Chief Officer – 58m Sailing Yacht – Private

4:2 Rotation | South Pacific, Palau, Japan, Alaska & Central America

Are you a passionate sailor looking for a long-term position on a professionally run private sailing yacht?
Would you love to combine serious sailing with an extensive cruising itinerary and a strong diving focus?

An excellent opportunity has become available for an experienced Chief Officer to join a 58m private sailing yacht on a 4 months on / 2 months off rotation.
This is a particularly attractive opportunity for someone who is passionate about sailing, enjoys diving and is looking to join a yacht with exceptional crew longevity and an owner who genuinely values and looks after his crew.

Position Snapshot
• 58m Private Sailing Yacht
• Chief Officer – 4:2 Rotation
• $8,000–$10,000 USD/month + flights
• December 2026 start – New Zealand
• South Pacific | Palau | Japan | Alaska | Central America
• 3-month yard period in New Zealand – February to April
• Strong diving focus
• Dive Instructor strongly considered
• Male cabin sharing
• Moderate owner/guest use
• Large full-time rotational crew
• Ongoing casual crew used for deliveries and relief

The Opportunity
A fantastic opportunity is available for an experienced Chief Officer to join this 58m private sailing yacht on a long-term rotational basis.
The yacht operates an extensive and adventurous itinerary, with cruising planned through the South Pacific, Palau, Japan, Alaska and Central America.
The yacht has a strong diving focus, making this an excellent opportunity for a candidate who is genuinely passionate about diving. A qualified Dive Instructor would be particularly well suited to the program.
The yacht is professionally operated with a large rotational crew, supplemented by casual crew for deliveries and relief. The result is a well-supported operation with an established team and exceptional crew longevity.
The owner is known for genuinely valuing and taking care of his crew, making this a position where the successful candidate can see themselves staying long term.

The Role
As Chief Officer, you will work closely with the Captain and wider deck team, taking responsibility for the safe and professional operation of the deck department.
Responsibilities will include:
• Assisting the Captain with the safe operation of the vessel
• Leading and managing the deck team
• Passage planning and navigation
• Watchkeeping and bridge operations
• Safety management and drills
• Deck maintenance and operations
• Tender and watersports operations
• Supporting diving activities
• Supervising deliveries and relief crew when required
• Maintaining the yacht to an exceptionally high standard

Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be:
• A highly professional and experienced Chief Officer
• A passionate sailor who genuinely enjoys sailing
• Easy-going and personable
• Confident leading a professional deck team
• Experienced on large sailing yachts
• Comfortable working within a rotational crew structure
• Passionate about diving and the ocean
• A Dive Instructor or experienced diver would be highly advantageous
• Looking for a long-term position rather than a short-term stepping stone
• Adaptable and comfortable with an extensive expedition-style itinerary

Requirements
• OOW or Chief Mate 3,000 GT
• STCW
• Valid ENG1 / seafarer medical
• Strong sailing yacht experience
• Appropriate experience for a 58m private sailing yacht
• Diving qualifications/experience highly regarded

December 2026 start in New Zealand.
If you're a professional, easy-going sailor looking for a long-term rotational position on a well-run private sailing yacht, with exceptional crew longevity, a genuine diving focus and an incredible global itinerary, this is a fantastic opportunity to consider.
58m Private SY | Chief Officer | 4:2 Rotation | $8,000–$10,000 USD/month + flights | December 2026 Start