On the Water with Courtney & Alice from NZ Superyacht Academy

For our next On the Water story, we’re catching up with Alice and Courtney from NZ Superyacht Academy - two women who quite literally know yachts inside-out. We regularly cross paths with them through clients, boat shows, and the wider marine world, and they’re always at the heart of what makes New Zealand such a special stop for superyachts. Their training programme turns the next wave of Kiwi crew into the best in the business. From clever insider tips to life behind the scenes, they bring a fresh, fascinating perspective on time spent at sea.

About Courtney Te Whiu & Alice Baker

We’ve worked on superyachts all over the world on vessels ranging from 25m - 105m. From the Med to the Caribbean, we’ve crossed the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Black Sea by both motor and sail. Working on superyachts was such an incredible way to see the world.

Alice has worn a few hats onboard - stewardess, chef and deckhand - while Courtney started as green crew and worked her way up to Chief Stewardess.
We’ve had the best time working in this industry, and now we find just as much joy in supporting other Kiwis as they start their own superyacht journeys through the New Zealand Superyacht Academy.

What’s a favourite destination or hidden gem you’ve discovered while cruising -  and what makes it special?

Alice: Whangaroa Harbour in New Zealand. We went there with Ata Rangi, Kiwi owners, & luxury gamefisher. It’s beautiful how the bush meets the water - a little eerie! It feels like you need to speak in whispers when you’re there! Exploring the world on superyachts was amazing, but there was something really special about spending time onboard in New Zealand. 

Courtney: Sabah Island in the Caribbean. And that's for that classic Caribbean island beauty + laid back vibe. It’s like what you see on a postcard! And then the total flip side - watching the Monaco Grand Prix onboard a superyacht. There’s such a different energy depending on where you are in the world.

We’ve both spent heaps of time in the Mediterranean and we love it. It’s that same thing with travel - just seeing how other people live, and how old everything is. Coming from New Zealand, places like Spain, Italy & Greece just hit different. It’s so ancient and so beautiful - you can’t help but have your breath taken away.

A spot you always look forward to?

Alice: There’s a really special connection with Italy as my son is half Italian. We speak both languages! I think, if you can adapt yourself to the way that another culture lives, your experience will be more full. Commit to enjoying the mid day break! Trying to live the Kiwi hours doesn’t work - it’s too hot & the ships chandlers are closed at midday. Those long evenings are where it’s at, master this & you’re away. Early mornings and cooler evenings for exploring - a walk down any Italian street is a treat.

I’ve been thinking about some insider tips, particularly for the French and Italian Riviera. One of the best parts about being based there is the seamless connection along the coast — you’re linked to iconic destinations like Monaco, Nice, and the Cinque Terre, but dotted amongst these spots are the most beautiful little bays, all accessible by yacht or even day trips by train.

Eze-sur-Mer is one bay and my favourite - a beautiful hilltop town just above, with stunning views. Another favourite spot is Hanbury Gardens, located near La Mortola just past Ventimiglia. The gardens run right down to the sea and were created by Sir Thomas Hanbury, a botanist who spent his life collecting plants and specimens from around the world. You can’t help but get lost thinking about his voyages. The gardens are huge, shady and there's a cafe at the bottom for a gelato!

I love escaping inland for a day during peak season and returning to the coast in the evening. There’s a little valley town called Rocchetta - peaceful, green, and has a fresh river for swimming - a lot of Dutch come here for the summer. Similarly, Perinaldo is another hidden gem and you can locate the river next to it on a map. Both are about 25 minutes from Ventimiglia, which is right on the Italy–Monaco border. You can take a bus to both. Along the way you’ll pass Dolceacqua ("sweet water") that has an old Grimaldi castle filled with Monet’s history and his love for the region. The wine typical of this region is a Rossese. Honestly, I just love all the history.

Courtney: Yeah, we’ve both spent a lot of time together in Cote d’Azur. The location is breathtaking but also, for work it’s amazing. The South of France is at your fingertips and you’re right where the superyacht action is. For me, it’s more of a feeling than a place. You can have an unreal time in Mykonos ... then feel completely homesick in Sardinia on your day off, even though it’s picture-perfect. There’s all these things that come together to make a place and time memorable. Working on superyachts is so great - we are so grateful to have visited + loved so many places! But, if you do find yourself in Portofino - there’s a tiny spot with the best scampi you’ll ever have. It’s called Da O Batti. The owner of a yacht took us here and I went back searching for it. It took me ages to find it, but I was determined. So worth it and highly recommend!

We’ve spent time in ports and between roles all over the world. It’s the energy, the timing, and where you’re at that makes a place special!

What’s a must-have on board for you - something you wouldn’t set off without?

You know we love a Coast Bean Bag! And VMG Clothing for crew uniforms - they last, they have a line made from recycled plastic bottles and are proudly NZ made.

Allbirds for shoes - solid yachty option for busy days onboard when you're walking 25,000 steps!

And then the real crew staples - Downy for the Interior Crew, WD-40 for the deck team.

Other than that, it’s all about learning those detailed guest requests - they’re different for everyone, but superyacht standard is a whole other level. Only the best of the best.

Image taken from Da o Batti website

Do you have a favourite on-board meal or recipe that’s simple but always hits the spot?

Courtney: One of my favourite memories around food has to be in Capri. The owner would request that I chaperone for guest lunches or dinners. He would seat me at my own table, tell me to order whatever I liked + soak up the view - It was his way of saying thank you! I love food and trying new restaurants so, for me this was really special!

One of the best parts of working on superyachts is getting to try ingredients and dishes you’d never experience. You’re surrounded by incredible restaurants and produce from local markets and beyond. You’re definitely eating better than you would on land. But it’s also about comfort. You always have your go-to snack, especially when you’re tired or on a long trip. Toasted sandwiches are a winner haha -  we’ve both got a few Atlantic crossings under our belts, and those toasties really hit the spot when you need them.

The crew mess on a yacht is a bit of a hub - it’s where everyone connects during the work day. And the treat? The amazing meals that come down from your five-star onboard chef!

Are there any brands - that you always trust for quality and performance on the water?

When working on superyachts as crew, your job is to provide an experience to the guests. There are so many amazing products available and with an unlimited budget, the world is your oyster. We think it’s important to know the story behind a brand or product - and then use this to delight your guests.

For example, we love using Rare Blue Duck Vodka on our courses at the New Zealand Superyacht Academy. This is a beautiful vodka and it’s Kiwi made + $1 of every sale goes to protecting the Rare NZ Blue Duck - Whio. Little things that add delight to a moment!

 

What’s one small detail that elevates the experience on board - something your guests or clients always comment on?

Music makes a big difference - whether it’s a quiet playlist in the crew mess in the morning, or in the middle of a busy turnaround where the whole boat is pumping out fun, inspiring, we-can-do-this tunes. It’s a small thing, but it shifts the energy.

But the biggest thing is when the boat’s running smoothly. Everything and everyone is in sync - the crew are a few steps ahead, and the whole day flows. Guests might not notice every little thing, but they feel it - and that’s what makes the experience next level. Working on superyachts is awesome.

 

Stay tuned for the next edition of On the Water, where we’ll bring you more stories from those who live - and design - for life at sea.