Summary
ROTATIONAL ENGINEER (10– 10 Weeks)
50m Private Classic Ketch
Start: End of March (Caribbean) or Mid-April – Palma de Mallorca
Salary: €7,500 – €8,500 per month (DOE)
Rotation: 10 weeks on / 10 weeks off
Program: Private, US guests – No Charter
The Yacht & Program
A beautifully maintained 50m private classic ketch, launched in January 2020 and commissioned in August 2020. The vessel operates a dynamic cruising schedule:
- Caribbean / Trans-Atlantic crossings
- Mediterranean (early summer)
- New England, USA (late summer)
This is a high-standard, well-run program with excellent crew longevity and a tight-knit team culture. The owner is an experienced and passionate sailor with a genuine interest in engineering and vessel systems, and values excellence delivered with personality — not ego.
The Role
We are seeking a Rotational Engineer to take full responsibility for the technical operation and upkeep of the vessel, while actively contributing to sailing and deck operations.
Core Responsibilities
- Engine room management and preventative maintenance (oil changes, filters, servicing pumps/motors etc.)
- General engineering upkeep (major mechanical works outsourced where required)
- High-level electrical, IT and network management (essential)
- Maintain and manage vessel maintenance systems (IDEA)
- Contractor and yard management
- Train and mentor 2nd Engineer and deck/bosun in basic engine room repairs and vessel operations
- Assist on deck, safety drills and actively participate in sailing operations
- Support crew as required during busy guest periods
Technical Requirements
Engineering & Mechanical
- MEOL minimum (SV 2nd Engineer preferred)
- Strong general engineering skills
- Good knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC systems (MAVE)
- Excellent understanding of sailing systems, including:
- Hydraulics & components
- Hydraulic controls / valve blocks
- Captive and deck winches
Electrical, IT & Communications (Essential)
The vessel requires a technically strong candidate with proven experience in:
- Advanced networking
- Virtual Machines
- Routers / Firewalls / QoS
- VPN configuration
- Media integration systems (RTI)
- Communication platforms: VSAT, Starlink, PepWave
- Working closely with ISP providers on network management and security
Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, spreadsheets and database management required.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a seasoned sailor and true team player.
- US B1/B2 visa required
- Friendly, outgoing personality
- Strong communicator — the owner takes a keen interest in the engine room and enjoys engagement
- Absolutely no “surly engineer” types
- Hard-working with pride in your role
- Sense of humour essential
- Hands-on and comfortable getting dirty
- Positive, can-do attitude
- No entitlement mentality, no complainers
- No couples
The yacht operates on a collaborative philosophy:
“No one is done until the last one is done.”
“That’s not my job” is not in our vocabulary.
The owner values people who are responsible self-starters. Management style is hands-off — no micromanagement — but high standards are expected.
Longevity and commitment are extremely important. The program has strong, long-standing relationships with shipyards, suppliers and contractors, and the successful candidate must maintain and strengthen these professional relationships.
What’s On Offer
- 1:1 rotation (10 weeks)
- Strong salary package (€7.5–8.5k DOE)
- Stable, long-term private program
- High sailing content — ideal for a genuine sailor
- Excellent crew culture with proven longevity
- Opportunity to be part of a respected, professional operation
