Mate / Engineer - Temporary / Seasonal - France
We are assembling a small team to support the spring 2026 testing and preparation phase of a custom aluminum expedition yacht ahead of a planned voyage to Svalbard in summer 2026. This is a volunteer, non-commercial opportunity suited to sailors and technically minded crew who want experience with expedition-style operations.
Safety, professionalism, and clear communication are core values on board. English is the working language for all operational matters, but fluency is not required—basic conversational English is sufficient. French is helpful during the refit period in Brest, but not essential.
We will conduct several rounds of sea trials, from day outings to week-long cruises. Crew are not expected to join every trial; participants will be contacted ahead of each outing to confirm availability.
Work includes system testing, watchkeeping, and helping refine procedures following a refit in Brest. This is not a leisure cruise. We are looking for reliable, collaborative people with skills in sailing, engineering, and electrical or mechanical troubleshooting.
What’s in it for you:
These preparation sails offer hands-on experience with a custom expedition yacht during a refit and testing cycle — a rare opportunity to work on systems, procedures, and offshore routines in a high-latitude context. Crew will gain meaningful sea time, exposure to technical problem-solving, and insight into how an expedition campaign is organized. Participants may request a professional reference, logbook sign-off, or documentation of their contribution.
Strong contributors may be considered for future Ice Frontiers expeditions.
Applicants are encouraged to research the Ice Frontiers project. Our newsletter provides the most current overview of the mission, current progress, and long-term objectives.
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