Summary
Chef – Private US-Flagged Yacht
We are seeking an experienced, motivated Yacht Chef to join a private, US-flagged yacht based in North Palm Beach, Florida (near Jupiter). The program is light-use and hospitality-driven, operating primarily on day and evening cruises, with occasional short trips to the Bahamas (weekends or a few days only). There are no long passages or extended itineraries.
The yacht runs with 5–6 full-time crew. The Chef will operate the galley independently. The vessel is currently completing a major interior refit and exterior addition, offering a unique opportunity for the incoming Chef to help design and set up galley systems, provisioning routines, and service flow from the start.
The Role
The Chef must be ready to hit the ground running—setting up the galley, establishing inventories, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and ensuring the yacht is always owner-ready. With relatively light owner usage, this role suits a Chef who is organized, proactive, and able to maintain high standards even during quieter periods.
Cruising Program
- Day and evening cruises primarily
- Short Bahamas trips only (weekend or a few days)
- No long trips or ocean passages planned in the next 12 months
The Owners
The owners are true hospitality industry veterans, having started and grown multiple well-known restaurants across the USA. They have an excellent understanding of food, service, and guest experience and truly value quality and creativity.
- Mr. Owner is relaxed, respectful, and an absolute gentleman.
- Mrs. Owner is warm, bubbly, and loves to entertain, frequently hosting friends onboard for lively dinners and social evenings.
This is a role for a Chef who loves cooking for people, enjoys interactive dining experiences, and can confidently read the room—delivering elevated yet approachable cuisine, turning the energy up for dinner parties, or dialing it back for more relaxed owner days.
Ideal Candidate
- Experienced yacht or high-end private Chef
- Strong background in hospitality and service-driven environments
- Creative, confident, and flexible cooking style
- Excellent provisioning, organization, and time-management skills
- Comfortable working independently and managing the galley solo
- Personable, polished, and able to engage naturally with owners and guests
Owner Usage
- Approx. 5 days of owner use per month
- Periods where the yacht may be docked with minimal activity
During downtime, the ideal Chef will remain proactive—refining menus, updating inventories, sourcing suppliers, and collaborating with the Chief Stew to continually elevate the onboard experience.
Candidate Flexibility
We are open to candidates living ashore up north, commuting for owner use, as well as couples or teams, particularly Chef–Chief Stew partnerships, provided experience and program fit align.
Why This Role
- Stable, private program with light usage
- Florida-based with easy cruising
- No long passages
- Owners who genuinely appreciate great food and hospitality
- Opportunity to shape the galley and onboard dining experience from the ground up
This is an excellent position for a Chef seeking a quality-of-life focused role with discerning yet kind owners who value warmth, creativity, and thoughtful service as much as technical skill.