Marine Technician in Southampton

The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing, inland cruising, and personal watercraft.

Help Keep Britain’s Elite Sailing Programmes on the Water. Are you a skilled marine or vehicle technician with a passion for maintaining equipment to the highest standards? Do you enjoy hands-on technical work, problem-solving and working in a dynamic sporting environment? We're looking for a Marine Technician to play a vital role in supporting the British Sailing Team, British Youth Sailing programmes and world-class racing events. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a fleet of high-performance support boats, vehicles and specialist racing equipment that help deliver success on the water both in the UK and internationally.

Reporting to the Racing Facilities & Resources Manager, you'll work alongside the Senior Marine Technician to ensure that the RYA's fleet of support boats, trailers and vehicles are maintained in excellent condition and ready to support our athletes, coaches and events whenever and wherever required.

About the Role

• Maintain and service the RYA fleet of support boats, trailers and vehicles to world-class standards.
• Carry out mechanical, fibreglass hull and tube repairs.
• Conduct routine inspections, safety checks and preventative maintenance.
• Support the management of maintenance stock levels and workshop operations.
• Ensure vehicles and equipment are fully operational and ready for deployment.
• Assist with the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life equipment.
• Carry out maintenance work at events and training venues in the UK and overseas when required.
• Support the upkeep of the RYA Boat Store facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform maintenance, servicing and repairs on RIBs, outboard engines, trailers and associated equipment.
• Undertake vehicle maintenance activities and coordinate repair requirements where necessary.
• Monitor and report equipment defects and maintenance needs.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Racing and Performance departments to ensure equipment availability.
• Support the operation of the workshop and wider facilities.
• Work independently while maintaining high standards of safety, organisation and attention to detail.

About You

We're looking for a practical, self-motivated technician who takes pride in delivering high-quality work and enjoys being part of a team that supports sporting excellence.

Essential

• Experience maintaining and servicing boats, marine equipment and/or vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of RIB, outboard motor and trailer maintenance.
• Knowledge of vehicle servicing and maintenance.
• Experience carrying out preventative maintenance and maintaining accurate records.
• Good practical skills, including metalwork and welding.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to solve problems.
• Good communication and teamworking skills.
• IT literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Powerboat Level 2 qualification (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Experience of towing trailers and driving vans.
• NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Yamaha Level 1 or Level 2 Technician qualification.
• Experience of GRP repairs and fibreglass work.
• Experience working in sailing, racing or performance sport environments.

Why Join the RYA?

This is a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes of British sailing, helping to support athletes, coaches and events performing at the highest levels of the sport. You'll join a passionate and dedicated team, working in a varied role where no two days are the same. From workshop-based maintenance to supporting activities around the UK and internationally, you'll play an important part in ensuring our fleets remain safe, reliable and ready for action.

The RYA offers a collaborative working environment, opportunities for development and a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 36 days holiday including public holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Birthday Day Off
• 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme
• Free life insurance
• Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Free on-site electric vehicle charging
• Social events
• RYA membership

The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity. As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity and creativity. We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Interested? Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking on 'Apply for this job'. Closing date for applications: 14th September 2026 (please note: this advert may close earlier if sufficient applications are received).