SeaView with Interior Manager, Annie Polak

Annie was born in the vibrant country of South Africa and has spent the last 12 years in the yachting industry. She is deeply passionate about her work and feels incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to travel while doing what she loves and is always eager to learn more about the world around her.

Annie loves skating, diving and has recently started surfing. Her boundless enthusiasm, insatiable curiosity makes her a lovely crew member. She is always ready to go above and beyond to ensure her guests have an unforgettable experience. Her infectious energy and passion for life make her a joy to be around and a true asset to any yacht.

After completing university at the young age of 22, Annie booked a one-way ticket to Antibes having completed her elementary yachting courses in Cape Town. After one month of staying in crew hostels with little to no money and relentless dock walking, the prospect of finding a job in the yachting industry was not looking promising. With continued perseverance and daily walk-ins at the crew agencies, Annie at last was offered what was to be the perfect first job as a junior stewardess onboard a busy dual seasoned 70m new build motor yacht. She stayed onboard for two years taking on every opportunity the role had to offer, working diligently, and building what was to become invaluable work relations and lifelong friendships. This was ultimately the solid foundation she needed for a great yachting career ahead.

Annie then spent time enjoying her own adventures around the world before re-entering the yachting industry and started to climb up the ranks to becoming a chief stewardess and interior manager onboard superyachts.

Annie relays to Atlas Crew Recruitment Ltd, the beauty of yachting is travelling, seeing the world through the lens of a seafarer, meeting and forming long standing friendships with people from all walks of life.

Although yachting is not as luxurious as it seems for yacht crew, if one learns to try and find the balance between hard work ethic and having fun it can prove to be quite the adventure.

Learning to take the highs and the lows, networking, building solid relationships and most importantly staying true to oneself is the best advice she can give.

“You step onto the road and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to…’ – J.R.R. Tolkein”