Caribbean Apprenticeship Program
Sea to Sky’s unique Apprenticeship program in the Caribbean offers a hands-on role aboard Panacea X, our highly successful and professionally run racing yacht, for the duration of the Caribbean Sailing Association’s seasonal racing circuit. The program provides a wide range of sailing, racing, maintenance, navigation and coaching experience, for young adults within the Caribbean region who are looking to pursue a career in the marine industry.
A successful apprentice should finish the program with the experience and skills necessary to pursue RYA Yachtmaster Offshore accreditation if they choose, and launch a career in any aspect of the marine industry at home or abroad.
We are working to recruit sponsors and other racing yachts, particularly from within the race charter industry on the CSA circuit, in order to build the program into one which can provide valuable training to a small cohort of the region’s keenest young sailors each season.
Apprentice Profile
19 - 25 years of age
Caribbean national with valid passport
Fluent in English, French a plus
Significant prior sailing experience required
Some racing experience required (can be in dinghies)
Some coaching experience preferred
Strong swimmer
Good strength and fitness required. This is a very physically demanding role!
A positive attitude, strong work ethic, enthusiasm for learning and the ability to work well with others are the most important parts of this role!
Benefits
Receiving coaching towards the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certification during the season, including targeted training sessions
Learning what it takes to win aboard one of the most competitive racing charter yachts on the CSA circuit, from top level professionals
Offshore sailing experience, building critical skills on watch as well as cruising skills as we island hop between races
Learning all about yacht maintenance, gaining valuable transferable skills for a start in any marine trade: rigging, sailmaking, boat building, painting, mechanics, etc.
Networking within the racing community across the region, making valuable connections and friendships for life!
Room & board is included on Panacea X throughout the Apprenticeship
A small daily stipend is provided
Responsibilities
Working alongside the lead skipper and first mate to maintain, repair, and improve Panacea X throughout the season, including major refit work in the boat yard
Assisting with training clients before each racing event, and jumping into any position as needed during racing
Upholding the strict safety culture on board
Taking turns taking care of our core team, with everyone doing their share of domestic chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.
Behaving with professionalism, integrity and compassion at all times, as a representative of Panacea X and Sea to Sky Sailing
Check our full Caribbean program calendar for a taste of what we’re up to this season. The Apprenticeship starts with a trial period for November 2026 (Trinidad to St.Lucia), and then launches in early January through the end of the CSA racing season and back to the boat yard (Barbados… every race… then Trinidad). Note that the apprentice is not guaranteed a racing position for every single event, but in cases where Panacea X is already full, we will do our best to connect them with an alternate race boat.
We can’t do this alone- calling all Sponsors!
We are actively searching for sponsorship to help bring the full benefits of this Apprenticeship to fruition. While we have the ability to provide an incredible training opportunity for young sailors, we are looking for support to make this the most positive and effective experience possible. With support, we can continue building this program into one which can help launch the careers of more and more Caribbean sailors.
We are looking for sponsorship assistance through a mix of financial and product support in the following areas:
Boosting the daily stipend amount by at least matching Sea to Sky’s contribution
Additional training provided by other parties, such as RYA Yachtmaster Theory, STCW, VHF Radio License, Yachtmaster Exam, etc. We are looking for funding to cover the costs of training or partners to provide those programs free of charge to apprentices.
Flights within the Caribbean to get the apprentice between their home and the start/finish locations for the trial period and full season.
Sailing gear for the apprentice: sailing jacket, salopettes, head lamp, sailing shoes, sailing shorts, UV shirts, waterproof bag, Leatherman or similar multitool, etc.
Reducing operating costs of Panacea X through the season, allowing us to divert funding to the Caribbean Apprenticeship Program ourselves. This could include support such as: reduced registration or berthing fees for events, discounted repair services and supplies, etc.
Support from other local businesses in the region through the provision of ongoing training opportunities or employment to ‘graduates’ of the Apprenticeship.
And let’s grow- calling all Racing Yachts!
If you are running a yacht on the Caribbean Sailing Association race circuit, and are interested in participating in this program as a Training Boat, please get in touch! Each TB can customize their own Apprenticeship to suit their needs, training abilities, and schedule. We are here to streamline the application and selection process, connect with sponsors and establish the structure needed to make this a foundation of regional training.
