Vacancy: First Mate – Moosk
POSITION FILLED
Contract: Full-time fixed term – 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
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 ENG1 medical (essential)
Salary: £23,000 – £26,850 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)
To apply: Please submit a covering letter and CV to jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk
Closing Date: Midnight 30 December 2025
Interviews: To be held online or in person, week commencing 12 January 2026
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
- Valid First Aid certificate
- 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. You may need to join the vessel elsewhere in the UK throughout the season.
Further Opportunity
This role is specifically for a fixed term First Mate for Moosk.
How To Apply
To apply, please submit a covering letter and CV to jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk.
If you would like to understand more about the role please contact Andy on 01752 823007.
Closing date for applications: Midnight 30 December 2025
Employment is with The Island Trust’s trading subsidiary Island (Cutter) Ltd.
All voyages are operated by Island (Cutter) Ltd.
