Jacqui Young has been running our engineering department for twenty years.

She came to it from an American bank in the UK, where she had spent just shy of ten years as a Marketing and Client Relationship Manager, with Virgin Money, the RAC and Amex among her last clients. She was done with corporate life and wanted a change, so she packed a bag and moved to the South of France, planning to take three months off and work out what to do next. She saw the advert at YPI CREW after a fortnight, met Laurence, and they both felt it was the right fit.

What struck her once she started was the industry itself. She thought it was amazing, exciting and fun, and felt privileged to be part of something that was like no other. It has taken her to great places since, and immersed her in a multi-cultural environment where she has met people from all different countries and backgrounds.

Twenty years and thousands of connections later, she is still at it. We decided to speak directly with the engineers she's been working with throughout her carer to get their perspective.

Fitz was first, in 2007.

“In the ever changing landscape of crew agencies, Jacqui has been a pillar of what, to my mind, a proper crew agent should be. Actually, she is the exemplar.”

“For nearly 20 years I have been placed by Jacqui, and for the last 15 of those I have almost exclusively got all my team members through her. The reason is simple. I’ve seen how the ‘rest’ operate, so I’ve stuck with the ‘best’.”

FITZ, CHIEF ENGINEER

For him it comes down to one word.

“For me trust is an absolute must when asking someone to forward you to any employer, or to send you team members that you need. Trust that they know you well enough to give a good impression. Trust that they have your interests as priority. Trust that their motivations are not just for a quick commission with no real care for the future. Trust that they have vetted and assured that any candidate they are sending forward is the right person for your programme.”

“I trust Jacqui implicitly.”

FITZ, CHIEF ENGINEER

Alex met her the same year. He had come into yachting from the military in 2001 and spent six years struggling to find a good job.

“I met Jacqui in 2007 and she encouraged me to go to the UK and get my licence, and she walked me through it. When I did it, I got good jobs and many opportunities, and all because of her. She helped me achieve. She is the most important person in this industry, and in my career, that I have met. She has put me forward for more jobs than anyone else. Nine out of ten of the jobs I have ever got came from her.”

“As a person, she is very pleasant to speak to, and to pass by and say hi to if I have the time. Her professionalism and her approach to the client and candidate relationship means a lot. She knows her job really well.”

“I would also like to mention that all of the employees I have ever met at YPI CREW have always treated me very well each time I have visited the office.”

ALEX, CHIEF ENGINEER

Mark came two years later, in 2009, moving across from the Royal Navy.

“It was a different world, but having Jacqui in my corner made the move feel seamless. She immediately put me at ease. I remember telling her on a call from Fort Lauderdale: I trust you, and I am putting my future in your hands.”

“I didn’t feel the need to speak to anyone else, and she proved me right by placing me into a perfect first role as Chief Engineer. It wasn’t just about the yacht. It was the pairing of the yacht and the Captain.”

MARK, CHIEF ENGINEER

What he wanted to say most, though, was about the seventeen years since.

“Other than her professionalism, I believe what sets Jacqui apart is her genuine care. Her regular check-ins are always a pleasure and fun, never really about work, but asking how life is going and how my son and I are doing. Whenever I’ve needed advice, or simply someone to talk to, she has always made time for me.”

“People like Jacqui are rare. Having someone who cares as much about the individual and the engineer as she does about the client and the vacancy is truly special.”

MARK, CHIEF ENGINEER

Douglas is the most recent of the four. Jacqui and Anna found him his first full-time position in 2016.

“They have stayed in contact on a regular basis since then. In the last 10 years, YPI CREW have helped me with 3 out of 4 of my permanent positions, and Jacqui has always made herself available for a chat during this time, which I am very grateful of.”

DOUGLAS, 2ND ENGINEER

Ask Jacqui what the candidates have taught her in return, and the answer is two words. Humility, and respect. Her advice to anyone doing her job is to treat every candidate with the respect they deserve.

“You are responsible for their careers, and you can literally change lives.”

JACQUI YOUNG

Asked to sum up twenty years here in three words, Jacqui had them ready. Best job ever.

Congratulations, Jacqui, from all of us at YPI CREW.