Be part of something - Extraordinary
Volunteering with The Excelsior Trust is a unique opportunity to step into Britain’s living maritime heritage while making a real difference. Whether you're lending a hand during Excelsior’s winter refit, supporting heritage boat maintenance in the yard, helping archive and digitise historic records in our Heritage Hub, or assisting with events and outreach — there’s a role for everyone. No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to get involved, learn, and share your time with a passionate and supportive team. You’ll gain practical skills, meet new people, and play a vital part in preserving the legacy of one of the UK’s most important working vessels.
Winter Refit Volunteers
Excelsior Winter Refit Team
- Role: Hands-on support maintaining and preparing the vessel over the winter.
- Tasks: Sanding, painting, rigging checks, cleaning, minor repairs, sail handling.
- Skills Needed: None required – training provided.
- Ideal For: Practical individuals, sailing enthusiasts, retirees, students.
Yard Support Volunteers
Role: Help in the daily running and upkeep of the Excelsior Yard.
Tasks: Light maintenance, mooring support, boat handling, lifting assistance, tool checks.
Skills Needed: DIY skills helpful, but enthusiasm is most important.
Ideal For: Local volunteers, maritime enthusiasts, those seeking trade exposure.
Heritage Centre
Help Launch & Support our new Heritage Centre. We are looking for wide range of skills to support the introduction and development of our new Heritage Centre. This will include heritage training and traditional skills, office based and digital skills development and admin support services - Experience not required but... helpful.
Lend us your time!
The trust exists to enthuse the next generation with knowledge and excitement about how our heritage links to our future - Join in.
Heritage Centre Support
Role: Support our digital heritage work and educational archive.
Tasks: Scanning documents, photo archiving, digital tagging, cataloguing artefacts.
Skills Needed: Basic computer literacy (training provided).
Ideal For: History students, archivists, volunteers interested in tech & heritage.
Voyage Support & Onboard Hosts
Role: Assist with logistics, prep, and possibly crewing during sailing experiences.
Tasks: Kit distribution, briefings, welcome support, basic galley help, passenger liaison.
Skills Needed: Good with people, experience with groups or youth helpful.
Ideal For: Friendly, organised volunteers who love working with the public.
Events and Outreach Volunteers
Role: Represent the Trust at public events, open days, and education sessions.
Tasks: Staffing stalls, handing out leaflets, speaking about the Trust, engaging visitors.
Skills Needed: Enthusiasm and confidence in speaking to the public.
Ideal For: Ambassadors, students, those passionate about community engagement.
Your Skill & Experience Matters
Be part of a charity that makes a difference.
Fundraising & Admin Support
Role: Help behind the scenes with our vital fundraising and communications.
Tasks: Mailing, database updates, drafting thank-you letters, campaign support.
Skills Needed: Admin or office skills helpful.
Ideal For: Those who prefer an indoor/helping-from-home role.
Media, Photography & Content Creation
Role: Capture the life and work of the Trust for social media and records.
Tasks: Filming, photography, editing, storytelling, digital content uploads.
Skills Needed: Creative eye, media software experience (optional).
Ideal For: Creatives, student filmmakers, bloggers, and photographers.
Volunteers, Mentors Youth Engagement
Role: Support new, younger volunteers with onboarding and learning.
Tasks: Informal mentoring, supervision on sessions, helping young people feel welcome.
Skills Needed: Experience with youth or peer support.
Ideal For: Former trainees, teachers, youth workers, experienced volunteers.
