Flotilla Engineer

Job Title: Flotilla Engineer

Company: Sailing Holidays LTD

Location: Corfu, Greece

Please note: Due to visa requirements, we can only accept applications from UK or EU Passport Holders

**We are actively seeking those with marine engineering or trade qualifications (NVQ level 3, plumbers, electricians, electronics, mechanics, carpenters, construction workers or similar)

About Us:

At Sailing Holidays, we pride ourselves on providing unrivalled sailing experiences. Our team of dedicated professionals ensures that our clients have memorable and enjoyable holidays on the water. We're looking for a passionate and skilled Flotilla Engineer to join our dynamic team.

Role Overview:

The engineer is employed primarily for their 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. Good organisational skills are important as you work to your own timetable. A good level of physical fitness is a necessity as you will be expected to do a fair bit of anchor relaying and swimming.

You will need to be able to work as a part of a team assisting your skipper and hostie whenever it is required. The ability to communicate well with all ages and people from all walks of life (including both clients and staff) is another important attribute. In return, Sailing Holidays will provide you enviable industry skills that you will not gain with any of our competitors.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Build Up (Pre-Season):

The engineers are usually the first of the lead crew to arrive as the majority of the winter maintenance work involves engineering/mechanical skills. You will move straight onto your lead boat which will have been de-winterised for you and you will be responsible for the maintenance and 'fine-tuning' of all systems on board. Our extended maintenance program will give you enviable skills that you will not gain with any of our competitors. Our build-up program includes:

• 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
• Cleaning/painting engine bilges
• Fitting Bi-datas/stereos/VHFs
• Yacht interior maintenance
• Cleaning and fitting of holding tank and related plumbing

2. Sailing Season:

The charter season starts at the the beginning of May and continues through 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 together as a team respecting each other’s skills and opinions.

As a flotilla engineer, you will be expected to:

• Maintain the engines and systems of your fleet boats and lead boat.
• Complete scheduled oil changes, engine services and corresponding paperwork every fortnight.
• Liaise with clients regarding oil changes prior to turnarounds
• Assist the skipper and hostie in mooring up the flotilla every afternoon
• Address any issues (big or small) that our clients might have with the boats
• Fix and report any faults immediately.
• Maintain stock levels at all times. You will be issued with engine spares, domestic spares, consumables and tools at the start of the season but all stock levels must monitored and re-ordered prior to turnaround.
• Efficiently prepare fleet to very tight deadlines (4 hours) on client turnaround days. This is the busiest day of the week/fortnight.
• Effectively work with your crew on turnaround days to ensure all tasks are completed by your team and that the skipper and hostie can complete their responsibilities as well.
• Check oil and coolant levels and clean the engine bilges
• Liaise with the senior engineer for any major issues and keep the base manager informed of any issues prior to turnaround.
• Ensure the 9.8hp outboard and the tender/RIB in good working order at all times by conducting general maintenance on this throughout the season. You will be required to do call-outs to boat breakdowns/emergencies and so the outboard must be reliable and functioning at all times. Clients can also hire a small 2hp outboards. The Flotilla Engineer is also responsible for maintaining these.

3. Lay-Up (Post-Season):

Lay-up, at the end of the season, normally lasts for a few days. During this period all the yachts are prepared for the winter. As engineer you will be required to:

• Change the oil on all engines
• Disconnect batteries
• Grease all terminals and remove all electrics
• Flush engines with fresh water and winterise
• Lay-up your outboard motor
• De-bug water tanks
• Cover and spray engines

Qualifications & Skills

• Engineering degree (Marine, Mechanical, Electrical) or a relevant Trade qualification (Plumbing, Electrical, Construction, Mechanical) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of boat maintenance (desirable but not essential)
• Practical mindset and a can do attitude.
• Good organisational skills
• 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, especially when working with clients and your colleagues

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity for those who love sailing and want to share that passion with others. A career with Sailing Holidays will give you highly sought-after industry skills and connections that will last a lifetime. If you’re ready to take on the challenge and be part of our dedicated team, we’d love to hear from you!

Don't have an Engineering or Trade qualification?

Don't worry! We have an number of shore-based roles available for Skippers, Engineers, and Hosts with training and support provided to help you progress to Lead Crew.

How to Apply:

If you think you have what it takes to be a Flotilla Engineer with Sailing Holidays, please send your CV and a covering letter to our Recruitment Team at [email protected]. Alternatively, click below to fill out our application form. Join us in creating unforgettable sailing experiences!

If you want to find out more about the role please follow this link: https://www.sailingholidays.com/about-us/join-the-team/