[Hiring] Rotational Captain @Oyster Yachts

Role Description

An experienced Captain is required to join a well-run private Oyster 885 programme from mid-November, with an exciting cruising schedule planned over the coming years. This is an exceptional opportunity for a sailing yacht Captain looking to become part of a long-term private programme that combines adventurous bluewater cruising with a highly engaged ownership experience.

• The yacht is currently in Norway and will return to the UK this autumn for a refit with Oyster.
• Plans include a Caribbean season, Panama Canal transit, extensive Pacific cruising, and a winter season in Hawaii.
• The owners are enthusiastic sailors who typically spend around six months of the year onboard.
• They enjoy being actively involved in the programme and value open communication, professionalism, and teamwork.
• This role would suit a Captain who is confident leading a crew, highly organised, approachable, and comfortable working closely alongside owners.
• The programme has a fully rotational crew structure and places a strong emphasis on professionalism, reliability, continuity, and crew longevity.
• The owners genuinely value their crew and are committed to investing in both the programme and the people who make it successful.

Qualifications

• Previous Captain experience on high-end sailing yachts
• Strong bluewater cruising and passagemaking experience
• Excellent leadership and crew management skills
• Strong technical knowledge and maintenance oversight experience
• Professional and organised approach to vessel operations
• Ability to work closely with owners and deliver exceptional service
• Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean or higher
• Valid STCW and ENG1

Requirements

• Leadership and management of the crew
• Safety, compliance, and passage planning
• Maintenance oversight and technical management
• Owner and guest experience
• Budgeting, logistics, and operational planning
• Effective handover and communication with the rotational Captain

Benefits

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Rotational position (currently 2:2, with flexibility being discussed for Pacific cruising)
• Annual salary review
• Performance-related bonus
• One professional training course per year
• Long-term opportunity within a stable private programme
• Supportive owners who genuinely value their crew and invest in the programme

Company Description

This is a rare opportunity to join a fantastic Oyster sailing programme at an exciting stage of its journey. Offering world-class cruising, a professional rotational structure, and long-term stability, this role would suit a Captain seeking to become an integral part of a highly regarded private sailing programme.