How would you like to spend four to six months working on a traditional sailing vessel in Maine? Whether you’re someone looking for a six-month adventure or a person looking to make a career in the sailing/maritime industry, working aboard a windjammer can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. You’ll meet people from all walks of life, gain self-confidence through honest labor, and see the beauty of natural Maine first-hand as you learn to sail an historic nineteenth century vessel.
Windjammers offer multi-night cruises sailing out to the islands of Maine. Each vessel takes pride in hosting adventurous travelers who become part of our Windjammer family. As crew, you are a host as well. The windjammers look for crew who can socialize with guests, are team players, and will go above and beyond to insure that each guest feels welcome. Additionally, of course, each crew member will be responsible for insuring the safety of themselves, other crew and our guests while on board.
There are entry-level positions, skilled mariner positions, and culinary positions on board. Cruising begins in late May and ends in late September or mid-October. Outfitting season begins in April. We can only hire U.S. citizens.
Deck crew:
This tends to be an entry-level position with lots of on-the-job training, however some sailing or boating experience is required! Deckhands work long days cleaning, sailing and maintaining the schooner as well as conversing with guests. Deckhands need to be physically fit and willing to work aloft. Deck crew are also involved with daily maintenance of the boat and rigging and work to keep the vessel clean at all times. Deck crew must have a strong work ethic and take pride in a job well done.
Messmate:
This also tends to be an entry-level position. The mess-mate assists the cook in preparing meals, as well as being charged with keeping the galley and eating areas clean. The messmate will become a highly-skilled dishwasher by season’s end, but also has opportunities to help the deck crew, learn to sail the boat, develop skills such as working with ropes and lines, and visit the islands of mid-coast Maine.
First -Mate:
Each boat has a first-mate who works with the deck crew in all aspects of sailing, cleaning, and maintaining the boat. Previous large-boat sailing experience is required. Ideally the mate has a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard license.
Chef: The chef is the heart of the vessel! Each boat looks for someone who is not only a great cook, but is an organized planner. The cook is responsible for menuing, provisioning, and creating delicious meals, baked goods, appetizers and desserts. All food preparation is done by hand and many of the vessels use a wood-burning cookstove.
Qualifications:
All crew must be U.S. citizens.
The Windjammers are U.S. Coast Guard certified vessels. As such, all crew must pass a pre-employment drug test and random drug tests throughout the season.
These are live-aboard positions. Each crew will have their own bunk and get to enjoy Windjammer meals all season long!
No matter which position you work in, this is a physical job. Crew members are constantly moving, lifting, and pulling! The work hours each day are long. Add that to the effects of being outdoors all day, and our crew do get tired!
Crew must understand that time off is limited! Cruises are scheduled back to back, sometimes with a day between trips, sometimes only a few hours.
Priority will be given to those who can commit to the full season. Most captains need crew who can begin in April to start outfitting their boat and can stay through October to finish down-rigging. We understand that not everyone can commit to this whole period, but we’re looking for people who can!
Interested? You can send an email to all of the captains at once using this contact form. Please include which position you’re interested in (deck crew? galley crew? chef?), your dates of availability, and an overview of your previous work experience.
You can also learn more about each vessel and their hiring needs on their individual websites (via our fleet page.)
