The chief stewardess story
As SuperyachtDESIGN Week approaches, we take a closer look at why the event is a must for the industry’s chief stewardesses…
As SuperyachtDESIGN Week approaches, we take a closer look at why the
event is a must for the industry’s chief stewardesses – those who really
know the ins and outs of a yacht’s operational interior. Chief
stewardess turned interior designer, Agis Variani tells The Crew Report
why the relationship between designers and chief stewardesses is
paramount for a top-level service to today’s owners
“In my opinion, yacht designers don’t fully understand the service flow and the existing dynamics on a boat, what exactly the job is of a stewardess. They don’t usually think about how the spaces are really going to be used,” explains Variani.
When it comes to table and drinks service, for example, a chief stewardess on board a superyacht is likely to be using crystal and expensive china; these items are not dishwasher safe, so why take up space with a bulky dishwasher in the stewardess service area that, in all likelihood, will rarely be used? “Why have a dishwasher when in reality what is needed is a double sink and spacious surface to put the dishes on before drying them by hand?” questions Variani.
The galley, Variani adds, also poses its own predicaments. “Chefs also have problems. In order to make a galley look smart and desirable, space and working surfaces are cut out and the ergonomics principles altered, making it more difficult for a chef to develop the necessary speed required in preparation, cooking and plating dishes. An island in the galley may be a good idea, but it doesn’t help when it cuts the space between fridge, sink and stove. Not everything that is expensive is necessarily good ; not everything that is trendy is functional and efficient.”
Variani’s solution is that interior design studios have an on-site chief stewardess working as a consultant for the studio’s projects.
Variani’s solution is that interior design studios have an on-site chief stewardess working as a consultant for the studio’s projects – something that many new builds (and some refits) lack, with most interior crew starting work on a superyacht towards the end of the build process and those who are involved from early stages, such as captains and engineers, having little knowledge of interior operations. “Chief stewardesses are the best help to find useful solutions for the interior necessities,” concludes Variani. “Designers and builders that use their knowledge and experience on a new build could be a step ahead in ‘client satisfaction’ and save a lot of headache for us crew.”
“In my opinion, yacht designers don’t fully understand the service flow and the existing dynamics on a boat, what exactly the job is of a stewardess. They don’t usually think about how the spaces are really going to be used,” explains Variani.
When it comes to table and drinks service, for example, a chief stewardess on board a superyacht is likely to be using crystal and expensive china; these items are not dishwasher safe, so why take up space with a bulky dishwasher in the stewardess service area that, in all likelihood, will rarely be used? “Why have a dishwasher when in reality what is needed is a double sink and spacious surface to put the dishes on before drying them by hand?” questions Variani.
Superyacht Ancora provides examples of how interior space can be utilised. Credit: Dick Holthuis.
The galley, Variani adds, also poses its own predicaments. “Chefs also have problems. In order to make a galley look smart and desirable, space and working surfaces are cut out and the ergonomics principles altered, making it more difficult for a chef to develop the necessary speed required in preparation, cooking and plating dishes. An island in the galley may be a good idea, but it doesn’t help when it cuts the space between fridge, sink and stove. Not everything that is expensive is necessarily good ; not everything that is trendy is functional and efficient.”
Variani’s solution is that interior design studios have an on-site chief stewardess working as a consultant for the studio’s projects.
Variani’s solution is that interior design studios have an on-site chief stewardess working as a consultant for the studio’s projects – something that many new builds (and some refits) lack, with most interior crew starting work on a superyacht towards the end of the build process and those who are involved from early stages, such as captains and engineers, having little knowledge of interior operations. “Chief stewardesses are the best help to find useful solutions for the interior necessities,” concludes Variani. “Designers and builders that use their knowledge and experience on a new build could be a step ahead in ‘client satisfaction’ and save a lot of headache for us crew.”
The topic of intelligent design and use of
interior service space will be tackled in SuperyachtDESIGN Week’s
Wednesday breakout sessions, led by Kevin Andrews of Ideaworks and Jaron
Ginton of Ginton Naval Architects.
If you want to be part of this event then please contact Suzie on +44 (0) 207 801 1014 or via suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com, and register today, or register online
If you want to be part of this event then please contact Suzie on +44 (0) 207 801 1014 or via suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com, and register today, or register online
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