Seasonal Mate– Schooner BRILLIANT

Mystic Seaport Museum•Stonington, CT

15d•$4,000•Onsite

About The Position

Mystic Seaport Museum is seeking a qualified Summer and Fall Mate to join the schooner BRILLIANT for the 2026 sailing season. We are looking for someone who can join the vessel in June and stay at least through August, with a strong preference for candidates available through the end of the sailing season in October. We are open to short-term contracts for the right candidate. Described by WoodenBoat as one of the “100 most beautiful classic boats in existence” and “one of the best maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country — if not the world,” BRILLIANT is a 1932 classic sailing yacht and home to one of the longest-running youth sail training programs in the United States. Program & Itinerary BRILLIANT will sail throughout New England in 2026, running: Two- to five-day sailing programs for adults Five- and ten-day sail training voyages for teenagers throughout the summer Classic yacht racing events, including Eggemoggin Reach Regatta and Opera House Cup Occasional daysails representing the Museum Dual registered as both a Sailing School Vessel and Small Passenger Vessel, BRILLIANT typically sails with a professional crew of three: Captain, Mate, and Cook/Deckhand, along with up to nine program participants. Position Overview The Mate assists the Captain in all aspects of vessel operation, including: Teaching and mentoring teenage and adult crew Sail handling and vessel maneuvering Watchstanding and navigation Vessel safety and seamanship instruction Maintenance and upkeep of the vessel In the absence of the Captain, the Mate is responsible for all aspects of vessel operation and safety. The Mate also participates in the ongoing care of the vessel during the sailing season, helping to maintain BRILLIANT to the exceptionally high standards for which she is known.

Requirements

USCG 50 GRT Mate or Master Near Coastal, with Auxiliary Sail
Experience sailing traditionally rigged vessels
Experience with wooden vessel maintenance
Strong attention to detail and safety
First Aid certification (Red Cross preferred)
Ability to work closely with teenagers and adult participants
Candidates must be comfortable working weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed and living aboard for extended periods during the sailing season.

Nice To Haves

Sail training experience
Radar operation experience
Advanced medical training (WFR or WEMT)
Experience working with volunteers

Responsibilities

Teaching and mentoring teenage and adult crew
Sail handling and vessel maneuvering
Watchstanding and navigation
Vessel safety and seamanship instruction
Maintenance and upkeep of the vessel
In the absence of the Captain, the Mate is responsible for all aspects of vessel operation and safety.
Participates in the ongoing care of the vessel during the sailing season