OYSTER WORLD RALLY - MATE & DECK/STEW… at Oyster Yachts · Southampt…

STARTING January 2027, we are looking for a Mate and Deck/Stew team to complete the crew for this brand new Oyster 885 launching at the end of this year. This gorgeous yacht is already signed up for the Oyster World Rally 2028 - a 16 month circumnavigation of the world starting in Antigua in January 2028. Both couple teams and individual crew members will be considered for these roles. Either combination will be required to share a bunk cabin.

These experienced sailor/owners have recently hired a Captain and Chef couple team and in doing so have opened up the roles of Mate and Deck/Stew to make a cosy team of four.

​The Mate will be responsible for supporting the safe operation of the yacht, including navigation, watchkeeping, deck management and maintenance, while the Deck/Stew will oversee the interior, ensuring high standards of housekeeping, organisation and guest care, whilst assisting on deck where required.

The ideal candidates will be hands-on team players who enjoy life on the water, work well alongside owners, and are looking to commit to a rewarding long-term sailing programme. Previous experience aboard sailing yachts is highly desirable.

The plan:

This well specified new 885 is going to be handing over from the shipyard in April 2027. The owners and crew will spend this time cruising, getting to know the yacht and finalising any warranty snags around UK/Scandinavia. She will sail for the Mediterranean to cruise before preparing for the transatlantic crossing and the official start of the Oyster World Rally adventure.

Requirements

ARE YOU THE TEAMWE ARE LOOKING FOR?

MATE:

• Yachtmaster Offshore as a minimum
• Previous experience as Mate on 70ft+ sailing yachts
• Strong sailing, navigation and watchkeeping skills
• Hands-on maintenance and deck operations experience

DECK/STEW:

• Minimum 2 seasons' yachting experience
• Previous Deck/Stew experience on sailing yachts preferred
• Strong housekeeping, laundry and guest service skills
• Comfortable assisting with deck operations
• Food Hygiene Level 2 desirable

BOTH:

• STCW/ENG1
• Ideally strong monohull sailors with proven sailing background
• Teamplayers
• Happy to share a bunk cabin with another crew member (male or female)

TOP TIPS BEFORE APPLYING:

If you’re genuinely interested in this role, take a moment to think about how you present yourself. At this stage, we only know you from your application - so make it count!

Please read the full job description carefully and only apply if you meet the relevant experience and certification requirements.

A few things that really help your application stand out:

• Keep your CV clear, professional and ideally no more than 2 pages

• Include a short profile/objective section about yourself

• Add all relevant experience, qualifications, skills and contact details

• Include at least 3 written references where possible

• Chefs - please include a food portfolio (your own work only please) and any relevant Instagram links

• Upload all relevant and valid certificates as PDFs

Most importantly, complete your application properly through the system so we can review everything in one place.

⚠️ Please apply directly via the “I’m Interested” button only.