Vacancy: 2nd Mate – Johanna Lucretia
Contract: Seasonal, full-time
Start date: 1 March 2027 End date: 5 November 2027 (start date can be negotiated)
Vessel: JOHANNA LUCRETIA, traditionally rigged topsail schooner, 96ft, 12 guest berths
Location: Plymouth based, sailing along south Devon and south Cornwall coast, with extended passages further east and west
Qualifications: RYA Competent Crew (or equivalent), and in-date medical e.g. ENG1 or ML5 (essential)
Salary: £24,000 to £28,000 pro rata – to be discussed at interview, dependent on age and experience
To apply: Please submit a covering letter and CV by email to jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk (full details at foot of page)
Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Job description
The role primarily involves supporting and assisting the Skipper and 1st Mate in sailing and delivery of our sail training.
Sailing Season
- Support the Skipper and 1st Mate in keeping the boat and all on board safe
- Working with school and youth group charters as well as charters for teenagers and adults
- Assisting with maintenance
- Accepting delegated responsibilities both in harbour and on passage
- To be part of a watch whilst on passage
- Preparing for the arrival of the charterers
- Working with the charterers collectively or individually in pursuit of their objectives
- Attending to the needs of customers whilst on board
- Work in accordance with our Safety Management System
Winter Lay-up Season
You will be engaged in whatever routine maintenance tasks the Skipper or Operations Manager deem necessary for the continued safe use and long term benefit of the vessel.
Skills and Attributes
Ideal candidate requirements:
- Qualified to RYA Competent Crew level (or equivalent)
- In-date medical qualification e.g. ENG1 or ML5 (essential)
- Prepared to undertake an enhanced DBS check and further training as required (essential)
- Right to work and live in the UK
In addition, you’ll need to be:
- Experienced in refitting traditional vessels (preferred but not essential)
- Adept in working with young people (preferred but not essential)
- 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
Location
We are based in Plymouth, with the vessels primarily moored at Plymouth Yacht Haven. Johanna Lucretia’s standard cruising grounds span the south Devon and south Cornwall coastlines, with occasional extended passages further east and west. Throughout the season, you may need to travel to join or depart from the vessel at different ports around the UK for crew changes.
Further Opportunity
There are good opportunities to build a long-term career within the Trust, developing skills and experience in a supportive environment.
How To Apply
Apply by email to jobs@theislandtrust.org.uk 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 for applications: 12 noon Friday 30 October 2026
Interviews: week commencing 16 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.
You may be required to work on any other vessel owned, managed or chartered by the Company.
