Richard Cornish

I am seeking to move from Luxury Ships to Super Yachts where my ultimate aim, whilst at the same time as sharing my knowledge, is to learn all I can with the eventual goal of being a Chief Steward.

I have a vast background of experience at the highest levels of hospitality both at sea and ashore having served not only royalty, foreign leaders and celebrities, but also many discerning guests from all corners of the world who expect nothing less than discretion and flawless service.

I began my hospitality career working 5 years for Regent International Hotels, one of the worlds most luxurious and elegant hotel brands, where I learnt the exceptional service standards expected by the worlds elite. www.regenthotels.com

I then looked to broaden my horizons and left New Zealand and joined Cunard Lines flag ship the "QE2" (MV Queen Elizabeth 2) www.cunard.com Through hard work and dedication to all aspects of my job I quickly rose to working in the First Class Grill Restaurants as a sommelier where I looked exclusively after the top suite guests. Whilst advising and suggesting wine and food matches for exceptionally prepared meals was my primary task, i also helped oversee the food and beverage operation in the fine dining Grills Restaurant.

8 years of experiencing the timeless traditions and finest food and beverage products available left me not only attuned to the standards expected by high end travellers, but also took me across the Atlantic Ocean 100+ times and circumnavigating the globe on 7 occasions.

With a desire to learn even more about wines I returned to New Zealand and studied wine making and viticulture. I then spent the next 6 years working for one of New Zealands pioneering Pinot Noir producers, Gibbston Valley Wines. It was here as Cellar Door Manager of the most visited winery in the country that I added to my wine knowledge and gained valuable experience in food and wine pairing. www.gvwines.co.nz

Whilst helping to make and market wine was a fascinating and rewarding experience, I yearned to return to my love of life at sea. So was easily persuaded 2 years ago to rejoin Cunard Line onboard MV Queen Victoria as a Senior Sommelier. Once again in the Queens Grill, one of the highest rated restaurants at sea, and also the Todd English specialty dining restaurant.