Mate, Brilliant

Mystic Seaport Museum; Mystic (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Mystic Seaport Museum is hiring for a one-year Mate position aboard BRILLIANT, a 1932 classic sailing yacht, with potential extension.

The role begins in Spring 2026 and supports the Captain in vessel operations, teaching youth and adult crew across New England and the Atlantic.

Qualifications

• Candidate must hold USCG 50 GRT NC Mate or Masters with Auxiliary Sail.
• Experience in sail training on traditional sailing vessels.
• First Aid knowledge; Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT desired.
• Experience in wooden yacht vessel management and maintenance.
• Finish work experience, particularly varnish.
• Strong attention to safety at sea.
• Experience with small vessel radar operation.
• Strong teaching background with youths; experience managing volunteers.
• Willingness to work weekends/evenings and be away for extended periods.
• Ongoing clean drug test results.

Responsibilities

• Assist the captain in all aspects of vessel operation and teaching student/adult crew.
• In captain's absence, take responsibility for vessel operation and safety.
• During maintenance season, coordinate haul outs and maintenance with captain, staff, volunteers, and vendors.
• Interface with vendors, subcontractors, and Museum Departments; allocate materials/resources.
• Plan long- and medium-term maintenance strategy with captain.
• Interact with teenagers and adult participants while maintaining professionalism.

Skills

USCG 50 GRT NC Mate

Sail training

First Aid

Wilderness First Responder

Wooden yacht maintenance

Finish work / varnish

Safety at sea

Small vessel radar

Teaching youth

Volunteer management

Weekend/evening availability

Drug-test clearance

Job description

Description

Mystic Seaport Museum is hiring for a one-year Mate position with the possibility of extending for an additional year. The position will start in the Spring of 2026. BRILLIANT is a classic sailing yacht built in 1932 and is home to one of the longest running youth sail training programs in the country. Onboard, teens and adults are introduced to life aboard a classic sail training vessel while sailing throughout New England and the Atlantic. Dual registered as a Sailing School Vessel and a Small Passenger Vessel, BRILLIANT sails on programs ranging from two- to five-day trips for adults and five- and ten-day training voyages for teenagers. In addition, BRILLIANT participates in classic yacht racing and occasional daysails, representing the Museum in all that she does. BRILLIANT sails with a Captain, a Mate, and a Cook/Deckhand, as well as up to 9 program participants.

The mate will assist the captain in all aspects of the vessel’s operation ranging from teaching student and adult crew, vessel maneuvering, and vessel maintenance and upkeep. In the absence of the captain, the mate is responsible for all aspects of vessel operation and safety.

During the maintenance season, the mate works with the captain, staff, and volunteers to perform all needed maintenance on the vessel, including annual haul out, crew and volunteer management, interfacing with vendors, subcontractors, and other Museum Departments, as well as allocation of materials/resources. The mate is often responsible for day to day management of maintenance tasks and will work with the captain to plan long- and medium-term maintenance strategy.

The mate should enjoy working with teenagers and adult participants. Due to the nature of the work involved, the incumbent interacts with a broad range of individuals including fellow staff, visitors, volunteers, trustees, vendors, etc. In all of these interactions, the reputation of Mystic Seaport Museum and the Watercraft Area are at stake. It is essential therefore that a high degree of professionalism be exhibited at all times.

BRILLIANT has been described by WoodenBoat Magazine as one of the 100 most beautiful classic boats in existence and as "one of the best maintained and sailed classic yachts in the country — if not the world."

Requirements

• Candidate must hold, at minimum, a USCG 50 GRT NC Mate or Masters, with Auxiliary Sail.
• Previous experience in sail training and on traditionally rigged sailing vessels.
• First Aid knowledge, preferably with Red Cross certification. Advanced Medical training, e.g. Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT desired.
• Experience in wooden yacht vessel management and maintenance is required.
• Experience with finish work, specifically experienced with varnish.
• Strong attention to detail as it relates to safety at sea, sailing, and forward thinking wooden boat maintenance.
• Experience in small vessel radar operation.
• A strong teaching background along with the ability to work with young people. Experience working with, and managing, volunteers.
• Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays as needed, and ability to be away for extended periods of time.
• Ongoing clean Drug Test results required.

Physical and Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions: The nature of the work involved requires extended periods of time outdoors in all weather conditions and all seasons. Must be able to access boats, floats, bilges, vehicles, etc in a variety of vessels.

Because of the broad interests and variety of work expected of the Watercraft Preservation and Program Staff, much work outside the parameter of this job description is desirable and expected. Within limits set by their supervisor, employees are encouraged to become involved in aspects of the Watercraft Area that are not normally within the scope of their job description. Furthermore, interests related to the Watercraft Preservation and Program Area but not currently being accomplished can be considered.

This is a high profile position for a very visible vessel and program at Mystic Seaport. The incumbent interacts with a broad range of individuals including fellow staff, visitors, volunteers, trustees, vendors, clients, donors, etc. In all of these interactions, the reputation of Mystic Seaport Museum and the Watercraft Area are at stake. It is essential therefore that a high degree of professionalism be exhibited at all times.