Associate Editor Aileen Mack joined Dockwalk in July 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. If she’s not at a concert or coffee shop, she is lost in a book, movie or a YouTube rabbit hole. Email Aileen at aileen@dockwalk.com.
Inspired by the challenges of the scarcity and standard of crew accommodations and sourcing and identifying top-tier crew, former crewmembers and sisters-in-law Jade-Lynn Du Toit and Marike Du Toit launched Crewsashore in July 2023, timing it to align with the beginning of the Caribbean season, when crew accommodation and employment demand reaches its peak.
Crewsashore offers a range of resources to help crew achieve their yachting goals from finding the perfect job to building a successful career and in between. Their services include accommodation listings, crew recruitment for yachts, and step-by-step guidance for those looking to join the industry. They assist crewmembers looking for short-term stays, along with helping homeowners register their properties as short-term vacation rentals and cater to the needs of potential guests.
With more than a decade of maritime experience, Jade-Lynn’s most recent position was chief stew on M/Y Bad Romance V, and Marike was a chef for four years, last aboard M/Y Cloud 9.
“Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional service and personalized attention to every client,” Jade-Lynn says. “We have partnered up with schools such as Pull North Yachting and PYT USA, as these schools offer in-depth training, helping crew to invest in a successful long-term career.”
Their property listings and management services currently span across Florida, but their recruiting services for yachts cover all areas. Jade-Lynn oversees and manages the listings, and Marike scouts and recruits fresh and experienced crew from training facilities while based in Cape Town, South Africa.
“We believe that every crewmember is unique, and therefore, we take the time to understand their skills, experience, and personal preferences,” Marike says. “By doing this, we can find the right match that not only meets their needs but also the yacht’s requirements.”
Their team of three has a combined 30 years of experience in the industry and an extensive network, providing clients with a wide range of opportunities. Jade-Lynn and Marike gained extensive knowledge of the roles on board and the industry’s dynamics, which is crucial in helping yachts find a match for their team.
“The success of Crewsashore has been nothing short of remarkable, and for that, we are profoundly grateful,” Jade-Lynn says. “We sincerely express our gratitude to all the crewmembers, captains, and owners who have placed their faith in us to undertake the crucial responsibility of finding the ideal fit for their team.”
They hope to branch out to other parts of the world, but their goal is to “create the dream connection between yacht crewmembers and homeowners, and to ensure quality over quantity of crew within the industry.”