Irene is offering the opportunity for up to 6 months of intensive on-board experience, with guidance and training from the professional crew. You will form part of a close knit team and get to know the ship inside out.

You get the chance to experience a sailing season, log your sea-time and develop a host of skills.

Our 2021 season will take us all round Cornwall, the Scilly Isles, the Bristol Channel and Irish Sea.

As well as some phenomenal sailing, you’ll also be able to help prep Irene ahead of the season and/or ‘put her to bed’ at the end, learning the basics of traditional vessel maintenance, rigging and refit planning along the way.

Full Bed & Board

This is a voluntary position, but you will be provided with your own bunk, bedding and all food on board. You will not be asked to contribute to the running costs of the ship. Please note that accommodation may be mixed-gender.

You must cover your own travel expenses to and from the ship. You will also need to secure your own travel insurance, which must cover you for sail training. Topsail offers specific sailing insurance, but we recommend that you do your own research.

Trainees can take up to 8 days off per month by prior arrangement and subject to leave fitting in with Irene’s sailing schedule. Don’t let existing commitments stop you from applying! Time off is incredibly important, and you will be encouraged to take your leave entitlement.

If you are successful, we’ll send you a list of kit to bring. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on the list, we will help you to beg and borrow what you need!

Terms & Conditions

There are a maximum of TWO trainee positions available on Irene this year. The selection will be made by the vessel manager and primary skipper. Their decision is final. Two reserves will also be selected in case a Trainee drops out.

Deadline for applications is Friday 12th March 2021. Successful candidates and reserves will be contacted no later than Friday 19th March 2021.

If successful, you will be asked to read and sign Irene’s policies and ‘house rules’. If at any point you are in breach of any of these, your position on board may be terminated with immediate effect. Should you wish to see copies of these policies in advance of applying, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to share them with you.

By applying you agree that your image may be used on Irene’s website, social media and promotional materials. We may also ask that you contribute to our media output, in the form of updates about your experience on board.

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic means that plans and itineraries are subject to even more change than normal. We cannot guarantee that Irene will be able to sail this year, and if she can, her schedule may well change. Our Coronavirus Policy is similarly subject to regular updates, and by applying you agree to comply with this throughout. We may require that you undertake regular Coronavirus testing.