Finding your perfect position on board is a bit like dating - you want someone who really "gets" you and won't ghost you after that first message. That's where the magic of great yacht recruitment comes in, and while there are countless amazing recruiters out there making dreams come true for so many crew, we're shining a spotlight on ten who've caught our attention with their particularly sunny dispositions.

We're excited to present our "Top 10 Friendliest Faces in Yachting" - though let's be honest, trying to narrow down the friendliest faces in an industry full of wonderful people feels a bit like trying to pick your favourite Caribbean sunset! This diverse group represents both seasoned veterans who've been matching crew to vessels since before the Aussie bar in Antibes closed down, and dynamic newcomers who bring fresh energy to the field. What they all share is their commitment to maintaining the highest standards in crew verification and placement.

From helping wide-eyed greenies (we all remember those days!) navigate their first steps into yachting, to guiding experienced crew members towards their 2:2 World Cruising dreams, these recruiters represent just a snapshot of the incredible talent in our industry. While we couldn't possibly list every amazing recruiter out there, these particular friendly faces have consistently gone above and beyond in their approach to crew placement across all departments. Their approachable nature and dedication to thorough vetting processes make them excellent contacts for anyone looking to chart their course in yachting - whether you're just learning port from starboard or you're such a seadog, you even have your favourite fork in the crew mess.

And speaking of making waves - while these fantastic recruiters are busy finding your dream job, CrewPass is here doing what we do best: making sure everyone's background is as crystal clear as those Caribbean waters. Whether you're working with one of these spotlighted recruiters or any of the other recruiter in our industry, we're here to help make the verification process smooth.

Louise Overend, YPI Crew

With over eight years of experience in recruitment, Louise is passionate about guiding Stews through their careers, offering advice and support and helping her candidates feel confident and prepared for the challenges of the yachting world. Known for her approachable nature, Louise is deeply involved in the Stew community, advocating for professional growth and a safe working environment. Having moved to the South of France nearly a decade ago, Louise has embraced life on the Riviera, balancing her busy career with her love for travel and quality time with family. She treasures regular visits to her daughter and grandson in Liverpool and often embarks on adventures like trekking with gorillas in Uganda or backpacking through Colombia. For Louise, recruitment is about building relationships and helping her candidates thrive in the yachting world.

Hope Joy-Smith, Crew & Concierge

Hi everyone! Coming up to 5 years with Crew and Concierge, I’m sure you’ve seen my face around by now. I started off working in the interior department before progressing into a Head of Interior role and for the last year and a half I’ve been the Head of Recruitment and Office Manager to the lovely team in our HQ in Bristol. Although I was never a yachtie, I genuinely feel like throughout my time here I have really heard it all! I’ve built some amazing friendships with some lovely crew and our wonderful clients. I thrive on creating connections and my ability to balance work and relationships has been a key part to my personal success. Whenever you see that I’m out of the office, you’ll find me chasing the sun somewhere with a G&T in hand!

Sophie Wells, Bespoke Crew

I started my yachting journey in 2015 after working in some of London’s top restaurants. My first role was as a junior stew on a 55m motor yacht, and what I thought would be a seasonal adventure quickly turned into my true calling. Over the years, I worked my way up to 2nd Stewardess on a 99m vessel, where I specialized in service and discovered a love for crafting cocktails. My last—and favourite—role was as Chief Stew on a 55m charter sailing yacht, where I embraced the unique challenges (and rewards!) of the position.

Now, as part of Bespoke Crew’s Galley & Interior Desk, I get to connect exceptional crew with their dream roles. It’s an absolute privilege to support the careers of the amazing individuals who make the superyacht industry so special.

Tom Rose, Quay Crew

With three years of experience as a deckhand on 45-90m yachts, this professional transitioned to shore-side work with Quay Crew in 2017. He developed a robust career in yacht recruitment, initially focusing on deck positions before advancing to officer recruitment and becoming a team leader.

Despite his professional role, he remains deeply connected to maritime life, frequently skippering yachts along the Jurassic coast, teaching jetski courses, and enjoying watersports. He takes pride in guiding emerging officers and matching top candidates with clients. A recent personal note: he's developed a love for Guinness—though he admits to being terrible at splitting the G!

Laura-Kate Brown, Seven Seas Recruitment

I live in La Ciotat, right next to the shipyard, brought up in London I bring over a decade of experience in the yachting industry, having worked my way up through various onboard roles. Now, as a yacht crew recruiter, I am passionate about connecting skilled professionals with the right opportunities, ensuring both crew and yachts find the perfect fit.

Beyond recruitment, I am also a wellness teacher, deeply committed to improving the well-being of crew members onboard. I understand the demands of yachting life and strive to support crew not just in their careers, but also in maintaining balance, resilience, and overall well-being at sea.

What I love most about this industry? The ability to change lives—helping crew advance their careers while assisting yachts in building exceptional teams. It’s more than just recruitment; it’s about fostering strong, happy, and healthy crews who thrive in their roles.

Chantelle Crofton, Venture Yacht Crew

With 15 years of superyacht experience and hospitality background, Chantelle brings exceptional expertise to her role as a crew recruiter. Her career has included working aboard a variety of yachts and managing estates for UHNWI, celebrities, and royalty.

When not recruiting, Chantelle enjoys sailing her 30ft boat, Moonlight, along the Spanish coast and Balearic Islands with her chef partner, Shaun.

As the founder of Venture Yacht Crew, Chantelle is dedicated to connecting crew with their ideal roles, building genuine relationships, and supporting their career growth in the yachting industry.

Alice Baker, NZ Superyacht Services

I’ve always been a supporter and a team player, and for me, superyacht recruitment allows me to support New Zealand superyacht crew. I am on their team, 100%. I am crew focused & its my mission to recognise each individual’s unique strengths and to place them where they can shine. This industry is a beautiful mix of human nature and incredible opportunity, and I’m so passionate about supporting our local crew on their superyacht adventure. Seeing them succeed? There’s nothing more rewarding.

Rebecca Adams, Viking Crew

Rebecca has been working in the super yacht industry for nearly 20 years and is as passionate about the industry as she was from day one. Having recruited for all departments onboard including Deck, Engine and Interior, she is well experienced in helping crew to find their next position. Rebecca loves meeting and getting to know crew, building strong relationships over the years to support them in finding their ideal job and always there to discuss the next steps in their career.

Kenia Yates, Wilsonhalligan

Meet Kenia, after working in the yachting industry for 6 years, she joined Wilsonhalligan Recruitment where she looks after the Deck vacancies. Her favourite part of being land based - weekends! Kenia has a passion for placing great crew on reputable yachts, where she knows they will be in a safe environment which will benefit their career. She has a warm, friendly approach and enjoys forming meaningful relationships with both candidates and clients.

Monique Dykstra, Saltwater Recruitment

Monique is passionate about business and people. These two interests, combined with her career as Chief Stew on 100m+ yachts, led her to launch her own agency. She recognized a gap in superyacht recruitment for a more bespoke, personalized service that focuses on building relationships based on trust and integrity.

With her prior experience in global advertising agencies, a degree in business, and extensive industry networks, Monique and her team offer a unique, boutique approach to superyacht recruitment. The Globetrotter Director splits her time between New Zealand and Europe. She’s a passionate foodie, fitness enthusiast, and can’t survive the day without a strong coffee!