Sail careers

Understanding Our Oceans Is a Critical Piece to Quantifying Our Blue Planet Our mission is to create the highest resolution ocean data set in the world and use it to make global processes such as weather forecasting, carbon cycling, global fishing, seafloor topography, and maritime security more predictable, visible, and actionable. We strongly believe in proof through demonstration, and we would rather let our results speak for themselves—from our origins harnessing wind power to break speed records to the extreme endurance of our autonomous Saildrone USVs and or the scientifically vetted quality of our data. Above all, we are a team of passionate and fun-loving individuals with a diverse background of expertise and a shared culture of transformation through action. From designing hardware for extreme conditions to fearless software testing in the most remote parts of the world, we tackle challenges where few others dare to go and look for 1000x impact wherever we can create it. Saildrone HQ is located in sunny Alameda, a short ferry ride from San Francisco, in a former airplane hangar that was once used to film The Matrix. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, and maternity/paternity. Check out the job openings below. Saildrone employees enjoy participating in extra circular activities together. Navigating an ocean of data. Delivering a world of possibility. Saildrone is a US business that provides comprehensive turnkey data sol...

We can marvel at the skills and tools ancient Mesopotamians put to use when they built the first sailing boats some 5,000 years ago, but have you ever wondered what it takes to become a 21st-century sailmaker? We sat down with Charles Saville, Quantum’s Global Director of Customer Care and a third-generation sailmaker, to learn about this exciting and ever-evolving occupation. GETTING STARTED Charles Saville explains that no matter the sailmaking position you aspire to, it is helpful to begin by gaining experience in sail repair and service, as it will give you a solid foundation to build on. Look for a position as a service technician or apprentice at a loft to get a sense for the lay of the land in a sailmaking facility. While it could take up to a year for this initial training, traditional sailmaking continues to evolve with service technicians rapidly expanding their skillset to include outdoor, client facing engagement and selling. From traditional sails to cruising, racing, and mega-yacht sails, sails are vast and varied, and it takes time and dedication for an aspiring sailmaker to learn all the intricacies and skills required. Anyone new to the profession should be prepared to spend time familiarizing themselves with the products both on and off the water. If this sounds like a large investment of time and energy, that’s because it is. “Be aware that you’re not going to walk into a loft and become a sailmaker right out of the gate,” says Saville. “While you can pi...

What is a Sailor? In general, a sailor is someone who navigates and operates a sailboat, ship, or other vessel that uses wind power to move through the water. Sailors may work in a variety of roles, from recreational sailors who sail for pleasure to professional sailors who make a living from sailing. They may navigate and sail short distances or long distances across open water, and may need to be skilled in a variety of areas such as navigation, sail handling, and maintenance. Sailors may also come from a variety of backgrounds, including the military, commercial shipping, or leisure sailing, and they may use a variety of vessels ranging from traditional sailboats to modern yachts and ships. In this article: • • • What does a Sailor do? There are various types of sailors, each with their own unique skill sets, experiences, and roles. Here are some examples: Recreational sailors These are sailors who sail for fun and leisure, often on weekends or vacations. They may own their own sailboats or rent them for short periods of time. A typical day for a recreational sailor might involve waking up early and preparing their sailboat for a day of cruising or racing. They may need to check the weather forecast, inspect the rigging, and stock up on food and supplies before setting sail. Once out on the water, they may spend the day navigating, trimming sails, and enjoying the scenery. Professional sailors These are sailors who make a living from sailing. They may work as crew membe...