Join Us

 Please read the FAQ (below), crew expectations, and then fill out the application. Contact us with any questions...Sail on!

frequently asked questions

Is this a learn-to-sail program?
No. You should have basic knowledge of how to sail, parts of the sailboat, points of sail. We recommend taking sailing classes from ASA or US Sailing to build your foundations. You should have 25 hours of on the water experience.
I understand there are three levels of sailing competency. What are they?
LOCAL COASTAL: LOGGED A MINIMUM OF 25 SAILING DAYS, UNDERSTANDS SAILING TERMS AND THE DYNAMICS OF HOW A BOAT SAILS
OCEAN CROSSING: COMPLETED THE 5 DAY TRAINING CLASSES ABOARD CELTIC SONG AND CHECKED OFF ON  SKILLS SHEET.
CAPTAIN: HOLDS USCG LICENSE. HAS OFFSHORE EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAINING WITH JEFFREY ISSACS OR EQUIVALENT, AND HAS AN UNDERSTANDING OF ALL CELTIC SONG SYSTEMS.
What is my personal liability?
See liability release form here.
How much experience do team members need to join?
Logged a minimum of 25 sailing days.
How often will you change crews on the trips?
Legs of the trips will be arranged to accommodate crews and boat schedules.
What will be the duration of each of the individual trip legs?
Will vary from 2 days to one month depending on the trip's destination. Most trips are 1 - 2 weeks
What will crew members need to bring with them?
Personal gear:  boat shoes, sailing gloves,  hat, sunglasses, foul weather gear, flashlight with red lens, rigging knife, sleeping bag, pillow case.
Are the expeditions going to be extensions of one long trip or will you leave the boat at certain destinations, take a break and resume the voyage?
Coastal expeditions will take 2 to 10 days starting in San Diego and ending either in Catalina or San Diego.
Offshore expeditions April 2021  the boat will depart for the South Pacific for a one-month crossing. There will be shorter legs as the cruise proceeds south through the islands of the South Pacific.
What is the minimum and maximum crew size for each of the legs of the voyage?
Minimum crew is 3; maximum is 5. The ocean crossing will require a crew of 3. 
What are the costs associated with each leg of the trip?
Each person is responsible for transportation to and from the start and finish of each leg plus all personal expenses and none of the boat expenses.
what happens if there are medical emergencies?
See liability release form.
how much do classes cost?
There is no charge for classes. If you wish to show your appreciation, you can donate to our favorite charity using this secure link: www.peopleforquatamala.com.
When and Where are Classes?
Celtic Song is located in Harbor Island West Marina, Dock #1, Slip #115. (Next to Tom Ham's Lighthouse Resturant) The class begins at 1000hrs and ends at 1600hrs.  The schedule is found under the schedules tab with most taking place Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Please arrive no later than 9:50 AM.

Expectations for Crew Members

We are serious sailors, adventurers, and students when it comes to cruising. The following are expectations.. Before submitting the application please consider the following:

- We expect our Crew to admit when they do not know something in regards to general seamanship, the standard operating, and other tasks delegated to them. We do this not to demean each other, but rather to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel whenever on land or at sea.

- We expect all Crew to be ready and willing to have their knowledge tested at any time while on the Celtic Song, in efforts to better internalize and practice our skills.

- We expect a willingness to adopt new procedures, technology, and methods that improve the safety of the vessel, improve it's operating efficiency, and/or improve the well-being of the crew.

- We expect a willingness to be critiqued in an effort to improve our own abilities.

- We expect initiative and authenticity from our crew.

- We don't expect perfection, but we aim for it in everything we do; be it coiling lines,  docking, and living onboard. 


    Application & Biographical Information

    It is worth noting that on small recreational sailboats, participants are in close working and living proximity with no option to cease participation between ports. This questionnaire will help us assess your ability to participate on Celtic Song. For everyone’s well being please answer the following questions, provide your phone number, and provide a copy of your driver’s license (upload link below) and passport.
    Max file size: 20MB
    1. Have you read and considered all 3 pages of the attached Celtic Song form, “Participant Responsibilities, Liability Release and Hold Harmless.” If “no”, please read and consider it before continuing. There is a copy of it here.
    Max file size: 20MB
    2. Have you smoked in the last 6 months? If “yes”, please wait until the answer is “no”.
    3. Are you able to avoid alcohol for the entire duration of time onboard Celtic Song? If “no”, please wait until the answer is “yes”.
    4. In the past year, what was your maximum, minimum, and average number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week?
    5. When was your last medical check-up?
    6. What prescription and over-the-counter drugs do you take for what conditions?
    7. How do you maintain your physical fitness?
    8. Can you board and exit a sailboat at the shrouds without difficulty?
    9. Can you stand at the helm hand-steering for 3 hours while on watch alone?
    10. How well do you tread water?
    11. Describe your fitness to withstand the physical hardships of being at sea in a small boat.
    12. On 1 to 3 pages, describe events in your life from which you know that you love adventure, travel, being at sea, working cooperatively with others, and interacting with persons who are culturally unlike yourself. Please upload as a .txt file or word file.
    Max file size: 20MB
    13. What are you hoping to achieve from participating on Celtic Song?
    14. List your sailing experience, boating classes taken, sail cruising books read, etc.
    15. Describe the most difficult sea conditions you have endured along with the physical, mental, and emotional effects you encountered. How did you handle these?
    16. What are the skills required for making an offshore passage and which of them do you feel most comfortable with.