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Description
UPDATE: we are currently full until February at least - but you are welcome to drop a line to register future interest.
We'll try to answer every message, please forgive delays as we are quite busy and receive many requests. Thanks for your understanding 😊
We (Nico, Belgium & Julia, Spain) are currently renovating a sailboat to conduct marine environmental research. The sailboat is a 51ft (16m) aluminium schooner built in 1983 and is currently moored in La Ràpita on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, south of Tarragona. She is in great need for a refit. In 2023/2024 we replaced the standing rigging (=all the cables holding the masts in place), as well as important transformations to the deck and cockpit. From September to November 2024 we are planning to replace all windows, fix the keel, finish the cockpit, and repaint the hull. In winter 2024/2025 we will insulate the boat, upgrade the electrical systems and initiate the woodwork.
Nico is a sailor and environmental scientist specialised in ecosystem restoration. Julia is a molecular biologist specialised in proteomics as well as an artist and science illustrator.
We have already hosted more than a dozen volunteers on this project, and hope many are still to join us!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
DIY and building projects
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are located right next to the quiet town of La Ràpita, which has plenty of cafes, restaurants, ice cream places etc while being away from the hordes of tourists. This would be perfect for an immersion in Catalan/Spanish culture.
We will be happy to teach you about boat renovation. You will gain good insights into how a boat works and sails, however do not expect to go out sailing - we will spend all our time in harbour until the boat is fixed. But you will have the opportunity to learn about the technical sides of boat building, and maybe come back sailing with us later when the boat is refitted.
Help
We are looking for help with many tasks including carpentry, pulling cables, and painting.
We welcome anyone with or without experience who feels comfortable helping on a boat around noisy tools and machines. We also welcome your creative thoughts for designing a brand new boat. You'll have loads of autonomy on your own tasks if you have building experience, or we'll guide you step by step if not.
We typically work mornings (starting 7am in summer, 8 am in winter) and will stop for coffee breaks and lunch. We expect you to help with boat building 5h per day from Monday to Friday, plus the occasional extra shared help with household chores (cooking, cleaning up, perhaps some help bringing back groceries).
We are asking for a minimal/initial stay of two weeks, and if it feels right you are welcome to stay longer too.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Norwegian bokmål: Intermediate
Accommodation
The sailboat is both our working place, living place and sleeping quarters. We have a small cabin in the forepeak reserved for one volunteer (could be suitable for a couple), as well as a berth in the saloon for a second volunteer. Please be aware that there will be very little privacy, the cabin walls are not mounted yet.
We are moored alongside a concrete pontoon, so you can walk off the boat any time. We have access to the great facilities of the marina (toilets, showers, reading/working room, restaurant/bar, and swimming pool).
We are both vegan, and put great effort in cooking. We'll offer vegan breakfasts, lunches and dinners. In exchange we expect you to take part in cooking and help with the daily chores.
What else ...
We typically take 2 volunteers at a time, and we look forward to meet people from all over the world.
However we will only take volunteers who can travel to and from us using low emission transport (train, bus, etc...). We are committed to keep the carbon budget of the project as low as practically possible. Travel to the boat is one of the largest potential emission sources, so we encourage you to do the right thing in this climate emergency and embrace slow travel!
There is a study room in the marina which is perfect for reading or computer work, and the town is in walking distance. We are located in the delta del Ebro, one of Europe's best birdwatching area. The place abounds with terns, gulls, herons, egrets, and many more. We are keen birdwatchers and regularly head out to explore wildlife.
Towering right above town are the mountains of the Serra de Montsià. It provides great hiking opportunities, and we often go rock climbing on the weekends - you are welcome to join.
We are playing the piano, the guitar and singing. Musicians are warmly welcome.
Please also note that we only accept non-smokers.
The best way to reach us by public transport is by bus. From La Ràpita you'll have buses about 5 times a day to both Barcelona and Tarragona. Once here you can borrow one of our bicycles to move around town or in the delta.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The marina has an air conditioned working/reading place with WiFi, ideal for remote work, right next to the swimming pool.
Space for parking camper vans
There is an unofficial parking possibility nearby (no electricity), or an official designated area for campers in town. Get in touch with us for more information.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
