44° 18′ N 9° 13′ ECrew roles · Sailing superyachts
Engineer on a Sailing Superyacht: Role, Tickets and Salary
On a sailing yacht the engineer keeps the engines running and the sailing systems working: hydraulics, winches, furlers and the rig's moving parts.
Sailing yachts depend on systems that motor yachts do not have. A good engineer on a sailing yacht understands them and can fix them at sea. Here is what the role involves and what it pays.
What the engineer does
- Main engine, generators, watermakers, air conditioning and electrical systems.
- Hydraulics for winches, furlers, keels, rams and steering, and the deck gear that carries sailing loads.
- Planned maintenance, spares, fuel and the yard list.
- On smaller yachts, deck work and sailing as part of the crew (mate/engineer or deck/engineer roles).
Tickets and experience
- MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) for junior and combined roles.
- MCA yacht engineer certificates (Y4 and up) or the flag state's equivalent for Chief and Second Engineer roles, depending on the yacht's power.
- STCW and ENG1. Hydraulic and electrical experience is highly valued on sailing yachts.
Engineer salary
| Position | Below 30 m | 30–39 m | 40–49 m | 50–59 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Engineer | – | 4,500–6,000 | 6,000–7,500 | 7,000–9,000 |
| Second Engineer | – | – | 3,500–4,500 | 4,500–6,000 |
Euros per month, by yacht length. Source: Yotspot salary guidelines (checked November 2026), which cover all superyachts. Actual pay depends on the programme (private or charter), your experience and certificates, and whether the role is permanent, seasonal or rotational; charter yachts usually add tips. We never charge crew any fee.
Next step
Engineers can register for free. Captains and owners can start a search; we check tickets and speak with previous captains about each candidate's technical work.
38° 54′ N 1° 26′ EQuestions
Questions
What certificate do I need to be an engineer on a sailing yacht?
An MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC) for junior or combined roles, and MCA yacht engineer certificates (Y4 and up) or a flag-state equivalent for Chief Engineer roles, plus STCW and ENG1.
How much does a yacht engineer earn on a sailing superyacht?
According to Yotspot's salary guidelines, a Chief Engineer earns about €4,500–6,000 a month on 30–39 m, €6,000–7,500 on 40–49 m and €7,000–9,000 on 50–59 m.