Egg freezing and yachting might not seem like an obvious pairing, but for many senior stews and Chief Stews, it’s a conversation worth having.

Let’s talk about something that’s whispered over wine, brushed aside in guest laundry, and quietly Googled on those rare days off: egg freezing. Not exactly dinner party chat for the crew mess, but definitely something more of us are thinking about – especially those of us who’ve spent years chasing sunsets, not settling down.

Because here’s the truth: yachting is many things. Glamorous? Often. Fulfilling? For the most part. But easy on your personal life? Not exactly.

And for women who’ve built careers in yachting, especially Chief Stews and senior interior crew… the topic of fertility can feel like an elephant in the cabin.

Let’s give this topic the airtime it deserves.

Egg Freezing & Yachting: Why This Conversation Matters

It’s not uncommon to reach your mid-30s, 40s or even 50s in this industry and realise that while you’ve collected stamps, stripes, and serious leadership skills, the whole “settle down and start a family” thing hasn’t quite slotted in.

Some of us haven’t met the right person. Some of us have, but the timing never lined up. Others simply haven’t been ready. And why should we have to be, just because biology said so?

But biology does have a clock, whether we like it or not. And egg freezing, while not a guarantee, offers something valuable: time.

Time to figure it out.

Time to not feel rushed.

Time to prioritise yourself without panic.

The Yachtie Reality

Let’s be real. Dating in yachting is a whole situation. You’re either:

• Based in opposite hemispheres

• Working opposite schedules

• Dodging ‘boatmances’ like a pro

• Or finally matching with someone just as your boss decides to do a transatlantic

Throw in long-term unknowns, competing priorities, the highs and lows of onboard entanglements and that charming lack of stability… and it’s no wonder meaningful, long-term relationships can feel elusive.

I’ve had more than a few conversations over wine with incredible women who are now shoreside, single, and asking: Did I wait too long? Should I have looked into egg freezing earlier? Some did. Some didn’t. Some missed the window entirely. And it’s heartbreaking. Not because they did anything wrong, but because we’re so often focused on the next role, the next rotation, the next season, that we don’t stop to think about what else we might want. And before you know it, years pass when you’re always chasing the next contract.

Suddenly the bigger life questions feel more urgent than they used to.

Freezing My Eggs: The Why, Not the Hype

I froze my eggs. Not because I had a grand master plan, or because I was certain I wanted children. I did it because I wasn’t certain and uncertainty, combined with biology, felt like a gamble I didn’t want to lose.

And honestly? It gave me space. It lifted that low-level pressure that so many of us carry quietly, especially when birthdays come and go and everyone around you starts asking “So, do you think you’ll have kids one day?”

It’s not a sure thing or a perfect solution, and it doesn’t guarantee a children in the future. But it gives you a little more breathing room to figure it all out, without feeling like time is running out on you before you’ve even made your mind up.

The Decision Is Personal, But the Conversation Shouldn’t Be Taboo

Egg freezing is expensive. It’s emotional. It’s medical. And it’s not the right choice for everyone. But it should be part of the conversation – especially in industries like ours where women can spend decades building careers without the structure or support systems that traditional careers offer.

This isn’t about fear-mongering or regret. It’s about awareness. About putting one more card on the table for women in yachting who are ambitious, independent, and still figuring out what they want their future to look like.

You’re allowed to love your career and want a family someday. You’re allowed to not know yet. You’re allowed to take action before you feel “ready.”

Final Thoughts (And a Little Love)

To every Chief Stew… senior stew… female officer… who’s quietly wondering whether it’s too late, too early, too risky, or too selfish to explore egg freezing – it’s not.

Whatever you decide, make it a decision you feel empowered by, not one that creeps up on you when it’s too late. Ask the questions. Look into the options. Share this post with your crew bestie if it sparks a conversation.

Because while yachting might be unpredictable, your future doesn’t have to be.

Mini FAQ: Egg Freezing for Yacht Crew

Q: How much does egg freezing cost?

It varies by country and clinic, but expect to pay €3,000 – €6,000 per cycle, plus annual storage fees (around €300 – €500).

Q: Can I freeze my eggs while working on a yacht?

It’s possible – depending on your leave schedule. The process takes around 2-3 weeks and involves regular hormone injections and monitoring appointments. Many crew use time between contracts and do the entire procedure whilst on their leave.

Q: Does it hurt?

The daily injections can be uncomfortable but manageable. The egg retrieval is usually done under light sedation or anaesthetic. There may be with a few days of bloating or cramps afterwards, but most people are feeling back to normal almost immediately. Sometimes, what’s often more noticeable than physical pain is the impact of the high hormone doses – they can affect your mood, energy levels, or emotions more than anything else.

Q: How long do frozen eggs last?

Technically, eggs can remain frozen indefinitely. Many clinics store them for up to 10 years, sometimes longer. The quality depends more on the age you were when they were frozen, rather than how long they’ve been stored.

Q: What’s the success rate?

It’s not a guarantee – but freezing eggs before your mid-30s tends to offer the best chance of success. That said, even if you’re older, it may still be a worthwhile option. A fertility specialist can help assess your personal situation.

Q: What if I’m not 100% sure I want kids?

That’s completely normal. Many people freeze their eggs because they’re not sure. It’s a way of keeping the option open for the future without needing to decide now.

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Want more honest conversations like this – the kind you won’t find in the crew handbook? You can join my free weekly email The Super-Chit-Chat or sign up for the waitlist to The Chief Stew Collective, a private space for senior interior crew navigating life, leadership, and what comes next.

 

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If you want to explore more, here are two resources I’ve found helpful:

• A clear medical guide to egg freezing from the HFEA
• This Vogue UK article on preparing to freeze your eggs