If you’re looking for a culinary school that combines professional discipline with genuine warmth and support, Stir Crazy Culinary/Cooking School (also known as the Superyacht Culinary Academy) is something truly special. I recently completed their intensive three-week course, and it honestly changed my life in the best way.
The first week focused on building strong foundations. Under the guidance of Chef Luke and Chef Rafael, we immersed ourselves in knife skills and essential techniques – working with meats, sauces, breads, and breakfasts, but what stood out most to me wasn’t just the skills we learned – it was the atmosphere. The kitchen felt safe, encouraging, and alive.
Chef Luke and Chef Rafael are incredible at what they do. They’re highly professional, yet so approachable and never judgmental. They created an environment where you felt comfortable making mistakes and learning from them, while still pushing you to improve every day. We wrapped up the week with Chef Nolene, preparing a three-course meal to assess our progress. It was such a rewarding moment to see how far we’d come in just a few days.
The final two weeks was where everything intensified(in the best way possible). This is where the real training begins. We worked closely with Chef Nolene, who is, without a doubt, one of the most impactful mentors I’ve ever had.
Each day, we cooked from morning to evening – preparing three full courses, working on other cooking projects, and completing demanding theory modules in our own time. Chef Nolene stuck to the daily program to a T, ensuring we covered everything thoroughly. It was challenging, but incredibly fulfilling. Chef Nolene doesn’t sugarcoat the superyacht industry, she gives you the honest, unfiltered reality, which is exactly what you need going into this career.
Beyond her role as an instructor, she became a source of real support for me. She had this way of knowing when to push and when to step in, and during the more overwhelming moments, she was there not just as a chef, but as someone who genuinely cared. It meant more than I can explain. She is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met, with such a beautiful heart and an undeniable passion for what she does. I will always look up to her…words simply cannot express how much it meant to me to be taught and guided by her.
I also had the chance to meet Chef Brett, and I’ll never forget that moment in the kitchen. He tasted one of my chicken strips while I was completely overwhelmed. I was so stressed I actually cried. It is quite funny if I look back at that moment now but, in that moment, Chef Nolene stepped in and supported me emotionally, knowing exactly what to say. I didn’t know the chefs personally yet, but I had already looked up to them from the very beginning.
In a strange way, that moment says everything about this experience. Even though the chefs are incredibly talented, they’re also kind, understanding, and deeply human.
Chef Brett also led an unforgettable molecular gastronomy session and was present throughout our final chefs’ lunch. While we executed everything ourselves, he checked in on us constantly and was fully there for support the entire time. His calm presence was incredibly grounding, and his feedback-along with the guests-meant so much to all of us. He leads with genuine respect and kindness, and it makes such a difference.
The course built up to the legendary Chefs’ Dinner, an intense, high-pressure experience that I will carry with me forever. You can feel how much pride the instructors take in it, and that energy pushes you to rise to the occasion. I was genuinely terrified at times, but Chef Nolene and Chef Brett guided us with so much care and belief. By the end of the night, I realized we were ready.
This course has shown me that I can cook! and more than that, it has awakened a deep love for it in me. Stir Crazy has lit a fire in my soul, inspiring me to pursue every part of this journey with passion, dedication, and joy.
I also cannot forget about Happy and Rue! WOW-I have never seen two ladies smile all day while knowing they have to help clean up after eight students. We tried to help, but when it came to the three-course meals, we couldn’t clean and plate at the same time. Having them support us with the load meant so much. I don’t think they fully understand just how much their help impacted us. They were always friendly, and they even helped us find ingredients. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to adjust to new faces and personalities each month, yet these ladies handle every new group with such professionalism, while also showing incredible love and warmth. I love them so much and will be back to give them the biggest hugs I can. My only regret is not getting to know them better, but I’m sure I’ll catch up with the whole Stir Crazy team in no time.
What truly makes Stir Crazy stand out is the sense of community. Staying in the crew house, I never once felt alone. Even outside of class hours, the chefs – Nolene, Luke, Rafael, and Keeran made time to check in, talk, and simply be there. Being in a different city could have felt isolating, but instead, it felt like home.
This experience taught me so much about myself. I discovered that I thrive under pressure and genuinely love the energy and teamwork of a kitchen. I walked in unsure, and I left confident – not just in my skills, but in my path forward.
Our group of students made it even more special. There was no competition, no negativity…just support, encouragement, and shared growth.
To anyone considering this journey, Stir Crazy isn’t just a culinary school. It’s a place that shapes you, supports you, and stays with you long after you leave.
– Jénna Mari Conradie