Skipper - Moosk

Seasonal Skipper – Moosk

We are seeking a Seasonal Skipper for our traditionally rigged Gaff Yawl Moosk to join our team of sea and land-based staff who are all committed to the charity’s ethos that the benefits of sailing should be accessible to all.

Moosk was built by W.H.Thomas in Falmouth in 1906 as an auxiliary yacht, is a classic gentleman’s cruiser and is beautiful and fast. 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.

Length 58ft | beam 10.7ft | draught 7.3ft | guest berths 8

About Us

We provide life-enhancing, residential and day-sailing activities for young people with educational support needs, disabilities, and those experiencing hardship or deprivation. These young people gain the opportunity not only to broaden their horizons, but also to develop their skills and capabilities through the joy and challenge of learning to sail.

Voyages range from youth residential sail training weeks for groups and individuals and day sailing for young people from additional needs schools and units, to a small number of commercial adult voyages and courses.

The Job

Contract: Seasonal, full-time

Start date: 1st March 2027 End date: 29th October 2027 (can be negotiated)

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 Cruising Instructor (commercially endorsed)

Salary: £30,000 per annum pro rata

To apply: Please submit a covering letter and CV by email to [email protected]

Closing Date: Friday 30th October 2026

Job description

The job primarily involves skippering and instructing on RYA Competent Crew and Day Skipper Practical courses as well as skippering on youth residential sail training weeks for groups and individuals.

Sailing Season

· Take command of voyages that will vary in duration and destination

· Preparing for the arrival of the charterers

· Delegating responsibilities both in harbour and on passage

· Working with the charterers collectively or individually in pursuit of their objectives

· Routine maintenance tasks

Principal duties afloat:

· Instruct RYA practical courses up to the level of Day Skipper

· Assume authority at all times and make decisions with regard to the safety of the vessel and crews

· Ensure compliance with the MCA Codes of Practice

· Work in accordance with our Safety Management System

· Maintain and train staff in the use of all onboard safety equipment

· Ensure the safe navigation of the vessel

· Deliver safe, engaging and inclusive sail-training experiences

Winter Lay-up Season

You will be engaged in whatever routine maintenance tasks you or the Operations Manager deem necessary for the continued safe use and long term benefit of the vessel.

Skills and attributes

· Qualified RYA Cruising instructor with minimum 12 months experience

· Prepared to undertake Enhanced DBS check and further training as required (essential)

· Previous Gaff Rig sailing experience (preferred but not essential)

· Experience in refitting traditional vessels (preferred but not essential)

· Experience of working with young people

· Able to understand the (sometimes complex) needs of others and moderate working practices and approaches accordingly

· Empathic and compassionate

· A good team player and excellent communicator

Further Opportunity

There are good opportunities to build a long-term career within the Trust, developing skills and experience in a supportive environment.

Application process

Apply by email to [email protected] with a CV and covering letter which must explain why you are interested in working for The Island Trust. The cover letter gives us an idea of your understanding of the nature of our charitable work, as well as learning about your personality, interests and motivation for the role.

Closing date:12 noon Friday 30th October 2026

Interviews: week commencing 16th November in person or online.

Employment is with The Island Trust's trading subsidiary Island (Cutter) Ltd.
All voyages are operated by Island (Cutter) Ltd.

Pay: £30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person