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Host rating
75 %
Last replied
8 Mar 2026
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Description
This is a rare opportunity for someone who loves traditional wooden boats and hands-on craftsmanship. It is a 136-year-old sailing vessel maintained in excellent condition and operated by a small crew in a family-style environment. Some of our most valued volunteers have been women, and we welcome people from a variety of backgrounds who enjoy practical work and life on the water.
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in traditional boat maintenance and upkeep, including woodworking, painting, rope work, varnishing, general repairs, and other practical skills that help preserve a historic vessel. Working on the vessel is often compared to helping maintain a floating outdoor museum: the boat is old, but very much alive and actively sailed, maintained, and cared for.
Most of our time is spent in marinas or at anchor, carrying out maintenance projects, preparing for future voyages, supporting our charity activities, and enjoying life aboard. We do undertake occasional sailing passages between destinations, but we are not primarily looking for people who simply want to go sailing or island-hop. We prefer volunteers who are genuinely interested in learning about the care, operation, and preservation of a classic wooden vessel and who enjoy becoming part of the daily rhythm of life on board.
Volunteers should be able to work well with their hands, learn quickly, take initiative, and function without close supervision. We take turns cooking, eat well on board, and appreciate people who can contribute to a cooperative household atmosphere. Previous boating experience is welcome but not essential; enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn are far more important.
We strongly prefer people who are interested in longer-term volunteer opportunities, as there is a lot to learn and continuity is valuable for both the boat and the crew. Couples are welcome. Volunteers are asked to contribute a modest amount toward food and shared living expenses and are responsible for their own insurance and transportation to and from the boat.
This opportunity is best suited to mature, responsible people who are fit, in good health, and comfortable with a simple, hands-on lifestyle. It is not particularly suited to short-term travellers who are moving rapidly from one experience to the next. For those interested in traditional wooden vessels, restoration skills, or one day owning or managing a boat of their own, it offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and learn skills that are becoming increasingly rare.
Types of help and learning opportunities
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
DIY & crafts
Nature
Books
History
Sustainability
Charity work
Photography
Cooking & food
Writing
Carpentry
Sailing / Boating
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Life aboard the vessel offers the opportunity to learn practical skills that are becoming increasingly rare. Depending on your interests and the projects underway, you may gain experience in traditional wooden boat maintenance, woodworking, rope work, splicing, caulking, sail handling, basic mechanics, and many of the everyday skills involved in caring for a historic vessel.
For those interested in one day owning, restoring, or managing a boat of their own, the experience can provide valuable insight into the realities of life afloat and the responsibilities that come with it.
The cultural exchange goes far beyond the boat itself. Through our work in Indonesia and Malaysia, volunteers often have the opportunity to visit remote island communities, experience local cultures, and see parts of Southeast Asia that few travellers ever reach.
Many former volunteers have gone on to crew on other sailing vessels, participate in tall ship programs, volunteer with marine conservation organisations, or pursue their own boating adventures. Others simply value the opportunity to step away from the pace of modern life, spend time outdoors, work with their hands, and enjoy a simpler and more purposeful daily routine.
Above all, life on the vessel encourages self-reliance, responsibility, teamwork, and an appreciation for traditional skills, craftsmanship, and community.
Registered charity
This host is a registered charity in their country and is looking for volunteers to help with their project(s).
Help
Most volunteer activities involve the care and maintenance of our 136-year-old wooden sailing vessel. Tasks include sanding, varnishing, painting, rope work, cleaning, organizing supplies, and general upkeep. Previous experience is welcome but not required; a willingness to learn and enjoy practical work is far more important.
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in traditional wooden boats and maritime skills. Depending on current projects, volunteers may learn traditional techniques such as splicing rope, caulking decks, basic woodworking, sail handling, and even making our own natural beeswax wood treatments.
We prefer volunteers who can stay for at least three months, as many of these skills take time to learn and practice. Volunteers are asked to contribute a modest amount towards food and shared living expenses during their initial period on board.
If you enjoy working with your hands, learning traditional skills, and helping preserve a unique piece of maritime history, you will probably feel right at home here.
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Volunteers are provided with their own cabin on board, including bedding.
Life aboard a historic sailing vessel is comfortable but simple. As we are often at anchor or in remote locations, fresh water and electricity are sometimes limited and must be used thoughtfully. We encourage everyone on board to live responsibly, minimise waste, conserve resources, and help us reduce our environmental impact wherever possible.
What else ...
Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the boat and for maintaining appropriate travel and medical insurance throughout their stay.
There is no need to bring extensive luggage. Life aboard is generally very casual, and most days shorts, T-shirts, and practical work clothes are all that is required.
During time off, volunteers can explore local towns and markets, enjoy beaches and island life, go kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or simply relax on board. Depending on our location, there are often opportunities to visit local communities and experience parts of Southeast Asia that few travellers get to see.
Because we often spend extended periods in remote locations with limited access to medical facilities and pharmacies, volunteers should be in good general health and able to live independently without regular medical support. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate people who require ongoing specialist treatment, regular prescription medication that may be difficult to obtain locally, or special dietary requirements.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Heyou & Sisi.
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