Application
Click here to submit your Apprentice Application online, or click here for the Apprentice Application in pdf form.
Please note that we strongly encourage you to submit your application online, as it results in a shorter processing time.
What Is an Apprentice?
An apprentice, by definition, is someone who works for little or no money in exchange for the opportunity to learn a skill or trade. On Clearwater, apprentices are hired by the captains to complement the skills of the paid crew. The position lasts for one calendar month, during which the two apprentices live and work aboard the sloop alongside the professional crew. They participate in all crew activities, including sailing, maintenance and education, and are given the opportunity to contribute their own special talents to the overall effort.
- Sailing apprenticeships run monthly from April 1 through October 31; sailing apprentices receive a stipend of $75 per five-day workweek, plus room and full board.
- Winter maintenance apprenticeships run monthly from November 1 through March 31; winter apprentices receive $100 per five-day workweek, plus room and limited board.
Who Can Be An Apprentice?
An Apprentice can be anyone 16 years and older, who is physically and mentally willing and able to work outdoors eight to ten hours a day. Prior sailing or teaching experience is not required. In compliance with United States Coast Guard regulations, apprentices will be required to pass a urine drug screen before beginning work, and will be subject to random drug testing throughout the duration of their apprenticeship. Testing positive for illegal drugs in the pre-employment drug test will result in the withdrawal of apprenticeship offer.
What Kinds Of Skills Are Important On The Sloop?
Ability and willingness to do a variety of jobs, rain or shine. These can include basic household chores, basic seamanship, line handling of running rigging and dock lines, and teaching students a variety of environmental and shipboard subjects.- Ability to work and live cooperatively in close quarters with the rest of the crew, in calm or stressful conditions.
- Enthusiasm and ability to learn new things quickly.
- Enthusiasm and ability to interact intelligently with passengers and the public.
Also handy are skills in:
- sailing
- traditional maritime crafts
- education, environmental science or activism
- woodworking
- music
- first aid/first responder (certifications are highly useful)
Tips For Applying:
- Apply early.
- Keep us informed of changes in your availability and how to reach you.
- The months of June, July and August are highly competitive; we recommend prior experience on board as a volunteer or, at a minimum, a day spent aboard and an interview in person. Applicants for other months stand a better chance of being selected.
- Winter maintenance apprenticeships can be less competitive though no less rewarding, but the applicant must be prepared for working outside in winter weather. The winter apprenticeships also offer the possibility of one months’ extension.
- In any event, we suggest that if possible, you arrange to visit the sloop, either during the sailing season or in Saugerties during the winter maintenance period, and meet with one of the captains and acquaint yourself with this unconventional job and living situation before committing to a full month on board.
Please return completed pdf or printed application to:
Captains, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
724 Wolcott Ave.
Beacon, NY 12508
Other ways to get involved with the boat:
There are several ways, in addition to sailing apprenticeships, to get involved more deeply with the boat and our acclaimed education programs, variable according to how much time you have available to commit and what your interests are. Come and volunteer for one week onboard the sloop; apply to become a week-long youth intern; or a one to two-month long education intern.
