As the year draws to a close, December is traditionally a steadier month across yacht crew recruitment. With many yachts already positioned for the winter season and owners focused on the festive period, activity naturally slows in some departments. However, this quieter window is also an important transition point, with strong signals already pointing toward a busy start to the new year.

If you are planning your next move, now is the time to ensure your CV and certificates are fully up to date and to check in with our recruiters so you are well positioned for January opportunities.

Captain Yacht Jobs

On the Captain’s side, December has been relatively quiet so far. Most temporary roles linked to Atlantic crossings were filled earlier in the season, particularly in October and November, when a large number of yachts repositioned to the Caribbean. Several vessels also crossed in time to attend the Antigua Charter Show from 4–9 December.

Longer-term Captain positions tend to slow at this time of year. When owners are considering a change, they often prefer to wait until the new year, especially if the yacht is currently in the yard. In these cases, a Chief Officer may step up temporarily, or a relief Captain may be appointed until a permanent decision is made. As a result, we expect activity in this sector to pick up again in early 2026.

Officer Yacht Jobs

Officer recruitment remains more active in December compared to Captains. We are seeing a steady flow of long-term opportunities, the majority of which are non-rotational positions with fairly imminent start dates.

This makes December a good time for Officers who are available now and looking to secure stability ahead of the new year, particularly on yachts that have completed their crossings and are preparing for winter operations.

Chef Yacht Jobs

Demand for Chefs traditionally softens in December, but our team remains on standby for urgent requirements. We are currently anticipating requests for:

• Last-minute temporary Chefs who can step in at short notice to cover guest trips, crew cooking, or holiday relief

• Early enquiries for the new year, including seasonal sole Chef roles for the upcoming Mediterranean season

While overall volume is lower, December is often when clients start discreetly planning ahead, making it a valuable month to stay visible and ready.

Senior Interior Yacht Jobs

December is usually a quieter period for senior interior roles, and this year follows that pattern. With the continued rise of rotations within the interior department, we are seeing fewer temporary positions and more long-term stability across the fleet.

Now that most yachts have crossed and are preparing for Christmas and New Year charters, and with the Mediterranean season on pause, the market is relatively settled. That said, January is historically one of the busiest months of the year for senior interior recruitment.

Many stews reassess their roles after the New Year, often looking to step up. In fact, around 65% of senior interior roles have January start dates. This also creates excellent opportunities for those with 2.5–3 years of experience who are ready to move into their first senior position.

We currently have a strong pipeline of Chief Stew roles ranging from 35m to 100m+.

• 66% of open positions are on yachts between 50–99m

• Several exciting new builds from 50–65m, offering single-season programs with standard leave

• Dual-season yachts from 60m+ offering 2:2 rotations

• Large yachts 100m+ seeking experienced Heads of Service and Heads of Housekeeping, all offering rotations and January start dates

Junior, Experienced & Specialist Interior Yacht Jobs

Specialist skills continue to be highly sought after, particularly on dual-season yachts. Currently, 41% of yachts are looking for candidates with an additional skill.

The most in-demand specialities include:

• Spa Therapy (30% of all specialist requests)

• Hairdressers

• Nurses

• Yoga instructors

• Pilates instructors, especially those with reformer experience

For Junior and Experienced Stews, most yachts are seeking candidates with around one year of yachting experience. A B1/B2 visa is highly desirable for dual-season vessels in the 50–80m range.

We also have a number of service stew positions on yachts over 100m, many linked to new builds starting after the New Year. These roles do not require a B1 visa, but a minimum of one year of yachting experience is essential.

How to Apply

• Visit www.ypicrew.com and start a chat with our chatbot

• Tell us what type of role you are looking for and your availability

• Ensure your CV and certificates are fully up to date

A YPI CREW recruiter will be in touch as soon as a role matching your experience becomes available.

If December feels quiet, don’t be discouraged. The market is resetting, and January is just around the corner.