CREW POSITIONS
POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
MATE:
… is either Coast Guard licensed, or has sufficient sea time for a license,
while possessing substantial experience in traditionally rigged vessels. The
Mate is responsible for every aspect of the deck, rig, and mechanical
equipment, as well as managing the crew, and standing watch. The Mate must
be the ultimate goodwill ambassador to our passengers and the public. A very
high standard of excellence must be maintained.
DECKHAND:
...is the assistant to the Mate on deck, with immediate responsibility for
the running rig, passenger safety and comfort, and standing watch. The deck
hand’s responsibilities are broadly defined and interpreted; stay flexible
at all times! Deckhands have at least a full season’s experience on large
traditional vessels, as well as a season with us as a steward.
CABIN STEWARD:
… is a sailing housekeeper, responsible for making bunks and ensuring a high
standard of cleanliness throughout the vessel. The Cabin Steward is a sailor
and a watch stander. Prior sailing experience helps, but is not required.
GALLEY STEWARD:
… a dishwashing sailor who is directly responsible to the cook. Some food
preparation is involved as well as set-up and clean up of meals. There are
some deck responsibilities, but no watch standing when passengers are
aboard. Sailing experience is not required, but a great attitude and the
stamina to work long hard hours are essential.
COOK:
Substantial restaurant or windjammer cooking experience is expected of
applicants. The Cook is nearly as responsible as Mother Nature for the
memories passengers will take home of the quality of their experience. The
Cook is not a watch stander, and deck duties are optional except in an
emergency. Sailing experience is not required, but a love of the sea
certainly helps.
MID SEASON RELIEVERS:
June 1st through Labor Day. The time period during which most college
students are available coincides with our greatest need for relief crew. We
sail seven day per week, but seek to arrange up to two days off per week for
the regular crew. There are two full time relievers who rotate through three
of the five positions, depending on their talents and experience.
With all the positions, personality is key. Each crewmember is not only a
sailor, but also a host and an educator with the responsibility for
delivering the best experience possible to our several thousand passengers.
You must be a “people person”. The crew becomes a very close-knit unit who
lives and work on board, sharing tight quarters while putting in very long
hours. This is not just a job, and it is not always an adventure either, but
an experience that both consumes you and becomes you the entire time you are
aboard. We are here to serve the schooner, the passengers, and ourselves, in
that order. Finally, this enriching experience must and will be a whole lot
of fun!
THE SEASONS:
The Spring Season – late February through mid June. One month of fitting out
the schooner at our dock in Mystic, followed by two months on the Hudson
River in New York, working with the Clearwater foundation, delivering
environmental educational cruises to school groups. We offer two cruises per
day with 50 students each cruise. Fortunately, we only house and feed our
crew and eight Clearwater educators. The rich variety of this experience is
that we change ports of operation every few days, and see much of one of
America’s great rivers. Each crewmember assists in the education program.
The Main Season – June 1st through November
15th. Sailing out of Mystic and the Chesapeake Bay, offering vacation
cruises of three hours to six days in length.
If you are interested in pursuing a position on the Mystic Whaler, please
fax or e-mail a resume as soon as possible, and list all of your work and
education experience, whether related to sailing or not. In the unfortunate
event that we do not have a position open immediately, we would like to keep
your resume on file in the event that we receive a request from another
schooner in need of crew. A week after you have sent your resume, call the
office 1-800-697-8420 to set up an interview. If travel is feasible, it is
best for all concerned to arrange a visit to the schooner.
As required by Federal Law, all crew must be enrolled in a random
drug-testing program, which is paid for by Mystic Whaler Cruises. As a
condition of employment, however, all crew must bring a certificate of
pre-employment drug screening, which is the employees responsibility. This
DOT/SAMSHA approved test can be administered by most hospitals and clinics,
and the cost averages $70.
The Mystic Whaler is an equal opportunity employer.
Many thanks for your interest in sailing with us!
John H. Eginton
Captain, Schooner Mystic Whaler
Box 189
Mystic, CT 06355
860-535-1577 (fax)
mysticwhaler@sbcglobal.net |
