Volunteers

Committees

As a charity, The Cirdan Sailing Trust relies very heavily on volunteers. Our Trustee and Management Committees are purely voluntary with representation from relevant areas of society eg church, education, youth service, lawyers and merchant navy.

Deckhands

We invite a limited number of young people back onto the vessels to work as volunteer deckhands. This provides additional help on board whilst boosting the self-esteem of the young person and adding to their CV. Occasionally we require deckhands with more extensive sailing experience for long or more challenging passages (positions are subject to references and DBS checks). If you would like to volunteer your services please contact us on 01621 776684 or email info@cirdantrust.org

Relief crew

Although all our vessels are crewed throughout the season by permanent sea staff we are always in need of additional volunteers to work as Skipper, Mate or Bosun. This additional support allows us to supplement the crew’s annual leave and provides flexibility for them to attend training courses and gain experience within the fleet. Volunteers for the positions of Skipper and Mate require RYA Yachtmaster with commercial endorsement whilst Bosuns need some formal sail training. All positions are subject to references and DBS checks. If you can offer your support we would be very pleased to hear from you.

Vessel refits

All our vessels are taken out of service during the winter and undergo a refit prior to starting the season in April. Whilst the services of specialists are used for certain works, the crew undertake a large amount of the work themselves with the help of volunteers. This may involve:

• • rubbing down woodwork

• • painting

• • varnishing

• • cleaning

• or just making the tea.

No matter what the job, every little helps. Please let us know if you are available to help in Maldon or Bradwell.

Catering

Occasionally we run charters that need to be catered – these tend to be for promotional events, adult or corporate charters and day sails. The menus range from simple fare on day sails to more elaborate meals for corporate charters. If you have excellent sea legs and culinary skills that could be put to good use in a ship’s galley please offer your support. A certificate in food hygiene would be preferred.

Fundraising and promotional events

The Trust is very keen to increase volunteer support to help in the area of fund raising. Have you thought about offering your support through the following:

• • holding a coffee morning

• • staging an art exhibition

• • arranging a musical evening

• doing a sponsored bike ride or bungee jump

These are just some of the areas where you could help us to raise funds. If you raise a substantial amount, we could open a Bursary Fund in your name.

Spread the word

Tell your friends and colleagues about our work

• • They may be a youth worker and could involve their young people in a voyage.

• • They may be writing or amending a will – ask them to remember The Cirdan Sailing Trust. Solicitors can provide information about Legacy Giving.

• They may be a Trustee of a grant making trust – your endorsement of our work may make the difference to a fund raising application.