High Seas to High Standards: My Journey into Land-Based Recruitment and creating a thriving desk.

Written by Natasha Slade – Former Superyacht Stewardess & Head of Landbased Recruitment at Bespoke Crew

Six years at sea taught me more than I could ever have imagined. Working on private and charter yachts was not just a job, it was a lifestyle. Long days, high expectations and constantly changing environments meant I had to be adaptable, meticulous and always ready for the unexpected. It was an incredible chapter filled with adventure, uncompromising standards and lifelong relationships.

By 2021, I knew it was time to hang up my passport from full-time travel, take a breath and consider the next chapter of my career. What I did know for certain was that I wanted to carry forward the skills, discipline and professionalism that yachting had instilled in me.

With a strong hospitality background, recruitment felt like a natural progression. Over the past four years, I have focused on connecting talented professionals with roles where they can truly excel, combining industry insight with a people first, detail driven approach.

My journey began recruiting chefs for Michelin starred restaurants across the UK, working closely with Head Chefs, Hotel Managers and Family Offices to place some of the finest culinary talent in the industry. From there, my remit expanded into a wider range of high end roles, always with the same goal of matching exceptional candidates with environments where they can thrive.

Eventually, I felt the pull back to the yachting sector, the industry where it all began. Bringing my recruitment expertise full circle, I began supporting both crew and owners in finding the right fit.

In January 2025, I took the next step by expanding fully into land based recruitment, supporting private households, family offices and yacht management companies. From senior household staff and operational professionals to shoreside roles within management structures, I now work across both onboard and onshore placements, bridging the gap between lifestyle driven service and structured professional operations.

2025 was a fantastic year of personal and professional growth. I had the privilege of helping build and support several teams within the UHNW sector, successfully placing highly skilled professionals into households and management companies where they could make a genuine impact. Seeing those teams flourish and knowing I played a part in that has been incredibly rewarding.

As 2026 begins, I am excited to continue developing this side of the business. For me, it is never just about filling a role. It is about building meaningful connections, understanding the nuances of each household or office and helping talented professionals step into environments where they can truly thrive.

It is a journey I could never have predicted when I was at sea, but one I feel more connected to than ever.

If you are currently yacht crew and considering a move ashore, I would love to hear from you. Please email your CV and qualifications to Natasha@bespokecrew.com and let’s have a conversation about your next opportunity.