Captain - Day Work - £17-20/hour - United Kingdom
Luxury Thames Skipper
The Electric Boat Company T/A Boating at Bray
Spend the season navigating some of the most beautiful stretches of the River Thames aboard a fleet of elegant classic boats, delivering exceptional experiences to guests of some of the river’s most prestigious venues.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced skipper or yacht crew member looking for a high-quality UK-based role that combines independent vessel command and luxury hospitality.
As a skipper with Boating at Bray, you will take sole responsibility for one of our beautifully maintained traditional vessels, operating luxury private day cruises for high-net-worth clients along the Thames. You’ll work independently, creating bespoke and memorable experiences while representing a premium hospitality brand known for exceptional service and attention to detail.
This position is particularly well suited to experienced yachties between contracts, crew seeking a seasonal shore-based role, or those looking to spend time in the UK while remaining on the water in a refined and professional environment.
The Role
You will be entrusted with the day-to-day operation and presentation of your vessel, ensuring every guest receives a polished, relaxed and highly personalised experience.
Responsibilities include:
- Conducting daily technical and safety inspections in accordance with company procedures
- Maintaining accurate operational and safety records
- Preparing vessels to an exceptional standard for each day’s schedule
- Taking full ownership of the cleanliness, presentation and day-to-day care of your assigned boat
- Reporting any maintenance or engineering concerns promptly
- Welcoming and hosting guests with warmth, professionalism and confidence
- Ensuring passenger safety at all times while delivering a seamless luxury experience
- Operating independently and confidently on the River Thames, including lock navigation
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and guest-facing skills
- Previous experience handling vessels single-handed
- Existing skipper qualification (minimum IWHC or equivalent)
- Strong knowledge of the River Thames and local cruising area
- Previous work with high-net-worth clientele
- Hospitality or luxury guest-service background
- A polished, positive and proactive attitude
- Confidence working independently and solving problems calmly
- Passion for working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Fluent English and the right to work in the UK
- Availability to work weekends and bank holidays
- Own transport essential due to location
Desirable
- Experience navigating non-tidal locks single-handed
- Mechanical or engineering experience
- First Aid qualification
The Opportunity
This is a seasonal position running through to 3rd November 2026. Following an initial trial period, successful candidates will be offered a fixed-term PAYE contract.
Mandatory training will be provided prior to starting.
This is an opportunity to spend a season operating beautiful classic boats for a company with long-standing relationships with some of the most prestigious venues and restaurants on the Thames, including Cliveden House and The Waterside Inn. We regularly welcome high-net-worth individuals aboard and have an exceptionally loyal returning clientele who choose us time and again because we offer a level of service, atmosphere and attention to detail that is truly unrivalled on the river. We would also be pleased to hear from applicants who are available for only part of the season, as well as those able to commit through to November.
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