My life used to look very different. I spent nearly ten years in project management and strategic communication, working in international aid. While the work was meaningful, I struggled with being indoors all day. I have never been someone who sits still easily, and eventually I found myself dreaming more about the ocean than about career goals.
During a career break in Portugal, I discovered a new passion in the kitchen of a surfhouse in the Algarve. What began as helping out quickly grew into running the kitchen, and I realized how much I loved cooking and creating beautiful meals for people to share. Around that time, I learned about Yacht Week. Although I worried I might be too old, I applied anyway, and I’m so glad I did.
The summer of 2025 I completed my first season in Greece and Croatia, and it was unforgettable. From waking up to the sea every morning, to meeting incredible people, to cooking fresh, flavourful food on board, it’s been a dream come true. Yacht Week has given me adventure, community, and a new perspective on work. More than anything, it has opened the door to a career on the water, and I can’t wait for the next time I step on board.