Crew Focus: Lauren Bennett
With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1101.
Erica Lay is owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com
This week, Erica Lay — owner of EL CREW CO International Yacht Crew Agency and author of Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane — talks to Lauren Bennett, a talented young multitasking aspiring chef (who can also jump on deck or help inside) from Gibraltar.
Lauren’s made it through her first season in yachting and, despite a tumultuous start on a doozy of a yacht (and no, Erica absolutely didn’t place her there), she’s now looking for her next challenge. Brave girl.
For more info on any of our featured crew, contact Erica directly at erica@elcrewco.com.
You’re from Gibraltar — what first brought you to Mallorca?
I went to Mallorca with the first yacht I worked on in July 2025. I stayed a little while and applied for another job on another yacht which took me to Sardinia.
Pre-yachting life — paint us a picture.
I was halfway through my A-Levels (Art, History & Spanish) and decided it wasn’t for me. I wanted to start working on superyachts. I love cooking, love travelling and aspire to become a famous top chef, so I thought, why not start now and go for it?
I completed my Super Yacht Silver – STCW course in Gibraltar and applied to several positions. I was very lucky to land my first position in Spain as a chef/stew. Next year, I hope to attend Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Paris to further my passion for the culinary arts.
How did you first break into the industry — was it glamorous or a shock to the system?
Most certainly a shock. The first yacht I worked on was not pleasant. I was the only female crew member on board, working as both chef and stew. The hours were long and it was a lot to run my two departments solo.
There was a crew of three — me, a moody captain, and a drunken deckhand. I remember thinking, “Am I doing the right thing here?” I didn’t feel comfortable or safe, and I didn’t have anyone to talk to. Luckily my mum was always there — she kept me sane!
(Editor’s note: If crew ever find themselves in a situation like this, please know you’re not alone. Get somewhere safe and seek help — police, a trusted friend, agent, or another crew member. You can also reach out to Yacht Crew Help for confidential support.)
Proudest or most unforgettable moment onboard?
Proudest was when the owners and guests asked for seconds of my meals.
Unforgettable was when I was abandoned in the middle of Palma after the drunken deckhand left me at a bar. He was almost arrested for being violent and drunk. It was scary — hence why I left the yacht.
What made you continue in the industry after that baptism by fire — stubbornness, love of cooking, or sheer madness?
I didn’t want to be a quitter — I felt that would be failing. But after the bar incident, when I told the captain and he didn’t care, I knew it was best to leave.
What do you love most about galley life?
Seeing people’s faces when they love my food presentation and its rich flavours. Seeing land from the sea — a view you wouldn’t normally see. The best sunsets and sunrises ever. Meeting new people in amazing ports.
And what’s the toughest part (that guests will never know)?
How you must be in three places at once — it’s crazy.
Craziest or funniest guest request?
On the second yacht I worked on, the owner’s child wanted pasta all the time — breakfast, lunch and dinner. He was great, so funny and cute.
Who would you love to host on board?
Not really bothered, so long as they’re nice!
Dream yacht and dream destination — no budget limits.
Monaco. Love that place. Dubai too — I haven’t been yet. Hopefully soon the Caribbean will be possible.
What advice would you give your younger, greener self starting out?
Sleep as much as you can! Talk and communicate with your fellow workers. Don’t take things personally and smile. Life is beautiful — and so is yachting.
Five years from now — where are you?
A famous master chef on the top yachts or running my own Michelin-star restaurant. My dream is Miami for some reason — but that could change.
When you’re off-duty, how do you spend your downtime?
Sleeping — I love my sleep! I also really enjoy cooking for the family, going to the gym to stay active and destress, or travelling with my mum and younger brother. Family is everything.
Editor’s Note
Lauren’s story is a reminder that breaking into yachting isn’t always glamorous — but with resilience, humour, and the right mentors, young crew like her are shaping the industry’s next generation of talent.