Flotilla Engineer

Engineers are employed largely for their practical and trade skills but personality is also very important. We look for people who are approachable and easy-going. It is important that clients feel that they can come to you whenever they have problems with their boat.

• Engineering qualifications (Marine, Mechanical, Electrical) or a relevant Trade qualification (Plumbing, Electrical, Construction, Mechanic) are highly desirable (but not essential)
• Knowledge of boat maintenance (desirable but not essential)
• Practical mindset and a can do attitude
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and assertive in challenging situations
• Tidy appearance and professionalism, as you represent the company to clients
• A friendly and approachable demeanour

1. Build Up (Pre-Season - Sailing Holidays is the only flotilla company to offer this vital learning experience!):

Build up is arguably the most important part of the flotilla season! It is an excellent opportunity to learn about our flotilla yachts, ask questions, and gain important skills (especially if there are any gaps in your knowledge) before guests arrive. It's also a great chance to meet the rest of our flotilla team and get to know your crew, who you'll be sharing the lead yacht with throughout the season.

On arrival, our engineers move straight onto the 'lead boat', and are quickly assigned their own fleet of 10-11 boats. The engineer will be responsible for the maintenance and 'fine-tuning' of all systems on board the flotilla fleet.

You will have 5/6 weeks to get your fleet ready for the charter season. It can be a steep learning curve but you will be paired and trained by our team of senior engineers and shore-based team.

Tasks will include but not be limited to:

• De-winterising the engines and running up before launching
• Checking engines for faults/leaks and repairing
• Replacing hoses/parts/engines if necessary
• Launching
• Changing all oils/filters and flush coolant
• Checking all fresh water systems and repairing
• Servicing fridges
• Rewiring boat electrics
• Aligning engines
• Fitting Bi-datas/stereos/VHFs
• Yacht interior maintenance
• Cleaning and fitting of holding tank and related plumbing

2. Sailing Season:

The first guests arrive at the end of April and the flotilla season continues until the end of October.

During this time, you will be living and working as one of a team of three on your lead boat. There is no hierarchy on the lead boat, regardless of position, and the best lead crews work seamlessly together respecting each other’s skills and opinions.

As a flotilla engineer, you're expected to maintain the engines and systems of your fleet boats and lead boat throughout the season. There are scheduled oil changes, engine services and corresponding paperwork for you to complete every fortnight.

You are expected to assist the skipper and hostie in mooring up the flotilla every afternoon as this is when the clients will inform you of any problems they may have. Any faults reported should be fixed immediately. It is not okay to leave clients with problems small or large.

You will be issued with a full set of engine spares, domestic spares, consumables and tools at the start of the season. It is up to you to ensure the stock levels are maintained by re-ordering what you have used to be delivered at turnaround.

Turnaround day is the busiest day of the week/fortnight. This is when guests leave and new ones arrive. You have around 4 hours to prepare your fleet for arriving clients. You will need to liaise with your crew and work around each other, especially the hostie as she has a team of cleaners needing access to the boats.

Your tasks on this day should be prioritised well. It is expected to check engine oil and coolant levels and clean the engine bilges. If you have any major jobs that need the help of a senior engineer, let the base manager know as soon as you are aware of them and prior to turnaround.

Each lead boat is equipped with an 9.8hp outboard and a tender/RIB which is the engineers responsibility to keep in good working order. You are expected to do general maintenance on the outboard throughout the season. You will be required to do call-outs to boat breakdowns/emergencies on occasions and will need your outboard to be reliable. The clients can also hire small 2hp outboards which you will need to fix if they play up whilst on flotilla. 

3. Lay-Up (Post-Season):
Lay-up, at the end of the season, normally lasts for one week. During this period all the yachts are prepared for the winter. As engineer you will be required to:

• Winterise the lead yachts
• Perform oil changes on engines for winter
• Flush engines with fresh water and winterise
• Disconnect batteries, grease all terminals and remove all electrics

Why choose Sailing Holidays Ltd for my Summer Season?

• A comprehensive training programme
  Benefit from an extensive pre-season build-up that allows you to strengthen existing skills and develop valuable new ones. Sailing Holidays is the only flotilla company to offer a comprehensive programme with excellent training prior to the flotilla season
• Friendly and supportive management
  Our approachable management team is always on hand to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical support throughout the season
• Work as part of a close-knit crew
  You’ll operate within a dedicated team of three – an engineer, skipper, and host – giving you the opportunity to thrive in a collaborative, team-focused environment
• Consistent crew pairing for the season
  From arrival, you are paired with the same lead crew for the entire season. This continuity helps forge strong working relationships, excellent communication, and often lifelong friendships
• Ownership of your own fleet
  Each lead crew is allocated a dedicated fleet of yachts for the duration of the season, with no swapping between flotillas. This provides an in-depth understanding of each vessel and ensures smooth, seamless transitions for guests