Vessel Maintenance Hand

The Island Trust is a sail training charity offering residential and day-sailing activities for young people with educational support needs, disabilities or experiencing hardship. It is looking for a Vessel Maintenance Hand to help maintain its two traditionally rigged wooden sailing vessels over the winter layup at Plymouth Yacht Haven. The fixed-term contract runs from 16 November 2026 to 26 February 2027.

The role:

• Carry out routine maintenance on the topsail schooner Johanna Lucretia (96 ft) and the gaff yawl Moosk (58 ft)
• Work under the direction of the Skipper and Operations Manager
• Sand, varnish and paint
• Service equipment and carry out general maintenance on a wooden boat
• Help with the de-rig and annual winter maintenance of Johanna Lucretia
• Help flag up maintenance issues early so the vessels stay safe and operational

What's on offer:

• Salary of £21,450 to £25,500 per annum pro rata
• Full-time hours of 37.5 per week, generally Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00
• Full PPE provided

• Experience of sailing aboard one or more of the Trust's vessels (preferred but not essential)
• Experience of refitting or maintaining traditional vessels (preferred but not essential)
• Good team player and excellent communicator
• Hard working with a flexible attitude