Kiwi yacht chef with 8 years of yachting experience

Yacht Chef Rachel Cunningham

World traveller and superyacht chef

My portfolio

Head Chef | Sous Chef | Sole Chef | Yard Chef

Experienced yacht chef available for hire

Ready to hit the ground running

I have worked on boats ranging from 40m to 90m with plenty of crossings under my belt along with both Med and Caribbean seasons. I also have ample charter and private experience.

Prior to yachting, I spent many years as a travel agent. I also travelled to many off-the-beaten-track destinations. From this, I have gathered plenty of food knowledge and am comfortable with a wide variety of ingredients and cuisines.

I enjoy cooking healthy fresh food and planning meals around a well-balanced diet. I enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients and seafood. I am confident with Asian cooking flavours and Med food. I love using grains and herbs, spices and fresh vegetables.

How can I help?

A Trustworthy Temporary Chef

If you need a chef to come on board at the last minute, or if you need a chef to cover leave with more notice, Rachel is the perfect candidate.

She can cover sole chef, head chef and sous chef roles with ease, maintaining a strict galley and management system for an easy hand over back to the permamant galley crew when the time comes.

– Experienced chef on 80m+ yachts
– European based
– Ready to hit the ground running

View Sample Menus

For Captains, Pursers and Crew Agents

The Basics

STCW-95

Plus Proficiency in Security Awareness

B1B2 Visa

Legally able to work in the USA as professional yacht crew

ENG1

Valid Medical Certificate with Excellent Health and COVID boostered

New Zealand Passport

With no need for a Schengen Visa

Ships Cook COC

Qualified with a Ships Cook Certificate & a level 2 Food Safety Cert

Cayman Islands Seaman’s Book

With all yacht history confirmed

TESTIMONIALS

What previous crew have said

A small sample of my references, both written and verbal are available on request

“During her time on board, Rachel excelled at creating menus and food to the highest standard and often at short notice. One of Rachel’s most notable characteristics is her ability to remain calm and polite to her co-workers when under pressure, and as a result was well liked by all on board. “

Captain M/Y Fountainhead

“Rachel has excellent organisational, people management and guest interaction skills which has her in very good standing with the owner, the yachts manager, guests, the crew, and myself. She works in an uncomplicated manner, is clear thinking and has a present personality.”

Captain M/Y Tugatsu

“We all know this is an industry that is not designed for the weak, and the galley is a challenging path. Long hours, hard physical work, and high organization skills are a must. Rachel was able to handle this in an incredibly efficient, graceful, and lightweight way. Adding up to her natural leadership abilities. Rachel is without a doubt one of the most kind, strong, and inspirational head chefs I have had the honor to work with and a person I look up to when I visualize the kind of professional and leader I want to be in the future.”