The Island Trust, based in Plymouth, Devon, is seeking two talented individuals for our sail training vessel Moosk.

Moosk, a 1906 gaff yawl, is a classic gentleman’s cruiser and is beautiful and fast. Built by W.H.Thomas in Falmouth in 1906 as an auxiliary yacht, she was one of the first boats to be built with a motor and ‘sparks’ for lighting the cabin. She is the smallest of The Island Trust vessels and is on the National Historic Ships register.

Vacancy:  First Mate – Moosk

Contract: Full-time fixed term – 7 months from 24 March 2025 to 31 October 2025
Shift pattern: Typically you will be required to work a 3 week on and 1 week off pattern and during your week off you will be required to vacate the vessel
Vessel: Moosk, 1906 gaff yawl, 58ft, 8 guest berths
Location: Plymouth base, sailing along south Devon and south Cornwall coast
Qualifications: RYA Day Skipper and in-date medical e.g. ENG1 or ML5 (essential)
Salary: £25,000 per annum pro rata
To apply: Please submit a covering letter and CV to jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk
Closing Date: Midnight 1 November 2024
Interviews: To be held online or in person, week commencing 11 November 2024

Job description

We are seeking a First Mate for our sail training vessel Moosk in the 2025 season. The role primarily involves supporting and assisting the Skipper on RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical courses and Yachtmaster prep courses, as well as youth residential sail training weeks for groups and individuals.

Principal duties afloat include:
  • Assisting the Skipper in decision making and planning
  • Assisting the Skipper in delivery of RYA courses
  • Accepting delegated responsibilities both in harbour and on passage
  • Taking over from the Skipper should they become incapacitated
  • To work in accordance with our Safety Management System
  • Preparing for the arrival of charterers
  • Assisting with maintenance
  • Working with the charterers collectively or individually in pursuit of their objectives
Required qualifications:
  • Qualified to RYA Day Skipper level (Theory and Practical)
  • In-date ENG1 medical certificate
  • Enhanced DBS check (valid after October 2023)
  • Right to work and live in the UK
Desired qualifications and attributes:
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • Basic Food Hygiene certificate
  • Experienced in maintaining traditional vessels (preferred but not essential)
  • Experienced in sailing a Gaff rigged vessel (preferred but not essential)
  • Able to understand the (sometimes complex) needs of others and to moderate working practices and approaches accordingly
  • Empathic and compassionate
  • A good team player and excellent communicator
Closing date Job type Contract Remuneration Contract Job zone South West Contact email jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk