Can you take the helm of the finances of Brixham's most iconic sailing vessel? Vigilance needs a new trustee to lead on all financial matters. Please read on to discover more about this key role in conserving this stunning historic vessel.
What difference will you make?
The role of Treasurer is utterly fundamental to the success of the whole venture. Our retiring finance lead doesn't himself sail, but has been driven by an overriding wish to see Vigilance's red sails continue to grace the Bay, for years and decades to come. We hope the next person to fill this role - whether sailing or not - will find that aspiration enough to drive success.
What are we looking for?
Besides key skills that include accountancy and financial management, experience of obtaining and managing Lottery and other charitable grants would be very useful.
What will you be doing?
Launched in 1926, Vigilance is an historic Brixham sailing trawler, the last built by Upham's boatyard, one of only two remaining in Brixham, and seven in the world, from the hundreds that once formed the fleet. After many years in use, and numerous repairs, she underwent major works at the historic No 1 Slip in Devonport, the yard of W. Stirling and Sons, to save her for the next hundred years. The principle phase of work, to rebuild the frame, hull and deck costing £1.6 million, was funded by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (£1,120,000); the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£250,000) and other private donations. Needless to say this enormous project requires a considerable amount of skilled financial expertise, planning and control, and our new trustee will be central to this. Vigilance returned to Brixham in spring 2025, beginning a period of fitting out and crew training, after which Vigilance will once again take visitors and others out to sea under sail, and when in port be open to non-sailing visitors. Although all activities are undertaken by volunteers, costs remain significant, and ongoing financial management is vital to success both for day to day running and to cope with future repair and maintenance needs. Our new trustee will be key to ensuring that we achieve this success. Of great importance is the ability to navigate the world of Lottery and other charitable finance, and ideally to have a feel for heritage projects, their value and the reasons they exist. It goes without saying that budgetary planning and financial control are key to the role. We have a recently recruited financial volunteer who undertakes day to day financial tasks and administration, and our outgoing treasurer will continue to be available for induction and advice to ensure a smooth start for his successor. Our new Treasurer will be central to our success as Vigilance embarks on her second century.