Sailor Seeking Opportunities
Hi, I’m Will. I’m from the United States and live in Charlottesville, Virginia. I recently completed my ASA 104 Bareboat Cruising certification in the Ionian Islands. I’m now looking for opportunities to keep sailing, build meaningful sea miles, and develop into a more experienced and dependable crew member.
I’m interested in joining a boat as competent crew, deckhand, delivery crew, watchkeeper, or assistant first mate. I’m open to recreational cruising, yacht deliveries, longer passages, and suitable paid positions. I’m still building my sailing experience, so I’m not looking to present myself as an expert. I’m looking for a safe and well-run boat where I can contribute, learn from an experienced skipper, and gradually take on more responsibility.
My recent sailing training and experience have included:
Helming under sail and power
Sail handling, trimming, reefing, tacking, and jibing
Anchoring, mooring, docking, and line handling
Coastal navigation and passage planning
Crew-overboard procedures
Weather awareness and heavy-weather preparation
Boat systems, safety equipment, and daily vessel checks
Crew communication and general life aboard
My goal is not simply to collect miles. I want to become a genuinely capable sailor. I’m particularly interested in improving my navigation, sail trim, docking, night watches, passage planning, weather interpretation, anchoring techniques, onboard systems knowledge, and ability to make good decisions while underway.
I also hold PADI Open Water Diver certification and have been certified as an EMT-Basic. Although I am not presenting myself as a current onboard medical professional, my EMT training gave me practical experience in first aid, patient assessment, emergency response, and remaining calm in stressful situations. Combined with my diving and sailing training, it has given me a strong respect for preparation, safety procedures, and clear communication around the water.
Outside sailing, I studied at the University of Virginia and have a varied professional background that I believe translates well to working aboard a yacht. I spent many years in the hospitality industry, working in roles including bartending, serving, restaurant operations, and restaurant management. I understand guest service, teamwork, food and beverage service, maintaining clean and organized spaces, and staying calm and professional during busy or demanding situations.
More recently, I helped found and build a transportation technology company and worked in a senior leadership role supporting customers and partners across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The role involved extensive international travel, managing relationships, solving operational problems, working with people from many cultures, and taking responsibility when things did not go according to plan. I recently stepped away from the company and am now in a position to dedicate more time to sailing and developing practical experience at sea.
Because of my background, I’m comfortable communicating with guests, owners, captains, and crew. I’m organized, adaptable, commercially aware, and used to taking initiative. I also understand that aboard a boat, titles and previous business experience are much less important than being helpful, respectful, reliable, and willing to do the work.
I’m happy to assist with:
Sailing, watches, and line handling
Cleaning, laundry, and general housekeeping
Deck washing and basic maintenance
Cooking simple meals and helping with provisioning
Bartending, food service, and guest hospitality
Organizing supplies and equipment
Administrative or technology-related tasks
Any other reasonable duties needed to keep the boat running well
I’m easygoing and social, but I also respect personal space and quiet time. I’m accustomed to traveling for extended periods, adapting to unfamiliar environments, and spending time with small teams. I enjoy meeting people from different countries and backgrounds and would like to join a crew that values good communication, mutual respect, safety, and a positive atmosphere aboard.
I’m especially interested in sailing around Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, France, and the wider Mediterranean, although I’m open to other destinations, deliveries, and longer passages for the right opportunity. I would also consider Atlantic crossings or other offshore passages once the skipper feels my current experience is appropriate for the role.
For paid opportunities, I’m interested in junior deckhand, crew, hospitality, or combined deck-and-interior positions where I can continue learning. I’m also open to reasonable mile-building arrangements, provided the route, costs, responsibilities, safety standards, sleeping arrangements, and expectations are discussed clearly beforehand.
I’m physically capable, fluent in English, comfortable working hard, and happy to help with both the enjoyable and less glamorous
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