This post requires a Sail Training professional with a proven track record as Skipper of Sail Training vessels over 20m. holding RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean with commercial and instructing endorsements.

The ability to instruct in traditional sailing vessels will also form part of the background experience required. The Post holder will have to be comfortable working in a range of sailing disciplines and able to instruct students of varying ability.

Sail Training requires a flexible approach to working hours and this post may require the post holder to work for extended periods on board, and compensatory leave is included in the work roster in acknowledgment of this. The Gordonstoun Sail Training Department aspires to achieve the highest standards of safety, delivery and outcomes and the post holder will be a key member of a committed professional team to deliver the sail training programme.

The Gordonstoun Sail Training Programme

Sail Training Courses

Sail Training Courses are run aboard the School’s 80-foot sail training ketch “Ocean Spirit of Moray” from our base at Plockton on the West Coast of Scotland. Each course includes instruction in our two Dipping lug cutters. Curricular sail training courses vary in length up to 7 nights with longer and more adventurous voyages being undertaken as part of the extracurricular programme usually in the school summer holiday period.

Cutter Sailing

The post holder will be expected to sail as Lead Instructor and oversee the safe operation of the school’s two dipping lug cutters in a sailing area within three miles of Plockton as part of our integrated sailing course. The instruction in the cutters should complement student participation in the voyage on Ocean Spirit and vice versa.

Employment Period

Employment period for this post is seasonal, with the post holder working to a sailing programme which includes “compensatory leave “usually in a ratio of one week off for every three worked. Annual leave is programmed in addition to these rest weeks and is usually taken at a convenient point in the vessels summer sailing programme.

The minimum qualifications for this post are as follows:

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with Commercial and Instructing endorsements
• MCA ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate
• STCW Medical Care Certificate
• Accredited First Aid Certificate
• RYA Powerboat 2/Safety Boat Certificate
• Desirable additional Qualifications
• RYA Keelboat Instructor

Medical Fitness
All Staff working at sea must hold the MCA ENG1 Seafarers Medical Certificate (or the MCA ML5 Seafarers Medical Report if working no more than 60 miles from the shore).

Disclosure Scotland (Criminal Records) Checks
Gordonstoun School requires all employees working with pupils to be over 21. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland check. The School pays the fee for this.

Satisfactory Employment References
You are required to provide two employment references. References are taken up prior to interview.

Asylum and Immigration Act 1996
Under Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act, employers must ensure that any prospective employee is legally entitled to live and work in the UK. Applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence, at the interview stage, in the form of a passport or National Insurance number and full birth certificate.

Education and Qualifications
For applicants who apply for posts that require specific qualifications, any offer of appointment will be subject to applicants providing evidence of such qualifications at interview.