Youth Sailing Trainee - Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation, Devon

PILGRIM YOUTH SAILING TRAINEE SCHEME 2024

• Are you 18-30 years of age with an aptitude for sailing and an interest in traditional vessels?

• Do you enjoy the company of people from all walks of life and ages?

• Do you fancy sailing for the season on a stunning historic 29 metre (96 ft) Brixham trawler built in 1895?

Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation are looking for a trainee to join us for the 2024 season.  The training programme runs from February to October and is centred on the restored heritage sailing trawler Pilgrim of Brixham.  Pilgrim is in her 129th year and is charity operated and part of the UK National Historic Fleet.

This is an unpaid volunteer position with food and accommodation provided while onboard.  It’s a personal development opportunity to hone and learn new skills, improve your confidence, gain experience, meet new people as part of a small dedicated charity team.  You will be working with our professional Skipper and various other crew, including other volunteers.

You would be based in our home port of Brixham in Devon and sailing will be along the beautiful Devon and Cornwall coasts.  Our programme also features cruises to the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands and to maritime festivals in Brittany, France.  You will need to be able to engage with our guests and encourage them to help you and the rest of the crew sail the boat.

Applicants are required to be in possession of a UK passport or have leave to remain in the UK.  The scheme is well suited to young people who wish to visit the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.  This applies to a range of countries including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Fluency in English is essential.  Attendance will be on an aggregate 21 days on, 7 days off rota basis based on a schedule for the season.

The programme encompasses all aspects of charter vessel operations including sailing, maintenance, hospitality, housekeeping, catering and requires a high level of fitness, commitment and stamina.  Road links to Devon are good with train and frequent buses connecting to Brixham.  Own transport is desirable but not essential.  Successful applicants are required to pay an enrolment fee of £250.  Grants may be available to cover this cost in certain cases.  Some liveried clothing will be provided.  Our crew cabin is mixed gender communal accommodation.

Training takes place in four phases with assessment landmarks at the end of each phase.  The programme is led by our highly experienced and qualified professional skipper.  Participation equips trainees for subsequent formal training and employment in the traditional sailing vessel charter sector or in related marine or tourism businesses.

Phase 1 February, March and April 2024

Induction - Rigging - Sail handling - Ropework - Anchoring, mooring and berthing - Deck maintenance procedures - Working at height - Beaching and below the waterline maintenance - Housekeeping, hospitality and guest wellbeing - Diesel engine maintenance - Learning Pilgrim and Brixham history - Acting as deckhand - Phase 1 evaluation and assessment

Phase 2 May, June and July 2024

Fuelling, watering and environmental procedures - Helming at sea and watchkeeping - Extended passage sailing - Situational awareness - Night sailing - Dinghy handling and crew/guest transfers - Learning about marine wildlife species and habits - Acting as a leading deckhand - Phase 2 evaluation and assessment

Phase 3 August, September, October 2024

Practical passage planning and navigation - Helming, coming alongside and departing - Crew and Guest Briefing - Rope and rigging survey - Acting as relief mate - Phase 3 Evaluation and Assessment 

Applications need to be submitted by Thursday 2nd November 2023 via Indeed or by visiting the ‘Join’ page on our website. https://pilgrimofbrixham.org.uk/join-the-pilgrim-team/

Selection interviews will be in November 2023.

Application form