The Long Game in Yachting: Timna Snijman on Resilience & Growth

Currently serving onboard ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM, Chief Stewardess Timna Snijman brings a grounded, people-first philosophy to an industry often viewed only through its polished exterior.
Born in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Timna grew up surrounded by wide open spaces and farm life. “My family still farms there today, and that upbringing gave me a strong sense of responsibility and community,” she explains. Her formative years were spent between George and Paarl, attending Paarl Gymnasium in the Cape Winelands, where sport and structure played a major role in her development. Field hockey, pole vaulting and even sneaking out of boarding school for five-dollar wine tastings “purely for educational purposes” helped shape both her discipline and her sense of humor.

“I was lucky to grow up in a home filled with love, laughter and strong support,” she says. That foundation continues to shape how she leads her team onboard today.

Timna entered yachting at 19 after deciding that studying psychology at university was not the path she wanted to follow. “At the time it felt like one big adventure,” she says. She embraced the opportunity to travel and learn, slowly gaining her sea legs while ticking off pieces of her bucket list. After some time in the industry, she returned to South Africa and worked in interior decorating — a role that sharpened her eye for detail and atmosphere. But the pull of the ocean remained strong. A two-month trip up the east coast of the United States in 2017 reminded her that “the ocean has a way of calling you back.”

When Covid forced a global pause, Timna used it to reassess. “After a brief pause on land, I realized I missed the pace, the people and the challenge of life at sea.” In 2021 she returned to yachting full-time, this time with clarity. “The ocean had officially won.”

That clarity informs how she approaches leadership. When asked about the biggest challenge she faces as a Chief Stew, she answers without hesitation: “Mental fatigue and maintaining a healthy team dynamic.” Yachting is high-pressure and fast-paced, and crew are often far from their support systems. “I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up, where we check in on each other, and where everyone feels respected. Sometimes what people need most is simply to feel seen and supported.”

Her advice to other Chief Stews is simple: “Never forget that you’re leading people, not just running the interior.” Earlier in her career, she managed a florist, a small garden coffee shop and a nursery. Working with very different personalities reinforced a core truth. “People perform best when they feel seen, respected and supported.” That lesson has carried directly into her role at sea. “Lead by example with your work ethic, and the team will naturally follow.” Timna also credits a pair of simple life lessons that continue to guide how she works. One came from her father, who gave her a multitool when she was eight years old; something she says helped shape her instinctive “let me fix it first” approach to problems. She still carries a multitool in her handbag today, joking that airport security has probably built a small collection of them over the years. The other piece of advice came from her mother: “never walk with empty hands.” It’s a mindset she applies not only physically but mentally as well, always scanning the environment, thinking a step ahead, and looking for ways to help things run more smoothly for the team.

Timna is also practical when it comes to preparation and performance. Adaptability, she says, is one of the biggest lessons yachting teaches. “Things rarely go exactly to plan in yachting, so the ability to stay calm, adjust quickly and stay solution-focused makes a huge difference.” Preparation is part of that mindset. “If guests are scheduled to arrive 13:00, expect an arrival at 12:30.” Thinking ahead reduces stress for both crew and guests.

She is candid about industry realities. One of the biggest changes she has seen is a growing focus on crew wellbeing, mental health and addressing harassment and bullying. “While high standards and strong performance remain the goal, there is increasing recognition that a supported crew ultimately delivers the best results.” She notes that the industry is still evolving, but progress is happening step by step. Social media has given crew a voice, she acknowledges, but emphasizes that it should be used constructively so that owners, captains and management companies can work together toward meaningful improvement.

If she could change one thing, it would be continued advancement in crew wellbeing, safety and long-term sustainability. Rotation opportunities, proper nutrition onboard and maintaining healthy working environments all contribute to building careers that last. “Yachting offers incredible opportunities and experiences,” she says. “Continuing to support the people behind the scenes will help ensure the industry remains strong and attractive for the next generation.”

Timna’s perspective on resilience is equally grounded. “Resilience, adaptability and strong people management skills” are qualities that extend far beyond the yacht. The result is a professional who is solution-focused, dependable and able to perform under pressure.

When asked what characteristics define a great Chief Stew, her answer reflects experience. “Strong organization, clear communication, emotional intelligence, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.” A Chief Stew, she explains, wears many hats, “manager, mentor, problem-solver and sometimes even a bit of a therapist.” Knowing when to lead with empathy and when to provide clear direction allows the team to perform confidently and consistently.

Watching her team grow remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. “Seeing junior crew gain confidence, develop their skills, and start to genuinely enjoy the job is one of the most rewarding parts.” She also values the creative side of the job, like setting beautiful tables, shaping guest experiences and refining small details that elevate a trip. At the end of a charter, she takes pride in reflection. “Guests come onboard not only for the holiday, but for peace and happiness, and being able to create that experience for them is something I take great pride in.”

On a personal level, self-care is not optional. “Whenever possible, I make a point of getting off the boat and moving my body.” A walk, fresh air or stretching in her cabin helps reset after long days. Staying connected to family and friends keeps her grounded. Even small routines matter. “No matter how busy the day has been, I still take time to do my skincare and beauty routine at night.”

Time off, she admits, often begins with silence. “After weeks of busy trips, a little quiet time is priceless.” She enjoys the outdoors, a good glass of wine somewhere peaceful, and golf. “The perfect mix of fresh air, focus and a bit of friendly frustration.” Golf, she says, keeps you humble.

If there is one misconception she would challenge, it is that charter life is all glamour. “In reality, there is a huge amount of work happening behind the scenes.” A Chief Stew may be expected to have answers for everything, but success is always collective. “When everyone pulls in the same direction and guests leave having had an unforgettable experience, it makes all the effort behind the scenes completely worth it.”

For crew building their careers, Timna’s journey offers clear guidance: stay adaptable, prepare early, lead with empathy, maintain discipline and never forget that this industry is built on people.

With our presence established in the key yachting hubs worldwide, we stand ready to address all your crew-related requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated N&J Crew team members today.