I found this on a crew forum this morning, and as I was reading it I was thinking it had to be a joke.... but i think they are serious. Personally, you could not pay me enough to do this job...
"A friend has a 50' sailboat, wants a first mate to commit to 3 years, contract involved to sail around the world. Must be super-organized and good at multi-tasking. Positive attitude, cheery disposition and patience required for this position. Do not expect much help from Captain as he'll be busy do repairs on the boat.
Duties would involve:
planning, organizing everything from menus to researching and planning land points of interest, provisioning, storing and inventory of same; cooking, cleaning, laundry for Captain and self; When guests are aboard, act as hostess, bartender, cook, server and clean-up and laundering linens and preparation for next set of guests.
Sails will be set but will need adusting; must have HAM radio licence to contact various nets and communicate with weather routers, port authorities and other boats which can take up several hours per day, familiarity with electronic charts and radar, anchor locker chores (storing anchor). Cockpit should be cleaned several times daily when salty; helping on deck when needed; required to share watches with Captain - 3 hours on 3 off; answer emails related to guests, port information, etc.
Research duties: address of boat's national embassies in countries to visit; marine rules and procedures for each country to visit; dates of 'big events' in various countries (ie America's Cup, Cannes film fest, various carnivals, etc); co-ordinating arrivals/departures of guests and payment of same;
Although room and board are included, what kind of compensation should be offered to this crew member. I realize this boat is smaller than the usual for this forum, but I still need some idea please. "
One thing I have heard a lot of lately, and throughout the years in this industry is crew who will work for food and board on charter yachts. There are many around who will work for those and tips. I have never, ever, found that it is worthwhile and avoid if like the plague.
Invariably, the crew member who professed they were willing to do anything for very little changes their tune after a few weeks of back breaking 16 hour days, and then the list of things they don't want to do becomes longer. To a degree, you get this with paid crew in the industry as well, but at least you can terminate the working relationship and not feel guilty that this person is going to bad mouth you all over the place saying "you never paid them" (This does NOT apply to any of my crew by the way, just going on what I have heard...)
I have heard some funny things over the years from employees though... a couple winners
"You just make me do the garbage because you know I hate it"
"I was hired as a stewardess, not as a secretary (when asked to put stamps on brochures we were mailing out to brokers!)
My all time favorite though is the people who have no boating experience, and are on the boat for about twelve minutes and all of a sudden think they know more then the captain, indeed that they should be the captain... My husband always says a good captain makes it look easy, but when the shit hits the fan, the good captain has a chance in hell of getting you, the boat and the crew out with minimal damage.
Anyways, just thought that post was funny, I see jobs like that offered all the time, and someone WILL take it!
