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Our programs

Floating Classroom

Educator/deckhands work with the students to set sails, haul in the trawl net and experience the wonders of Long Island Sound. Most of the floating classrooms are environmental science bases where students examine first hand the rich diversity of life above and below the sea surface. Other programs focus on the physical sciences to explain how and why the 32-ton boat can float. All programs impart a sense of respect for Long Island Sound's systems, an awareness of human impact upon them, and a challenge to participants to act to preserve the Sound. Program is taught throughout the year. 

SoundWaters Schooner Summer Camp

One week programs offering equal parts sailing, ecology, maritime skills and fun. Each educator leads a watch of students. The week leads up to an overnight camping experience on a local island. Program taught in summer.

Adventure on the Sound

Adventure on the Sound is a three-day, curriculum intensive, leadership and teambuilding experience aboard the schooner SoundWaters. Students board the vessel from her homeport of Stamford, Connecticut and use SoundWaters’ unique abilities as a shallow draft sailing ship to explore local islands, shore sites and Long Island Sound. From the beginning, students are involved in and responsible for all aspects of operations. While handling docklines and sails, steering and navigating students learn the value of working together, of recognizing and supporting good leadership, and in taking leadership roles both on board the ship and in their lives at home. Students are encouraged, through daily feedback and discussion time, to set personal goals and achieve them and to recognize leadership skill in others.

In addition to the above programs, SoundWaters sails with adults, community groups, private charters, and custom programs. She is busy from April into November.

The Crew

The SoundWaters crew consists of a Captain, Mate, Head Educator, and 5 educator/deckhands. Each position has different professional and educational criteria, but all share some important qualifications. SoundWaters works with diverse groups of young people from all over the Long Island Sound area. On any given day we might sail with inner city youth who have never seen Long Island Sound; later that day with students from an affluent middle school. The next day preparing for a multi-day program. Flexibility and the demonstrated ability to work with all sorts of groups are critical. Training in Wilderness EMT, First Responder, First Aid, lifeguarding, and skills such as woodworking or welding are advantageous, but not requires

Living Aboard

SoundWaters makes a comfortable home for her crew of eight. Sleeping arrangements are in the main cabin. The galley and saloon are located in the same compartment. Be prepared to live in close quarters with others and to work together to make life aboard enjoyable. All crew share in cooking and cleaning responsibilities, ship maintenance, and other onboard duties.

Each crewmember has a bunk and a small storage area. Showers are available in all ports we visit. Laundry and other facilities are widely available. New York City is only an hour’s train ride from SoundWaters’ home dock and local activities include running or hiking in local parks, bicycling and roller blading.

Benefits

Working aboard SoundWaters offers hands on experiential learning and teaching opportunities. After having worked with such a broad range of groups, educators leave SoundWaters with the confidence to address any group anywhere. Past crew members have gone on to earn their AB’s, captains licenses or to direct educational programs. Two weeks of intensive training start out the season. The training covers all aspects of shipboard curricula including plankton, salt marshes, water quality testing, benthic communities, and marine macrofauna plus instruction in sail theory, sail handling, navigation, fire fighting, safety, and more. Crew receive Red Cross First Aid and CPR training and CT Small Boating Certificates. During the season there is in-service training to add to or refine the training acquired at the beginning of the year. SoundWaters offers competitive pay, generous food allowance and opportunities to earn additional income for private charters and public sails.

Application Process

The SoundWaters season begins with outfitting in mid-march. A full crew is in place by the beginning of April. Some of the crew will stay with us straight through the end of the season in November; others will stay for 4-5 months and new crew will be hired. The application form can be found here.

The application consists of:

• A completed SoundWaters application form, with supporting documentation (copies of mariner’s documents, licenses, CPR/First Aid/Lifeguard cards, etc.)
• A cover letter and current resume
• 2 Completed reference forms

SoundWaters seeks energetic, qualified applicants without preference to race, color, religion, sexual preference, national origin, gender, age, disability, or veteran status. All people are encouraged to apply.

Mail to:

Captain Justin Cathcart • SoundWaters • 1281 Cove Road • Stamford, CT 06902

203-406-3310• fax: 203-967-8306 • jcathcart@soundwaters.org

www.soundwaters.org