Job Description

We are seeking a

First Mate

for our sail training vessel

Moosk

in the 2026 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
Skills and Attributes

Required qualifications/experience:

Qualified to RYA Day Skipper level (Theory and Practical) In-date ENG1 medical certificate Current first aid qualification Enhanced DBS check (valid after October 2024) Right to work and live in the UK Minimum 1 year demonstrable of working as a First Mate on a sailing vessel

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 Experience of working with young people in Sail Training Empathic and compassionate A good team player and excellent communicator

Location

We are based in Plymouth, and the vessel will generally be moored at Plymouth Yacht Haven and sail along the south Devon and south Cornwall coast.

Job Type

: Full-time fixed term contract.

Contract length

: 7 months from 23 March 2026 to 30 October 2026.

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.

Pay

: 23,000.00 to 26,859 per annum pro rata. (the salary for this position will be paid in line with the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage age-related pay bands)

Application process

:

Please email jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk with your CV and cover letter.

The closing date for applications is midnight 30 December 2025

.

Interviews

: To be held online or in person, week commencing 12 January 2026

Contact:

For more information about The Island Trust please visit our website

or visit our social media pages.

https://www.theislandtrust.org.uk/the-island-trust/staff-vacancies/

If you would like to discuss the post in more detail, get in touch with Andy Hamilton, Business Support Manager on 01752 823007.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months

Pay: 23,000.00-26,850.00 per year

Experience:

First mate sailing: 1 year (required) Sailing: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

ENG1 (required) Enhanced DBS check valid after October 2024 (required)
Work Location: In person