The 2025 Sydney edition of the Interior Motives superyacht interior crew and industry networking luncheon was held Wednesday 26 February at Hotel Centennial, in Woollahra.
Unanimously declared “the hottest ticket in town” when it comes to elegant social occasions, the event caters to superyacht Chief Stewards and Stewardesses, Heads of Interior and leaders of industry who supply and support them.
This year, there were 25 guests, representing 17 superyachts, both privately-owned and charter, along with event sponsors and superyacht media.
The objective, apart from recognising professional crew for their talent and dedication, is to cultivate stronger ties and collaborate within a tight yet burgeoning local industry.
“Interior Motives aims to bring these amazing people together in a relaxed atmosphere to network, share ideas and raise the profile of their roles,” explained Sarah Egan, event founder and Director of Boat Style.
“Interior crew are experts in impeccable service, and the superyacht life can be quite isolating, so it’s a great opportunity once in a while, to get off the vessel and enjoy a wonderful meal in beautiful surroundings, with other professionals who appreciate the challenges and rewards of their roles.”
Guests were able to speak candidly about experiences locally and internationally, offering advice to newer crew, and sharing thoughts on emerging opportunities and planning for the charter season ahead.
The venue was the brilliantly refurbished heritage hotel, Hotel Centennial, located in the eastern suburbs’ leafy Woollahra, in a private space known as “The Apartment” for its chic, contemporary ambience.
In keeping with the calibre of superyacht interior talent in the room, the space was decorated with vivid exotic blooms from Lotus Botanica.
The Menu was equally colourful: Pre-lunch cocktails: cosmopolitans and espresso martinis, followed by various dishes over two courses. Adept at fine dining service, “Stews” say they get a kick out of serving each other!
Entrées included Charred peppers, buffalo mozzarella, anchovies, capers, olives; Tuna tartare, piquillo peppers, smoked eggplant; Beef carpaccio, radish, Pecorino di Fossa.
The delectable Mains drew on local produce in season, and comprised Wood oven roasted Murray cod, seaweed salsa verde; Wood oven roasted chicken, herbs de Provence, grilled lemon; 1kg Kidman Côte de boeuf with pepper sauce, complemented by Premium Australian and New Zealand wines.
This year, four sponsors supported the luncheon, adding an extra dimension to discussions with their perspectives and experiences.
Quality Marine Clothing and Superyacht Crew Academy returned for a second year, and Pantaenius Insurance joined them in 2025.
Interior Motives events are not-for-profit and only made possible by the generous contribution of companies who see the benefits for the industry.
Among the few males in attendance, Duncan Curnow, Sales & Marketing Director at Quality Marine Clothing, enjoyed the company and the positive feedback post-event.
“Hanging out with 24 women, someone’s got to do it!” he quipped. “It was really great to see the industry progressing, and the appreciation for such an extraordinary event. People who have worked overseas said they’ve never experienced something dedicated to stews. They were thrilled to be invited.
“They were able to talk to each other, share contacts, and they felt buoyed by that support and the ability to lean on each other if they have an issue. It’s great to be a facilitator of all that! To get positive feedback from guests makes it all worthwhile.”
Isabella Say, Chief Stew aboard 81m Royal Huisman, SY Sea Eagle, which is currently in Auckland, was amazed at the gathering.
“It was wonderful! Never had something so special for just us Chief Stews in my eight years of yachting.”
India Lewin from MY Lumir, a 38m Heesen motor yacht, was at her first Interior Motives luncheon, and said it was nice to interact with other Stews and meet new people.
“I had a great time – it was my first event. We all exchanged contacts which I am sure will prove very useful for expanding our resources and network. We spoke about a lot of topics, including working at boat shows and the upcoming Superyacht Soirée (8 March).”
Before her current position, India worked in Turkey aboard a charter yacht as the sole Stewardess. Now, she’s First Stew aboard a privately-owned motor yacht just starting in the charter sphere, with a female Captain, Charlie Kinder.
“We usually spend summer in Sydney, then head up to the Whitsundays in the winter. I am very happy to keep chasing sun – it’s beautiful up there . . . the scenery, spear fishing on the reef.”
Zulekha Longdin, First Stew aboard 47m MY Crystal Lady, also attended as a first timer. Zulekha has been working on board the privately-owned vessel for one year, and prior to that, spent five years in the Med and the Pacific, and before that, five years as a flight attendant.
“It was really cool to meet other girls from other boats, as we don’t get many opportunities like this to socialise,” Zulekha said.
Chief Stewardess aboard Sydney-based, 36m MY Shirley Anne, Nikki Draper, was heartened by the camaraderie and wealth of information shared during the luncheon.
“It was an amazing afternoon! We had a lot of fun! I’ve never heard of other places doing anything like this, and I was so grateful I was invited.”
Nikki has been in the industry “on and off for nine years, in the Pacific and the Med” and currently works with eight crew aboard MY Shirley Anne.
“We were all very impressed with the venue,” Nikki commented. “The service was great. It was a tough gig working for a group of Chief Stews – we noticed everything: presentation, how they plated it, remembering the drinks for 26 people, the décor and the entire experience. It was lovely.”
Having worked on board both charter yachts and privately-owned vessels, Nikki is enjoying the “good work-land life balance” offered by MY Shirley Anne.
“We get to go home every night, compared with charter. We can progress our careers and still see our friends and family.”
“I enjoy attending every year,” said Hillary Buckman, Managing Director, Ocean Media. “It’s always a great time to catch up with the leading Chief Stews and share important knowledge, as we all know they are the backbone and the heartbeat of every superyacht.”
This is the fourth Interior Motives Sydney luncheon since 2019, with more events planned for the future.
