Shore-based Skipper or Engineer
A shore-based position is ideal for someone who is new to the industry and hopes to gain the necessary experience to work as Lead Crew or similar in years to come. It is ideal for those with trade skills who like the idea of working in the Greek Islands and enjoy the associated challenges of working with yachts.
You must be flexible in your attitude, have a strong work ethic and be able to work unsupervised. You will be dealing with clients regularly and so you must be polite, approachable and have a tidy appearance at all times. You will need to be able to work as a part of a team, communicate well with others (both clients and staff) and assist others whenever necessary.
To be a part of our Shore-based team you'll need to have a minimum of an ICC qualification.
The shore-based role is split into 3 sections throughout the year. The main role of shore-based staff is to support the flotilla lead crews to make the season run as smoothly as possible, for both the clients and the company. As a member of the shore-based team, you will be expected to fill in as flotilla lead crew should the need arise. It is an ideal position for those wanting to up-skill with the intention of becoming lead crew or working in the super-yacht industry in the future.
1. Build Up
‘Build-Up’ is the name for the months spent getting the boats ready for the start of the season. The first clients arrive in early May and the boats must be immaculate so ‘Build-Up’ is a very busy time.
The shore-based staff perform a variety of roles during this period, all based around supporting the lead crews and getting the boats ready. The jobs you will be assigned are based on your experience and skills and may range from polishing propellers to working with the boat building team. We have extensive workshop facilities at the store in Tzavros where you may be working at times (about ten minutes’ drive from the marina).
There is a wood workshop, fiberglass and lamination section, metal fabrication shop and an engineering workshop. We do all repairs and maintenance in-house so there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills.
Your tasks may include:
• Hoisting/Bending sails • Assisting with engine rebuilds/fittings • Refitting yacht interiors • Replacing cutlass bearings • Assisting engineers with repairs • Cleaning and fitting of holding tanks • Repairing dinghies • Repairing/replacing deck fittings • General Yacht maintenance
2. The Sailing Season
The charter season begins at the start of May and finishes at the end of October. As shore-based staff, you will work from 9am-5pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Tuesday and Wednesday are your days off. On Saturday and Sunday, we start work at 08:30 and work until everything is finished and the new clients have arrived. Part of the responsibility of being shore-based is that there may be occasions where you are asked to do a yacht delivery or a ‘call-out’ to assist with a break-down on your day off - we try to operate these on a roster system where possible. Ultimately all shore based staff are being trained up during the season to cover flotilla staff or take over if necessary
We have one week and two week flotillas, based out of 5 ports – Plataria, Sivota, Nidri, Astros, and the Sporades. Every Saturday, you will travel to one of our bases to assist with ‘turnaround’ day. This is when the old clients leave and the new arrive. It is the busiest day of the week as we have a limited amount of time to get the boats back up to charter standard.
Your turnaround tasks may include:
• Airport transfers • Assisting with diesel filling • Filling yacht water tanks • Scrubbing decks and cockpits • Tidying cockpit lockers • Replacing inventory • Assisting lead crews with repairs • Fitting clients with lifejackets • Assisting novice clients on first day sailing
We offer a service called an "Extra Pair of Hands" to our clients that are new to sailing where one of our staff members will join the clients for a day (or two) who will teach clients the basics about sailing on a flotilla holiday. All of our Shore-based staff will be expected to know how to sail before the sailing season begins so that they can offer a helping hand to our clients during the summer.
After the flotillas have left port on Monday, you will travel back up to Corfu.
Monday afternoon is spent unloading and sorting all the returns from the flotilla bases and starting repairs or continuing with on-going jobs. Thursday and Friday are business as usual. Your weekday tasks may include:
• Repairing engine spare parts • Splicing • Repairing dinghys • Maintaining and cleaning spare yachts • Yacht deliveries
3. Lay-Up
Lay-up, at the end of the season, normally lasts for two weeks. During this period all the yachts are prepared for the winter. All shore-based staff are allocated to assist a lead crew in the winterisation of their fleet. You will be responsible for ensuring the correct winterisation and safe return of all fleet inventory to the store.
Your tasks may include:
• Washing and folding of sails • Lifting of yachts • Laying up of engines • Removal of guard-rails and anchors • Transportation of inventory to the store • Sorting and packing a large amount inventory for the winter at the store
Contact Details
If you think you have what it takes and would like to apply for a job with Sailing Holidays please contact our Recruitment Team with your CV and a covering letter.
Email - work@sailingholidays.com
Or click below to fill our an application form...
