Sightsailing of Newport is hiring outgoing, energetic Servers/Hosts with sailing experience to join the crew aboard the 80 foot schooner Aquidneck for the 2026 sailing season.
We offer daily public sailing tours and private charters in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. This is a unique hospitality position for people who enjoy being outdoors, working on the water, interacting with guests, and being part of an active sailing crew.
This is not a passive deckhand role. Crew members actively help sail the vessel while also creating a fun, welcoming guest experience.
What You'll Do
- Welcome and host guests aboard sightseeing sails and private charters
- Serve beverages including champagne, beer, and soft drinks
- Engage with guests and provide a friendly, upbeat onboard experience
- Point out local sights and share information during sails
- Assist with sailing duties including:
- Hoisting and lowering sails
- Handling lines
- Docking procedures
- Carrying coolers and supplies
- Cleaning and scrubbing decks between trips
- Work as part of a team to operate up to 4 to 5 sails per day
Sailing Experience Required
Applicants should have basic sailing knowledge and experience. You do not need racing experience, but you should be comfortable around sailboats and understand basic sailing terminology and operations.
Ideal candidates are physically active, dependable, and comfortable performing hands on work aboard a traditional schooner.
Hospitality & Public Speaking Skills
This is a guest facing role, so strong people skills are essential. Crew members should:
- Be comfortable speaking to groups outdoors in windy conditions
- Have a natural, engaging personality
- Be able to "read the room" and interact comfortably with guests
- Enjoy hospitality and creating memorable experiences for visitors
Experience in restaurants, bartending, serving, hospitality, tourism, entertainment, camp counseling, or public speaking is a plus.
Schedule & Availability
- Seasonal position running now through the end of October
- Must be reliable and punctual
- Availability for 3 to 4 days per week preferred
- Applicants should live reasonably close to Newport, RI
Drug Testing Requirement
Crew members are subject to U.S. Coast Guard and federal maritime regulations requiring:
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Participation in a random drug testing program
Please note that federal regulations prohibit marijuana use for crew members in safety sensitive maritime positions.
Benefits
- Employee discount
- Work outdoors on the water in Newport Harbor
- Fun, team oriented work environment
To Apply
Visit the Employment section at Sightsailing.com to:
- Watch the Crew Job Overview Video
- Complete the Online Crew Application
Pay: $225.00 - $350.00 per day
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Can you commit to working through the duration of the season for the boat you are applying for? (AQ runs May-Oct)
- On a scale of 1-10 rate your stamina and strength for pulling and lifting heavy sails/objects:.
- This is not a liveaboard position. Will you be commuting to Newport, RI? If so, where are you commuting from? We do not recommend commutes longer than 30 minutes.
- Tell us about your sailing experience
Work Location: In person
