Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you've been working in the yacht industry for?
I have been working on yachts for 8 years altogether. I joined straight from university and had an incredible 6 years. Unfortunately, my mum fell ill and I returned home. I thought that my time on yachts was over… until two years ago when I realised it wasn’t over and now I’m here in New Zealand (and my mum is fit and healthy!)
How has your “on boat” physical and mental wellbeing been since you started your yachting career?
It’s certainly had its ups and downs. It can be real tricky living in such close proximity with people that you haven’t chosen to be with and people don’t always get on. Sometimes you find solutions, but other times it can be too much and you have to move on.
We travel to the most beautiful places on earth and do things a lot of people can only dream of, but we also miss ‘major’ life events back home like birthdays, weddings and funerals and this can really play on your emotions, especially when you have guests onboard.
Having a strong captain and crew behind you who you can talk to really helps. Physical health can definitely take a back seat (and it did for me for many years); yachtie life can be a lot of socialising and partying once you finish work and during trips your full attention is on the guests but I’ve definitely found a balance now.
How did you hear about FAT, do you remember your first session?
Fortunately, FAT is right next to the marina so I’d always hear the music from the classes when I was out doing my own thing and one day decided to join in. I was a little nervous but brought a friend with me and we loved it!
We have shared a few workouts together, what makes you keep participating?
I love the FAT classes, everyone is so incredibly friendly and supportive, teachers and fellow classmates alike. Each class is different and I’m now part of an amazing community.
Outside of our FAT session, what is your relationship with exercise/movement?
Having struggled with my mental health in the past, I know how important movement and eating well is. I try to get out and in the fresh air every morning before work, typically a run when on land and yoga/Pilates/HIIT while at sea - whatever the weather permits.
What are your health/movement and life goals in 2023?
The FAT road runners Online program is helping me along with my main goal which is to run more than 5k without stopping! Aside from that is just to keep a balanced healthy lifestyle, and keep saying no to anything I know won’t benefit me.
What are your top 3 pieces of advice to stay healthy on a yacht?
Get outside! It’s so easy to get stuck inside as a stewardess but it’s so vital for our mental well-being to get out in natural light.
Stay true to yourself and try not to get influenced by everyone around you.
Put the phone down, social media is really hard when you are stuck on a guest trip and you’re seeing things you’re missing out on - put the phone away and catch up on what you need to when you have the time and can cope!