Captain - Rotational - Min exp 6 years - €tbc - General (Europe)
Latest update as at 30/1/2026: We have had a number of strong applications so are sifting them now. We will respond to everyone who has applied. No new applications at this stage please.
We are offering a rather unique role as 1st Mate (to become Relief or Rotational Captain once familiarised) of a 1939 38m 172 GRT wooden motor-sailing ketch. Exact rotation/relief schedule negotiable.
A valid YM (Offshore) or higher with commercial endorsements or above is essential, as is demonstrable experience in command of traditional displacement vessels with no thrusters and limited manoeuvrability. Desirable factors would be prior experience of international formal procedures, anticipatory voyage planning, berth booking, accurate book-keeping, wood maintenance and a general engineering ability.
Salary will depend on experience but we'd prefer applicants to be motivated by wanting to lead a crew in the traditional sense, to educate and motivate a younger crew, run a safe and fun ship and share the adventure rather than purely by salary.
We are a well-found and well maintained private classic (1939) wooden 38m ketch rigged motor-sailor with a fascinating history. We sail with a crew of up to six: an experienced Captain (to become rotational as described here), lead housekeeper/lead cook and up to four younger less experienced crew. Accommodation is in comfortable but small twin bunk cabins (even for the Captain) each with en suite shower and heads facilities. Living space is a shared crew mess and the yacht as a whole. We would consider male or female candidates with an appetite and enthusiasm to learn and progress.
The owners wish everyone in the crew to feel very much part of the yacht 'family'; to have fun together with them and as a crew, to go to the beach with them, explore and share the adventures ahead with a very relaxed style. They have three young boys (aged 5 and twins of 2). We eat together, share duties, look after each other and work hard together.
We nevertheless also maintain high standards of safety and general housekeeping so the right person needs to be responsible, selfless, self-starting, fun, open minded and happy living with others of a similar mindset in close company. Mutual trust and respect is critical. We do not want candidates who feel they have something to prove or to consider themselves in competition with their rotation counterparts.
The role specification is intentionally generic as it will evolve and change depending on the circumstances. The owners and current full time Captain would prefer to find someone committed for the longer term.
Good humour, patience, common sense and kindly non-judgemental tolerance of others are key. English is the first language onboard. Full accident and medical insurance is provided for all crew.
Our itinerary this year will be to finish the winter maintenance period in Genoa by mid March and we will then set sail to spend the summer in the Baltic. There will be opportunities along the way to visit the Balearics, Gibraltar, Atlantic coasts of Portugal and Spain, Galicia, possibly Brittany and the UK south coast before spending the rest of the summer in Denmark and Sweden (possibly Finland too). The owners will join us at various stages along the way.
The owners have strong environmental credentials and ambitions so this is not a role for someone who depends on plastic bottled drinks, unlimited internet, constant air conditioning, mod-cons or unlimited resources. In return we offer a safe, comfortable and well-provided boat with owners and crew who care for and prefer to talk with each other rather than to their phones and, together, to explore the opportunities and share the experiences found on route. It is a happy ship.
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