Stuart grew up in Melbourne Australia. His first experience of the sea was in 1968 on a cruise to Fiji onboard the Fairstar. Further cruises followed on the Australis, Orcades and Shota Rustavali. In 1973 Stuart embarked on his first freighter trip travelling to Europe on the Auckland Star. The 1970's saw sailings on the Port New Plymouth, Wellington Star, Port Auckland, Benvackie, Oregon Mail and Townsville Star.
In 1980 Stuart settled in London to pursue a career as an accountant. The 1980's included voyages on the Orion, Baltic Progress and Baltic Eagle. Sailings on the Baltic Eider, City of Capetown and S A Sederberg followed in later years.