At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair boats to ensure safe sailing for our disabled members.
- Company: Join a passionate team at the Disabled Sailing Association.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, make a difference, and enjoy sailing opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused charity making waves in accessibility.
- Why this job: Your skills will empower over 300 disabled sailors to enjoy the freedom of sailing.
- Qualifications: Experience in boat maintenance and strong DIY skills are essential.
Do you love working with your hands and keeping boats in shipshape condition?
Our bosun’s team is looking for a 3rd volunteer with lived experience in boat maintenance.
They perform basic tasks on our two 38ft yachts moored at Town Dock, Torquay.
What difference will you make?
- Unlocks life‑changing experiences – Your skills directly keep our yachts on the water up to seven days a week (April–November), giving over 300 disabled members, sail supporters and crew the freedom to sail.
- Champions safety and accessibility – You will maintain the vital, custom modifications that allow our members to sail safely and confidently.
- Protects our community – By ensuring our fleet is perfectly seaworthy and legally compliant, you create a safe environment for everyone on board.
- Drives our winter transformation – During the winter season, you will help lead the crucial winter repairs, servicing and support crew training that sets us up for success.
- Keeps our charity afloat – Your hands‑on expertise saves the charity vital funds, ensuring our limited resources go directly toward supporting our members.
This is a team member role, not a Trustee role.
What are we looking for?
- Practical Boat Maintenance Experience – Proven, hands‑on history of working on boats, understanding marine hardware, or maintaining watercraft.
- Strong DIY & Technical Skills – Confidence using hand/power tools and troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, or structural issues.
- Resourcefulness – A proactive problem‑solver dedicated to maintaining the safety and accessibility of our boats.
What will you be doing?
Our yachts are DSA Freedom (Beneteau Oceanis) and DSA Free Spirit 2 (Bavaria C38).
They sail up to 7 days a week, weather permitting.
Basic maintenance tasks include servicing the engine, changing oil, changing impeller, sea water filter and hoses as necessary, renewing lines/warps, carrying out regular safety checks, and other basic maintenance activities.
Electrical skills would be helpful.
Major maintenance works such as changing drive leg seals will be done by professional marine service companies.
Join a dedicated team committed to supporting high availability of both of our 38ft cruisers, which is paramount in our mission to provide ‘safe & affordable sailing' for the disabled.
You will also have the opportunity to sail, subject to availability.
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Boat Handyperson-Disabled Sailing Assoc. - Volunteer in Torquay employer: Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK
As a Sail Scheduling Administrator, you will join a passionate team dedicated to providing safe and affordable sailing experiences for disabled members. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility and empathy, allowing you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the camaraderie of a supportive community. With opportunities for personal growth and the chance to engage directly with our members, this role offers a rewarding experience in a unique and fulfilling environment.
Contact Details:
Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Boat Handyperson-Disabled Sailing Assoc. - Volunteer in Torquay
✨Join Local Trade Associations
Connecting with local trade associations can be a game changer for volunteering in skilled trades. They often have resources, job boards, and can help match you with volunteer opportunities where you can gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections.
✨Attend Community Workshops
Check out community workshops or trade fairs in your area. These events are not only great for networking but can also lead to volunteering opportunities. Plus, you get the chance to show off your skills and learn from seasoned professionals.
✨Pitch Your Skills Creatively
When reaching out to organisations, don’t just say you want to volunteer. Highlight what you bring to the table! Whether it’s carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, make it clear how your skills can help them. We want to see you shine!
✨Connect with Local Non-Profits
Many non-profits are always on the lookout for skilled tradespeople to assist with their projects. By collaborating with them, you not only serve the community but can also build your portfolio. Don’t forget to check in regularly—we all know that persistence pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Boat Handyperson-Disabled Sailing Assoc. - Volunteer in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Trade Skills:When applying for a skilled trades volunteer role at Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK, make sure to highlight your specific skills related to the trade. Use examples from your past experience where you’ve successfully completed relevant projects or tasks. Whether you're a whizz with tools or can craft beautifully, let your skills shine on your CV!
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any certifications or completed training relevant to your trade, don’t hold back! These documents can really set you apart. Include them as attachments or mention them in your CV to show you're committed to your craft and are ready to bring even more value to the Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK team.
Express Your Motivation and Commitment:In your cover letter, it’s essential to share what motivates you to volunteer in the skilled trades at Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK. Talk about your passion for the trade and how you hope to grow through this experience. Volunteering requires dedication, so let them know you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved!
Tailor Your CV for Each Application:Avoid using a one-size-fits-all CV. When you’re applying to Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK, tweak your CV to match the specific requirements of the skilled trades role. Focus on relevant experiences and skills that relate to the voluntary tasks. A customised CV shows your genuine interest and commitment to the opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
In skilled trades, having hands-on experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects or any relevant volunteer work. Bringing along a portfolio of your work or even photos of past projects can really help you stand out.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Since you’re applying for a volunteer role in skilled trades, they might want you to demonstrate your skills on-site. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to fix something or show how you'd approach a task. Brush up on your techniques and be ready to get your hands dirty!
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, they're looking not just for skills, but also for enthusiasm and a commitment to learning. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in the past or any new techniques you've recently learned. This shows that you’re eager to contribute and grow.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools and Safety Practices
It’s important to know the specific tools and safety protocols relevant to the trades you'll be involved in. Before your interview with Disabled Sailing Association Torquay UK, make sure you’re up to date with the latest safety regulations and tools in use in your field. This shows your professionalism and serious commitment.
