YOA Yacht Crew

YOA Yacht Crew is a specialist superyacht recruitment agency founded by Tom Aveling and Don McKee, both experienced former captains and heads of department. The company operates a distinctive recruitment model built on the lived experience of its team, who have collectively spent over 150 years working on sailing and motor yachts. YOA Yacht Crew provides comprehensive crew placement services for superyacht employers seeking registered and vetted personnel, as well as career support for crew members throughout their yachting careers. The agency combines traditional networking approaches with modern technology to deliver personalised recruitment solutions that go beyond standard candidate matching.

YOA Yacht Crew specialises exclusively in superyacht crew recruitment, serving the global superyacht industry with a focus on finding exceptional personnel for premier vessels. The company works with captains, heads of department and yacht management companies to identify crew members who meet both technical requirements and cultural fit for their specific teams. With over 1,000 crew check-ins recorded over recent months and approximately 100 active clients using their services, YOA Yacht Crew has established itself as a trusted partner in the superyacht recruitment sector.

Based in New Zealand, YOA Yacht Crew operates a worldwide network with agents strategically positioned across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Central America, South Africa and beyond. The company's competitive advantages include transparent communication, thorough candidate vetting, user-friendly technology platforms and a team of recruiters who genuinely understand the demands and challenges of superyacht operations. Clients consistently praise YOA Yacht Crew for delivering higher quality candidates than traditional crew agents, offering cost-effective solutions and providing ongoing support that extends well beyond initial placement.