Captain - Youth Sail Training

SailFuture; Saint Petersburg (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days PTO

$1,500 flight budget for PTO travel

$250 monthly health insurance contribution

Up to 6% employer match on 401k

International travel

Job summary

A youth development organization in Florida is looking for an Expedition Captain to lead sailing expeditions for high school students. The role involves managing the vessel, mentoring youth, and participating in educational activities. Candidates should have a Yachtmaster Offshore license and experience as a vessel captain. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits, including PTO and health insurance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as Captain / Master of a sailing vessel.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to relate to the life experiences of youth.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vessel operations and upkeep.
• Lead and supervise students and staff during expeditions.
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ensure SOPs are followed and safety is prioritized.
• Build strong bonds with youth and staff.

Skills

Strong knowledge of yacht systems

Empathy and mentoring

First Aid / CPR certification

Lifeguard certification

Communication

Education

Yachtmaster Offshore or equivalent

5+ years Captain/Master experience on sailing vessel

Tools

N/A

Job description

Are you an accomplished maritime professional with a Yachtmaster Offshore license (or equivalent)who is passionate about education and youth development?

SailFuture is seeking an Expedition Captain to lead rite of passage sailing expeditions with high school age students.

The Captain will participate in all aspects of ship programming in addition to their duty to the vessel. This includes leading shore-side activities, supervising students, teaching coursework, and managing student apprentices.

About the Vessel

The vessel is a 100’ Giorgetti & Magrini ketch-rigged sailing yacht with accommodations for 12 students and 6 staff.

Staff quarters are separate from students and are in shared cabins with a shared bathroom.

About the Schedule

This is a year round position with up to 42 calendar days of PTO from the vessel.

Students will be onboard 30-35 weeks per year. During expeditions, expect a 7-day work week with days off in port when available. The vessel may be chartered during off weeks.

The Captain is responsible for manning the vessel (typically at anchor) in between student expeditions. While students are not onboard, there is a standard 5-day work week.

The vessel does not operate during the Christmas holidays.

The Captain reports to the Director of Maritime Operations and/or CEO. The Captain is responsible for overall vessel operations and program management.

Responsibilities

• Overall management and upkeep of the vessel
• Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance on all systems
• Diagnose and repair all systems as needed
• Management and supervision of permanent and rotating program staff
• Ensure that program Standard Operating Procedures are followed at all times
• Build strong bonds with each youth through 1:1 and group time
• Build a strong sense of teamwork amongst youth and staff on the boat
• Hold all youth and rotating program staff to the highest levels of seamanship
• Participate in service learning projects and all youth programming throughout the expedition
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Yachtmaster Offshore or equivalent
• U.S. Citizenship is NOT required. This is a Bahamian-flagged vessel.
• 5+ years as Captain / Master of a sailing vessel
• Strong knowledge of all yacht systems
• Valid driver’s license
• Empathy to relate to the life experiences of the youth SailFuture serves
• A passion for mentoring and coaching
• First Aid / CPR
• Lifeguard certification

Compensation

• Salary Depending on Experience
• 30 days PTO (accrual, eligible to use after 90 days)
• $1,500 flight budget for PTO travel (return to home port or vacation destination)
• Additional compensation available for Private Charters
• $250 monthly health insurance contribution (Company international health insurance through GeoBlue)
• Up to 6% employer match on 401k
• Work cell phone with international plan

About Expeditions

SailFuture Expeditions are intentional rites of passage designed to help young people who have experienced trauma catalyze personal growth and self actualization.

Expeditions are typically 6-8 weeks in length and take place five times per year.

Students participate in three key programming elements:

1 - Academic Coursework - Facilitated by all crew and instructors through an online platform connected via Starlink.

2 - Maritime internships - Students work in defined crew roles in the following Departments: Bridge, Engineering, Deck, Galley, Interior

3 - Shoreside Experiences - Students participate in service learning projects and legacy shoreside experiences in each port of call.

Core Objectives for SailFuture participants

1. Students will have developed a strong understanding of the various careers available in the maritime industry through in-port experiences with strategic partners.

2. Students will have developed measurable employability skills through structured apprenticeship training in defined crew roles.

3. Students will have developed transformational relationships with teachers and mentors that are rooted in adventure, play, and shared challenge.

4. Students will have developed an expanded worldview through cultural exchanges and service learning projects.

5. Students will have identified problematic behaviors and habits and developed coping mechanisms that can be utilized in any setting.

6. Students will have utilized 1:1 sessions, written reflections, workshops, and guided discussions to discuss and process trauma.