cook/Deckhand)
“Hi Isobel. Hope all is well with you! Just thought I would update you and thank you again for your great course! It has ended up helping me out immensely! I accepted a Cook/Stew/Deck job on a 22m Sunseeker, it is private and charter and I have a great captain and fantastic owners! This experience is better than anyone could have ever described in words! I think everyone has to experience it for themselves to know if its for them or not. I definately didn’t expect to love it as much as I am! I have been working since the 21st of May. It is a seasonal position until beg of October. I must say, I have never experienced so many ups and downs in such a short period of time before. I didn’t expect it to be as tough as it was, but the positives outweigh the negatives by miles. I was able to do 15 days of day work in total on a 45m, 47m, 68m and a 70m. I am extremely happy in my position, in being able to enjoy all aspects of the boat. I will definitely be carrying on in the industry for a few more seasons! I haven’t even been homesick yet! Just wanted to say thank you and say hi. Keep well.”

Jessica Gray (Deck/Stew)
“I did it! Finally managed to get a job after a month of searching! I am working as a deck/stew on board a 45m sail yacht called Helios. I am just wanting to thank you for all your help and guidance! Your Stewardess book has helped me out so much!”

Madeli Gous (Sole Stewardess)
“Hallo Isobel. Just wanted to let you know I found a job! I am Sole Stewardess on a private and charter 25m yacht. The owner was on this weekend and it went very well. Your book and the Stew course has helped me so much! Thanks so much again for everything.”

Cornél de Jager (Steward)
“Good news, I finally got a job on 50 m motor Yacht!! I didn’t even apply, I just did day work on it last week and then captain called this morning saying his Stew had quit and he wanted me to start tomorrow. I leave for charter on Saturday. I am so excited! Thank you for all the tips and tricks, i will try to keep the SYSA name high!”

Danielle Janse van Rensburg (Stewardess)
“I got a job on a 164ft Westport! Been working now for almost two weeks. It has been so busy, but I’ve enjoyed every moment so far. I got my first day off today, because the owners were here.”

Charissa Louw (Stewardess)
“I just want to thank you for all you’ve done.  I had an absolutely wonderful time during the course and you were awesome!  Thank you so much for being so helpful, I hope we see each other again.”

Nannette Rapson (Stewardess)
“Thank you so much for your endorsement, your kind words have really helped me feel more confident and excited! Congrats on running such a brilliant course, it was more valuable than I ever could have imagined.  I am so glad I made the trip to Cape Town and I hope to come and do some more courses with you over the next few years.  I am feeling confident and prepared for my new adventure in Fort Lauderdale.”

Cindy Straub (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to send you an E-Mail, to let you know how my season went.  Within 5 weeks of dockwalking, I found a job as a Sole Stewardess/Nanny on a 33m yacht. I really enjoyed the season and had a lot of fun, even though it was hard work.  Thank you again for the brilliant Stew course, it helped me a lot over the season.”

Polly Randell (Stewardess)
“I just wanted to let you know that after being in Antibes for 2 and a half weeks, getting day work on my second day of dockwalking for a period of 2 weeks, I am also now officially employed on a private/ charter 60m M/Y!  Thank you for your advice on the Stew Course – I feel so much more prepared for this adventure!  Good luck to you and your new students – I know now that anything is possible if you work hard and keep a smile on your face!”