2 Weeks Before the Mast

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

ashley headrig

Our Two Weeks Before the Mast program is an opportunity to experience the life of a tall ship sailor. For two weeks, you’ll live aboard one of our vessels learning the basics of knots, sail theory, traditional and modern maintenance skills, and maritime history.

No two experiences are the same. To read about past volunteers’ experiences in this unique program, click here, watch the trailer for the documentary The Passage, and check out  Baggy Wrinkles, a series of comics created by tall ship sailor Lucy Bellwood.

Baggy Wrinkles
For an idea of what your experience as a Two Weeks Before the Mast sailor will be like, check out tall ship sailor/cartoonist Lucy Bellwood’s comics about her experience coming aboard. Baggy Wrinkles »

Here’s how to apply:

Consult our public sail schedule to browse upcoming ports and dates. You can also review the latest information on available slots. Complete the online volunteer intake form OR

  1. Download (PDF) and read through the application packet.
  2. Email us or call 800-200-5239 if you have questions.
  3. Fill out and submit your application via email, fax, or U.S. mail.
  4. Once your application has been processed and approved, we will contact you to schedule your time aboard.

The program fee is $500.

Scholarships are available to assist with program costs.

Read stories of lives changed by Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain »

Optional documents: Volunteer Sail Training Handbook (PDF), How to Avoid Seasickness (PDF)

For information on this unique two-week experience living and working aboard a tall ship, email volunteer@historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.

“Two Weeks” spots available as of 5/24/13 on Lady Washington
6/9/13 – 6/23/13 Pasco, WA to Stevenson, WA 1 spot available
8/18/13 – 9/1/13 Port Orchard, WA to Kirkland, WA 1 spot available
10/13/13 – 10/27/13 Oakland, CA to Half Moon Bay, CA 2 spots available
10/27/13 – 11/10/13 Half Moon Bay, CA to Moss Landing, CA 2 spots available
11/10/13 – 11/24/13 Moss Landing, CA to Oxnard, CA 2 spots available
11/24/13 – 12/8/13 Oxnard, CA to Long Beach, CA 2 spots available
12/8/13 – 12/22/13 Long Beach, CA to San Pedro, CA 2 spots available
12/22/13 – 1/5/14 San Pedro, CA to Redondo Beach, CA 2 spots available
“Two Weeks” spots available as of 5/24/13 on Hawaiian Chieftain
6/9/13 – 6/23/13 Pasco, WA to Stevenson, WA 2 spots available
6/23/13 – 7/7/13 Stevenson, WA to Aberdeen, WA 1 spot available
8/18/13 – 9/1/13 Port Orchard, WA to Kirkland, WA 2 spots available
10/13/13 – 10/27/13 Oakland, CA to Sacramento, CA 2 spots available
10/27/13 – 11/10/13 Sacramento, CA 2 spots available
11/10/13 – 11/24/13 Sacramento, CA 2 spots available
11/24/13 – 12/8/13 Sacramento, CA 2 spots available
12/8/13 – 12/22/13 Sacramento, CA to San Pedro, CA 2 spots available
12/22/13 – 1/5/14 San Pedro, CA to Redondo Beach, CA 2 spots available

Note: The lists above refer to spots available. If a date’s not listed, it’s not available.