Led by managing directors Karen Underwood and Mike Taylor, Spirit Yachts comprises a world-class team of designers, naval architects, boat builders, finishers, cabinet makers, joiners and mechanical and engineering experts.
The Spirit team is diverse and international, but they have core attributes in common: skill, passion, dedication and a meticulous eye for detail.
We are recruiting! See below for current opportunities.
Spirit Yachts is looking for a naval architect to join its growing team of world-class yacht designers and builders.
Whether you are newly graduated or if you have several years’ experience, we would be keen to hear from you. The role is based at the Spirit Yachts yard in Ipswich, Suffolk and the successful applicant will work closely with our existing designers and naval architects.
Every Spirit yacht is customised to suit an owner’s preference, and each design evolves to incorporate the latest technology, so no two projects are the same. With a yard full of sail and motor yachts in build and a healthy pipeline of new and innovative commissions, it is an exciting time to join the Spirit Yachts team.
Please contact [email protected] with a C.V and a short email detailing your background to apply. Note, experience with MAXSURF and AutoCAD is essential, knowledge of AutoCAD Inventor or other 3D software is desirable.
If you are looking for a new challenge in boat building, electrics, engineering, or design we are also keen to hear from you. Please send your C.V and brief summary of experience to [email protected].
World renowned yacht designer Sean McMillan founded Spirit Yachts in 1993 following a decade of experience designing and building classic yachts. A legendary sailor on the classic racing circuit, Sean is at the forefront of modern classic design. A true master of his craft, Sean is passionate about creating beautiful modern classic yachts to suit every lifestyle. Today, Sean keeps a close eye on the builds in the yard and draws new and updated concepts from his design office.
Having worked for high profile boat building companies for over twenty years, Karen has a wealth of experience in the yachting industry. As well as the management of the company, Karen is responsible for the operations side of the business and ensures Spirit Yachts runs as efficiently as possible. A highly organised multi-tasker, Karen oversees the logistics of all projects and events, consistently delivering exceptional customer service to Spirit owners, clients and guests.
With over 30 years’ marine industry experience and having project managed over 70 blue water cruising yachts, Mike has a wealth of technical boat building knowledge and management expertise. As well as the day to day running of the company, Mike oversees all new build and refit projects, ensuring Spirit’s world-class reputation for quality is maintained. Having sailed classic wooden yachts from an early age, Mike has also raced dinghies and keelboats across Europe.
Having joined Spirit Yachts over 20 years ago, Adrian manages all projects in the Spirit yard and ensures each build is produced to the highest standard. With previous experience in classic aeroplane restoration and cabinet making, Adrian has a remarkable eye for detail and is a highly skilled craftsman. Having worked on an extensive portfolio of Spirit builds, including Spirit’s superyacht projects, Adrian has a wealth of experience in modern classic yacht construction.
With a natural talent for creativity and a first class Master of Design degree, Tom is a strong asset to the Spirit team. Tom has previous experience designing yachts in Italy and was selected as a finalist in Boat International’s Young Designer of the Year Awards. Tom works closely with Sean McMillan and Spirit’s naval architect to create interior and exterior visualisations to bring projects to life. With his artistic flair and a meticulous eye for detail, Tom liaises with Spirit owners to design beautiful interiors and custom pieces for their yachts.
Having worked in the marine industry for nearly 40 years, Alan brings a wealth of design and naval architecture experience to Spirit Yachts. From renowned cruising yachts to high profile superyachts and large scale restoration projects, Alan’s knowledge spans across a wide range of yacht styles, construction methods and design software programmes. A keen sailor, Alan has extensively cruised and raced both dinghies and yachts.
A highly experienced marine electrician, James has a passion for detail and quality. Having overseen projects on racing and cruising yachts, as well as large motor yachts, James has experience of installing an extensive list of onboard systems. James continually researches the latest technology and works with suppliers to innovate and deliver effective solutions for Spirit’s custom yachts. Having sailed since he was a young child, James is also a keen motorsports fan.
Matthew’s engineering experience extends across new and brokerage yachts in the UK and abroad. Having overseen the fit-out of luxury cruising yachts and a range of different motor cruisers, Matthew is well-accustomed to working on projects from development and initial design to construction and installation. Whilst managing Spirit’s team of engineers, Matthew collaborates with suppliers to deliver the most effective solutions for Spirit’s sail and power yachts.
Glen is a highly experienced boat builder with experience in superyacht refits and he has been a key member the Spirit Yachts team for over 10 years. With a raft of skills, Glen has managed the build of Spirit yachts ranging from large cruising yachts to motor yachts, race yachts and a superyacht tender. A sailor as well as a skilled boat builder, Glen has sailed from Valencia to Antigua via the Canary Islands, crossing the Atlantic in just 15.5 days.
Jon joined Spirit Yachts in 2010 after training at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft and working at a traditional boatyard on the River Deben in Suffolk. As a specialist in Spirit’s wood-epoxy hull construction method, Jon has overseen the first phase of numerous Spirits. Jon also brings a wealth of expertise in deck laying and steering installation, mentoring younger members of the Spirit team as he goes. A keen sailor, Jon part-owns a yacht and enjoys cruising along the east coast.
With training in cabinetry, Kevin started working at Spirit Yachts nearly 20 years ago. Learning from those around him, Kevin has progressed to the role of senior boat builder and is now well-accustomed to overseeing the builds of large cruising yachts to an exceptional standard.
Having studied, woodwork, carpentry, and antique furniture restoration in his home country of Belgium, Jerome went on to attend Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy in the UK. Passionate, motivated and diligent, Jerome has worked his way up to the role of senior boat builder at Spirit Yachts.
Helen is a freelance marine PR and marketing consultant based in-house at Spirit Yachts. Having worked closely with Spirit since 2014, Helen can be seen alongside the Spirit team at events and boat shows worldwide. A keen sailor, Helen also joins the team on the water at regattas. For any media or supplier PR and marketing queries, contact [email protected].
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