Fun Below Deck

Chapter 1

Arabella

Rolling my suitcase through the dock, another season ready to begin. New boat and a whole new crew to train. I got the call from Captain Ste; we worked together in the past and honestly, I was so excited to hear that he wanted me back on board with him. He told me about Dreamboat, she's a beauty a full 65 foot of dreaminess.

Luckily for me he has already been aboard and told me that honestly, she's in great condition. The owner was kind enough to hire cleaners for the new season so today all I have to do is pack away provisions. Also meeting the new crew will be fun. The last boat I was on my second stewardess was such a bitch. I know she was secretly after my job.

"There's my Arabella," Ste calls from the stern.

He runs down to lift my suitcase and hooks his arm round my waist.

"I've missed you Ste, tell me what you were doing this winter?"

Ste is a much older guy; I'd say late 50s. I know his retirement age is coming up shortly so if I'm lucky enough to work with him for the rest of his years I'd be happy. He's like my father when I'm at sea.

"Oh, you know me Bella, strolling around Africa this time. I told you I will see every part of the world before my times up." He sniggers as he helps me onboard.

I could genuinely well believe it. Ste has no family or responsibilities waiting for him at home. His whole life has been revolved around yachting. Which is great for him. But me, no! this job is hard-going and takes up to six months each year, but the money is amazing. The only reason I am doing this, yes, I have no responsibilities waiting for me either. The difference being I want that. I would love to meet the man of my dreams have me swept off my feet. It is hard to make that happen considering the very strict rules of not mixing business with pleasure.

The first time I got handed the rule book I had to laugh. Was there really any need for half the rules. Plus I would love to know the reason why each of these was created.

No screwing the crew

No screwing the charter guests

Uniform must be worn at all times if you're on deck.

If you're hired as a couple, you must share a room.

All emotions get left in your bunk.

Crew eats last.

Respect each other

Honestly the rules have been easy to follow, except for the respecting each other. We are out at sea for months at a time with so many people and I have to keep the staff in line. Thats where it becomes difficult. Some of the staff try to push their luck to see what I let them away with. I remeber my second stew on our night off got absolutely hammered and we had to carryy her on board. Making your colleagues carry you from the bar really made me loose respect for her. God that was the longest three months of my life.

After packing away most of the provisions I decide to get changed before my staff arrive. Got to look professional when you're the cheif stew.

Walking back onto the main deck I see a little brunette head bopping up the steps, "Hi I'm guessing you must be Arabella?"

"I am," I stretch out my hand to introduce myself properly, "You must be Brianna? My third stew? I must say your resume is pretty impressive. I genuinely believe with your skills you could be second stew."

After shaking my hand she smiles brightly, "Thank you for the compliment. But gosh, I couldn't deal with the stress of the second stew. I was offered thee position but I did turn it down. I'm happy doing laundry and helping with dinners."

I can't help but giggle at her response. She seems playful, which will help when we've been here for months and need a laugh. i decide that Brianna can bunk with me, even though technically it is against protocol. It's not very often that I can gel with a person this quickly.

Me and Brianna have been that busy setting things up and packing bits away that when Ste pops his head into the bar area to let us know that the other staff has arrived, I do jump.

I nod my head towards the door to let Brianna know to follow Ste, "He's going to call a meeting with all members. He does this in every yacht we sail before guests arrive. This is him pissing on his terriotry to let us know who the boss is." I whisper as we walk behind Ste to top deck.

Brianna snorts and tries her hardest to disguise it with a cough, but this isnt Ste's first time round the block. He raises his eyebrows while looking over his shoulder at us. He knows my sense of humor by now, thankfully he also has a brilliant sense of humor.

"Hello all," Ste announces his arrival to all staff sitting round the table.

The crew speak small hellos, some have bright smiles and others have pokerfaces. I watch as each one of them sits up straighter when Ste starts talking. This is great, they're showing their respect to the Captain. Hopefully it continues on this six months charter.

"If you haven't had time to introduce yourselves to one another this is the time," I stand beside Ste as each person says their name and hello to everyone else.

Ste then hands out laminated sheets with our pictures on them, the confused looks on the crews face is funny. Me and Ste look at one another and laugh quietly. This isn't normal protocol on yachts but Ste has made it a main rule.

Clearing his throat to get everyones attention, "I know you are all wondering what this is. Due to an incident that happened years ago for a guest not understanding whos role was what and what their roles duties were we make these for the guests. It's all your pictures, with your name, job and role. It makes the yacht run smoothly."

Cheif stew - Arabella - Leader, responsoblie for staff, creating the best experience, responsible for interior design, make sure service is brilliant.

2nd stew - Zara - housekeeping, bar tending, table settings, food and drink service.

3rd stew - Brianna - mainly laundry and housekeeping, will chip in to cover breaks, help with dinner service if and when needed.

Bosun - Jack - main tender driver, organizing deck, organizing toys/water sports, helpingCaptain.

Deckhands - Beau & Max - help with toys/water sports, stands watch, anchor watch.

Chef - Zayn _ crew food, charter food, be available when needed.

"Okay guys, lets get changed into your whites and meet on deck for guests arrival." I stand and clap my hands together, showing the urgency. As always I like to be standing waiting by the ramp when they are arriving. I love being a professional, plus they pay a lot of money for these trips. The service and professionalism has to be 5 star.