Does Height Matter?
I’m planning to head to Palma soon to start my job hunt for a stew role, but I just wanted to check that there aren’t any minimum height rules in yachting like there is for flight attendants?
By KARINE RAYSON
Q: Does Height Matter? (Sara, 21, Aspiring Stew)
Hi, I’m only 5 foot 3, so I’m worried that being short might count against me.
A: The Crew Coach
Good question Sara!
Height hasn’t been a factor in yachting over the years I’ve been in it. You occasionally see a job ad requesting female crew of a certain height, but that tends to be a result of a particular aesthetic preference held by the yacht owner, rather than having anything to do with an ability to carry out your duties as a stewardess.
You referred to flight attendants. The minimum height is not an operational requirement for yachts, like it on planes, as there are not any everyday duties that require you to reach overhead like you would need to as a flight attendant.
There are only a few instances where height may create some potential difficulties for stewardesses. They can include:
Dusting high shelves and getting into high cupboards or storage lockers are two instances where height is advantageous, but there are always a few handy step ladders or footstools around the yacht.
Occasionally you’ll come across one of those enormous aft deck tables where you need long arms to reach across and clear plates. Still, there are always ways around that, whether getting another crew member to serve those people or just being upfront about it and asking the guest to pass you their plate. You can’t grow longer arms, and it’s not something I can imagine a Captain thinking too much about when hiring you.
It’s pretty unlikely that someone would turn down an otherwise great candidate because of their arm length, which I can almost promise you.
Also, being short on a yacht is sometimes an advantage! Tall people sometimes struggle with the length of the bunks. However, you will find it much easier to wriggle into tight spaces like storage lockers or bilge storage on a sailing yacht.
Essentially, in yachting, you will be fine as long as you’re fit, healthy, and can carry out your duties.
When you attend interviews, emphasize your fitness, positive attitude, and ability to get the job done.
I have not heard of a single instance of a stew being rejected for a job on the basis of being too short, so I don’t let the height thing bother you.
