Host/Deckhand

CREW & CO – SUPERYACHT CREW RECRUITMENT JUNIOR OPPORTUNITY – HOST / DECKHAND Vessel: 30–39m Luxury Hotel Barge Programme: Seasonal Charter / French Canals Role Split: Approximately 60% Host / 40% Deck Salary: €2250 + tips Start Date: Mid-August Current Location: France POSITION OVERVIEW: Crew & Co are seeking a junior Host/Deckhand to join one of a well-established fleet of luxury hotel barges operating across the French canal network. The company operates 12 barges ranging from 30m to 39m, cruising beautiful regions including Burgundy, the Nivernais Canal, Canal du Midi and Marne–Rhine Canal. Each vessel accommodates a maximum of 8–12 guests and operates with a close-knit crew of approximately five or six. This is a fantastic opportunity for a junior crew member with a background in luxury hospitality looking to gain practical experience within an environment that shares many similarities with yacht operations. The successful candidate will gain exposure to guest service, housekeeping, food and beverage service, vessel presentation, teamwork, line handling and daily onboard operations—providing valuable transferable experience for somebody hoping to progress into a future career in yachting. The position will be approximately 60% host duties and 40% deck responsibilities. The ideal candidate will come from a boating background or have some previous exposure to line handling, mooring operations or general vessel duties. However, attitude, work ethic and a genuine willingness to learn will be equally important. HOST RESPONSIBILITIES: Welcoming guests and providing warm, professional and attentive service Anticipating guest needs while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries Daily housekeeping of guest cabins, bathrooms and communal areas Changing and managing bed, bath and table linens Preparing and setting tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner Assisting with breakfast preparation Serving meals, wines, cheeses, aperitifs and cocktails Maintaining elegant table presentation, including flowers, candles and napkin arrangements Monitoring and replenishing cleaning products, beverages, breakfast items and linen stocks Supporting the wider crew to deliver a consistently high-quality guest experience DECK RESPONSIBILITIES: Assisting with line handling, mooring and securing the vessel Supporting the Captain and deck team during arrivals, departures and lock operations Helping maintain clean and presentable exterior areas Assisting with general deck and operational duties Supporting guest safety during embarkation, disembarkation and daily activities Remaining flexible and assisting across the vessel whenever required IDEAL CANDIDATE: Previous hospitality, service, housekeeping or boating experience Some practical knowledge of line handling or mooring operations A genuine interest in developing a career within the maritime or yachting industry Confident, personable and comfortable interacting with guests Organised, adaptable and attentive to detail Happy working as part of a small, close-knit crew Willing to assist across both interior and exterior operations Basic knowledge of French culture, gastronomy, wine and cheese would be advantageous Fluent English; additional languages are beneficial Positive, hardworking and eager to learn REQUIREMENTS: EU passport or unrestricted legal right to live and work in France (non-negotiable) Valid passport Previous boating or line-handling experience is strongly preferred Hospitality or customer-service experience is advantageous Available to join as soon as possible Comfortable committing to a seasonal programme operating through to mid-November APPLY: If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please apply with your most recent CV, supporting references and details of your current location, availability and European working status. Alternatively, please feel free to contact Crew & Co for further information. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates who closely match the outlined profile and requirements will be contacted. Please note that certain client-specific preferences and operational requirements may not always be detailed within the advert. We kindly ask that candidates only apply if they meet the core criteria outlined above.