First Mate

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Jobs

First Mate

35m+ J-Class Sailing Yacht

Type: Deck / Permanent

Location: Mediterranean

Salary: DOE EUR

Start Date: October 2026

Posted: 08th October 2026

A unique opportunity to join a 35m+ J-Class sailing yacht as First Mate!

She is privately operated to very high standards and is run with a true superyacht approach, offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced sailing yacht mate to become an integral part of the programme.

The yacht will be undergoing a maintenance period this winter for essential works. Summer 2027 will see the yacht cruising with the owners and attending several regattas. A major highlight will be the America’s Cup 2027!

During charter, the crew will share a crew mess for sleeping arrangements, so candidates must be comfortable with this.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• 3–4+ years’ experience within the superyacht sailing industry on similarly sized vessels

• Previous experience as a Mate on similar sized programmes or as bosun on larger SY

• Strong race and offshore sailing experience is essential

• Very switched-on and proactive, with a hands-on approach

• Strong experience with engineering and hydraulic systems

• Good team management and communication skills

• Strong work ethic and attention to detail

• Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean

• EU/UK Passports preferred due to cruising locations

PACKAGE

• € Generous Salary DOE

• 38 days’ leave, honouring UK Bank Holidays

• Weekends off during the winter, with later starts and earlier finishes

• Owners happy to support and fund relevant training and courses

• Discretionary owner bonus

• Excellent crew longevity and a strong team dynamic

• Exciting 2027 sailing and regatta programme, including the America’s Cup in Naples

APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

Your consultant

Ellie Kirk

Head of Exterior & Engineering

+44 7927 154219

ellie@bespokecrew.com

Read Bio

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Ellie Kirk

Head of Exterior & Engineering

+44 7927 154219

ellie@bespokecrew.com

About Ellie

I’m a well-established member of the Bespoke Crew team, where I’ve grown steadily in confidence, knowledge, and industry presence. I began my role focusing on junior exterior recruitment, and over time have naturally progressed to take on greater responsibility. I’m now turning my focus toward Senior Exterior and Engineering Recruitment, a step that reflects both my experience within the industry and the strong professional network I’ve built. I feel fully prepared and genuinely excited to take on this next phase of my career.

My yachting journey began in the warm waters of Australia, in the sailing-centric town of Airlie Beach. With a deep love for the ocean and a long-held ambition to work in yachting, I was driven to prove that women are strong, capable, and valuable additions to exterior teams. My time onboard gave me a solid understanding of the realities of deck life and the high standards required to operate successfully at sea.

After my time onboard, I transitioned into a fleet management role for a sailing yacht charter company, where recruitment became a key part of my responsibilities. I was heavily involved in sourcing, assessing, and placing crew across the fleet, which allowed me to develop a practical, inside understanding of what it takes to build reliable, high-performing, long-term teams. This experience strongly shaped my approach to recruitment and continues to underpin the way I work today.

Why work in the yachting industry?

While the industry is undeniably hard work, it is incredibly rewarding. Yachting offers the opportunity to visit places most people only ever dream of seeing. Just as importantly, the friendships you build are truly priceless. My closest friends are now scattered across the globe, yet whenever we reunite it feels like no time has passed at all, they became my home when I was far away from mine.

Where you’ll find me at the weekend now I’m land-based

Since returning to land, I’ve been loving getting back into horse riding. I’ve owned my horse since I was 15, and after many years spent away from home, it’s been incredibly special to spend time with him again. We’re both a little older and far less competitive these days, so weekends now consist of gentle rides through the beautiful New Forest.

Funniest Memory

Watching my Captain misjudge the edge of a marina walkway while guests were departing. As we were saying our goodbyes, he stepped back, slipped, and fell straight into the water, in front of the guests, the crew, and half the marina. Thankfully, he found it just as funny as we did!

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