Sloop Clearwater Calls for Volunteers

Volunteers needed for April and May

Sloop Clearwater

Each week of the sailing season (generally mid-April to mid-November), four to 6 volunteers augment the Clearwater's permanent crew. During their week-long stay, volunteer crew members live aboard the sloop and assist the permanent crew in teaching, sailing, boat maintenance, and daily chores. Our educators and sailing crew provide training in areas of volunteer involvement ranging from taking the helm to guiding an eager group of 5th graders through simple water chemistry tests. As representatives of Clearwater, volunteers are often called upon to answer questions and explain our mission to our many visitors. Prior experience in sailing or teaching is helpful, but not required. However, a love for the Hudson and a commitment to cleaner, healthier water systems and a more environmentally aware public are a must!

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and talents, ages 12 and older. Volunteers 16 to 18 years old must have written permission from a parent or guardian. Children 12 to 15 years old may crew only if accompanied by a parent or guardian. (Requests from families are frequently received, and parent/child teams are accepted. However, it is unusual for more than 2 members of a family to be chosen for any one week.) Inevitably, we receive more applications than we have spaces to fill. The volume of applications is highest in summer, and lowest in early spring and late fall. An individual's chances of being chosen vary accordingly. Please submit applications at least 8-10 weeks in advance of desired sailing dates.

We require that all those accepted as volunteer crew be official, dues-paying members of the Clearwater organization, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement that goes deeper and lasts longer than a week on board. Other than membership dues, the only fee required is a $45 contribution to help defray the food expenses for the week, payable upon acceptance. Those selected, and a few individuals comprising a list of alternates, are notified 3-6 weeks in advance of their crewing dates. Once acceptance is confirmed, we will provide volunteers with a guide of what to expect and what to bring.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., is a not for profit, membership-supported, environmental education and action organization working towards the restoration and protection of the Hudson River and adjoining waterways. Since 1969, Clearwater has operated the 106' replica of a 19th century packet sloop, the Clearwater, offering education programs and waterfront festivals along the Hudson from Albany to New York Harbor, Northern New Jersey and Long Island Sound.

For more information, call Shelley Berlincourt or Sarah Slack at 845-454-7673, or e-mail at shelly@clearwater.org.

Clearwater's Home Page

Clearwater Volunteer Application