Vacancy: Skipper – Johanna Lucretia
Contract: Seasonal, full-time
Start date: 1 March 2027 End date: 26 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: Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed)
Salary: £31,000 to £32,500 per annum pro rata to be discussed at interview, dependent on qualities and experience of the applicant
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 job primarily involves skippering youth residential sail training weeks and day sails for groups and individuals, and occasional commercial adult voyages.
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:
- Assume authority at all times and make decisions with regard to the safety of the vessel and crew
- 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
- Maintain a watch consistent with the requirements of good seamanship
- 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
Ideal candidate requirements:
- Qualified to Yachtmaster Offshore level (commercially endorsed)
- In-date medical qualification e.g. ENG1 or ML5 (essential if not included in above)
- Cruising instructor (sail) preferred
- Prepared to undertake 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
- Experienced in sailing vessels over 20 metres (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
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.
