Craftsmanship, knowledge & community

Volunteer

Volunteer on board!

During spring 2024 we offer the opportunity to come on board as a volunteer in port in Gothenburg, to help out with the maintenance of the ship. We may also offer opportunities later during the spring to join on volunteer events.

Below, you will find general information about volunteering on board the Götheborg. If you don't get the answers to your questions here, don't hesitate to send an email to volunteer@gotheborg.se.

Would you like to volunteer?

As a volunteer, you get the chance to pick up knowledge about traditional materials and learn craftsmanship on board. What is required to keep an 18th-century ship in good shape? What materials were used at that time, and what is used today? How is a lashing made? The tasks varied and can revolve around anything from taring ropes, scraping the hull, to working in the rigging. But also help in the galley (kitchen) and so on. 

Volunteers are essential for the maintenance of the ship and keeping her in shape. Being a volunteer on board is an excellent way to get to know the ship and learn from others. The practical work gives you hands-on experience in a delightful kinship together with our permanent crew and other volunteers.

What does it mean to volunteer?

As a volunteer on board the Götheborg you work with maintenance while we are in port in Gothenburg. Unlike sailing along as a deckhand, you don’t pay to volunteer. The work as a volunteer is unpaid, but we offer lunch, not to forget, a great and friendly group of people to hang out with.  

Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories

Working at heights

Volunteering may involve working at heights. It is an opportunity to experience what it is like climbing and helping with the rigging, which is 40 meters high.

Climbing the rig and working at heights is also a big part of the work done on board while sailing. It is common to initially feel a certain unease when working at such heights, but most people get used to it quickly.

We offer

(This applies to our events, not our regular volunteer weeks.)

  • A great group of people and a nice and welcoming atmosphere. 
  • Lunch at a nearby restaurant (meat, fish or vegetarian). We also have morning and afternoon fika. You need to bring breakfast and dinner. You can use our office kitchen.
  • A bunk or hammock to sleep in on board (note that you won't have a separate cabin, but sleep in a space together with other people).
  • Work clothes and rain gear.
  • Washing machines and driers.
  • Guitars and board games for the evenings, film nights can be arranged.

Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories

Bring with you

  • Your own bedlinen and towel.
  • Work shoes, preferably with steel cap, that will be dirty after a day on board.
  • Clothes for warm layers sush as long jons. Work clothes will be available on board.
  • Use only soft bags when coming to the ship.

Photo: Linda Åkerberg/Wilderness Stories

Expectations

  • Be prepared to do whatever maintenance that is going on at the moment.
  • Maintenance can happen inside the ship, outside of the hull and in the rig, high aloft.
  • Ship life includes galley- and cleaning work.
  • Be able to enter the rig at high heights.

How to apply

Create an account in Paam by clicking the button. 
Make sure to fill in all your personal details before you apply.

To keep updated on volunteering on board the Götheborg, also join our Facebook group. 

Apply Join Facebook group

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