About us

We've been RIGHT where you are. The fears, the doubts, the hesitations and the excitement of possibility, of change, of everything that comes part and parcel with choosing your dream! WE GET IT and we care, DEEPLY - about you, your dreams and how you make them happen in an environment anchored in enthusiasm, hype, safety and respect. At SYNC, having been through the ranks and various positions on some of the world's busiest charter boats - we know every aspect of what it means to be a sought after yacht.

A group of women in white shirts and shorts standing on the deck of a yacht.

We blend practicality, spirituality, and wisdom, with heart-led guidance , ensuring you’re ready for the wildly exciting, uniquely diverse life aboard a Superyacht. And beyond what you learn, we've had people walk in and out changed time and time again, working their courses by each others' side, starting as strangers and leaving as best friend because of what they've experienced together. You are supported from everyone in this space. SYNC is where lifelong sisterhood is established. You get to relax your shoulders as we guide you through the path to your new life by highly revered professionals in this field who are here because they WANT TO BE.

Excellent all round. I enjoyed doing practicals in between, and I really appreciated that the lecturers spoke the truth about what to expect and how it really is. It was a great experience and an opportunity to learn a lot about the industry from experienced stews, as well as to gain many new skills to prepare for the journey ahead.

I enjoyed the teamwork, experiencing and learning things I didn’t know before. I learned so much about housekeeping, patience, and teamwork and most importantly, how to always be confident.

My favourite part of the course was learning how to function in a 5-star situation with a team that had my back. I had to learn to soften my voice and as a group, fix the situation at hand = Real Life! You ladies rock! Keep doing what you are doing. You really are changing lives.

The course really opened my eyes to seeing what being a stew is actually about and how much work goes into it. Everyone wanting to do it should do this course.

Fun and engaging practicals with an exceptional lecturer. I would highly recommend SYNC to anyone pursuing a stewardess career. The classes are engaging and well-prepared, and you will walk out feeling confident about your future in yachting.

I really enjoyed making cocktails and doing the flower arrangements. Great course and company overall! Email and WhatsApp communication were always fast. Everything was made very clear, and we had the opportunity to ask questions if anything was unclear. Friendly people too.

Loved all the practicals, especially getting to go on a boat. I absolutely loved my time and the course at SYNC.

The Crew

After returning to Cape Town from their yachting adventures, bringing with them 12 years of combined experience in the superyacht industry, Megan and Cieara wanted to support other women in ways they saw no one else was.
Their deep understanding of the unique challenges and demands of the superyachting world inspired the creation of SYNC — this training centre created to provide aspiring stews with ahead of the times skills, unshakable confidence, and industry insight to succeed at sea and beyond.
Whilst Megan has moved on from SYNC to pursue her yachting career, Cieara remains devoted to this empowering training sisterhood together with up-to-date, current rotational Chief Stews who are still actively working onboard, ensuring our training stays relevant and connected to the realities of yachting today.

FOUNDERS

Megan and Cieara, two seasoned professionals with 12 years of combined superyachting experience, co-founded Super Yachting Nautical Careers (SYNC) in Cape Town in 2018. After returning from their enriching global adventures, with inspiration, they set out to create something they wished they’d had at the start of their careers — a training hub and a sisterhood to empower aspiring crew with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive in this elite industry. Having swiftly ascended through the ranks, both women gained invaluable insights as Chief Stews aboard luxury superyachts, hosting high-profile guests and celebrities and mastering the art of becoming well-rounded, highly skilled professionals. Megan, who brought a unique psychology background to the foundation of SYNC, was instrumental during its start-up phase. However, her passion for yachting drew her back to the open seas. It’s Cieara who spearheads SYNC alongside Olga the Student Liaison Advisor, and rotational chief stews who expertly lead some of our courses due to their wealth of experience onboard bringing new insights each time they return. At SYNC, we lead with our hearts first and foremost, prioritizing genuine care and support for you - particularly women - considering immersing themselves in this industry in a conscious and confident manner. Our mission is rooted in empowering others through sisterhood, connection and support, ensuring you feel fully equipped on all levels and empowered to embrace your new role(s), allowing you to thrive in the dynamic world of yachting.

Your guides

Cieara

Founding Director

With a heart for people and a decade of hands-on yachting experience, Cieara spent her 20s working on yachts from 30 to 110 meters, both motor and sail. She founded the academy to empower others — combining real-world insight with a passion for helping future crew grow in skill, confidence, and professionalism — on board and beyond.

Megan

Co-Founder & Chief Stew

As one of the original founders, Megan helped shape the academy’s foundations. With a background in psychology and years of experience as a respected chief stew, she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation, bringing insight, leadership, and empathy to every crew she joins.

Jamie

Lead Stew Guide

With 10 years onboard, including 3 years as chief stew on the world’s busiest charter yacht. Jamie lives and breathes the industry. She’s passionate about supporting her students—her “girls”—and helping them make the right choices to build successful, rewarding careers at sea.

Palesa

Food Safety Educator

A chef with TV experience and former café owner, Palesa brings real culinary expertise to her food safety courses. Passionate about teaching and hospitality, she ensures every student masters the essential skills to keep kitchens safe and running smoothly.

Explore our packages & individual courses

If you’re truly ready to change your life forever, have the cultural experience of your life, connect with an array of interesting people and are excited by the thought of conquering the high seas and owning your role on the superyachts, then we’re here to show you how.

Contact Info

quick links

CHAT TO US

DITCH the stress and chat to us about any hesitations, excitement, concerns!

This is a huge transition, so let’s get you tailored support in name of living your dreams and desires.