Frequently Asked Questions

·                    ‘Is there an age limit for applicants?’ 

Applicants need to be 18-50 years old. The Training Course is challenging, both academically and physically and all applicants must have a good fitness level.

·                    ‘What do you expect in the ‘letter of introduction’?

This is a covering letter from you, in which you can tell us briefly about your background, education, sailing experience, hobbies and interests etc.

·                    ‘Where will I be living during the six-month course?’

On board one of our three ships. From day one you will be immersed in the world of Traditional Seamanship. That includes living and working aboard ships, in harbour or at sea.

·                    ‘Where is Charlestown?’

Charlestown is a very small village on the outskirts of St. Austell, Cornwall.  The village has two pubs, Post Office/general store/newsagent and a few souvenir shops. The nearest supermarket, dry cleaners/laundromat is less than a mile away. The town centre of St Austell has all the usual shops, cinemas, library, chemists, clinics, bus and rail stations and is about one and a half miles away. There is an infrequent bus service between Charlestown and St Austell.

·                    ‘Who are the other trainees likely to be?’

People from all over the world, of all ages and backgrounds, all interested in learning Traditional Seamanship and experiencing life aboard a working Square-Rigger. Our selection process is rigorous and aimed at recruiting a group of sincere, motivated and enthusiastic trainees irrespective of age, gender or nationality.

·                    ‘What career opportunities are there for a Square Sail certified AB?’

Successful trainees are awarded a Certificate of Competence in Square Rig, issued jointly by Square Sail Shipyard and Falmouth College. This will assist you in seeking employment primarily as professional crew aboard any Square or Fore‘n’aft rigged ship. Opportunities also exist in sail training, yacht charter, marinas, shipyards, sail lofts, chandleries etc. Square Sail will assist with advice and contacts but obviously cannot guarantee employment to our graduates.

·                    ‘Will I get any time off during the six-month course?’

Yes. During the initial 8 weeks shore based instruction you will ‘work’ regular five day weeks, from 08h00 to 17h00 with a half hour break at 10h00 for tea and at 13h00 for lunch. The weekend is usually your own, unless we schedule some necessary work or training on a Saturday or Sunday. Once the ships ‘go to sea’ in early May you work every day but usually get time off in lieu of weekends when the ships are in port. Sundays at sea are ‘make and mend days’ with light duties, weather permitting.

You may take time off at any stage, with prior arrangement with Square Sail, to attend to urgent/important personal matters or to receive medical treatment.

·                    ‘Will all the training/instruction be done at Charlestown?’

No. The bulk of the lectures and training is done at Charlestown either in the ‘Trainee Workshop’ or aboard the ships but some lectures may be given to trainees at Polruan whilst they are involved in dry-dock work there. Most of the optional modules will be taught externally either at St Austell College, Falmouth College or by Sea-Fish Industry in Plymouth. Transport for trainees to these external venues is provided.

·                    ‘Besides the course fees, what will the additional costs be?’

The RYA Powerboat level 1+2 will cost approx. £150. The First Aid Course costs £40. The Vhf GMDSS course approximately £50. The Sea Survival Course is included in you course fees. You may also need to buy foul weather gear £70- 250, boots £28. A seaman’s knife and spike will cost £25-50, depending on what you prefer, additional tools allow another £25. (You will make quite a number of your tools as part of the instruction).

 ·                     ‘What do I need to bring with me?’

Once registered as a trainee you will be sent a ‘Packing List’.  Please do not bring more clothing or personal effects than are listed as storage space aboard is very limited.  If you have any certificates relating to marine activities, bring photocopies of these. If you need a prescribed medicine, either bring an adequate supply or your doctors prescription.