JADA under full racing spinnaker on San Diego Bay — classic 1938 yawl

Operator spotlight

Sail JADA.

Paid crew positions on a 65-foot 1938 classic yawl chartering from Harbor Island, San Diego.

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The vessel

A 1938 yawl in working condition.

JADA was launched in 1938 in Stockton, California. At 65 feet, she carries a full yawl rig — mainmast, mainsail, headsails, and a mizzen stepped aft of the rudderpost. She runs private charter sails from Harbor Island on San Diego Bay, primarily for parties, corporate groups, and special occasions.

Classic vessels require hands who know how to work them. JADA's sails are large, her hardware vintage, and her guests are guests — the seamanship stays invisible. That's the job.

Berth: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Harbor Island

Length: 65 feet overall

Rig: Yawl — mainsail, mizzen, headsails (jib/yankee + staysail configuration)

Season: Year-round. Busiest April–October.

Primary use: Private charter sails, 2–4 hours. Up to 49 guests on inspected-vessel certificate.

What you do

Sail handling, lines, and guest safety.

Sail trim

Hoist and trim the mainsail, mizzen, and headsails. Sheet, ease, and furl on command. Know the difference between a yawl and how she handles under a range of points of sail.

Deck and lines

Dock lines in and out, fenders, coiling and cleating. Assist with the mizzen — a yawl's mizzen requires its own attention at the start and end of every sail. Keep the deck clear of snags when guests are aboard.

Guest safety

Pre-departure safety briefing delivery. Know where the throw rings, life jackets, and emergency gear are stowed. Keep an eye on guests near the companionway and lifelines.

Post-sail

Furl and gasket the sails, coil sheets and halyards, wash down as directed. A 3-hour charter runs about 5 hours total start to finish including muster and post-sail.

Who's a fit

Sailors who know big boats.

Strong candidates

Sailing school graduates (ASA 101–105 or equivalent keelboat courses)
Club racers who have crewed on boats 35 feet and up
Yacht club members with offshore, delivery, or one-design experience
OUPV or Master license holders looking for weekend work
Delivery crew comfortable handling a two-masted rig

What we look for

Can you hoist a mainsail and trim it without being asked twice?
Comfortable around guests — sailing that looks effortless is the goal
Reliable: a 3-hour charter has a fixed departure time and guests on the dock
CPR / First Aid current or willing to certify
TWIC or MMC a plus, not required for deck crew

Schedule

Mostly weekends. Daytime sails.

DaysPrimarily Saturday and Sunday. Some Friday evenings and weekday charters during the busy season.
Charter lengthMost sails are 3 hours on the water. Plan for 5 hours total: muster one hour before departure, post-sail cleanup and dock-out after.
MusterOne hour before scheduled departure at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Harbor Island. The captain briefs the crew before guests board.
Calls per monthVaries with bookings. Typical busy-season crew members sail 2–4 times per month; off-season 1–2 times. You are offered trips; you are not on a set schedule until you accept.

Pay

Posted rate. Paid per hour sailed.

Role	Current rate
Mate / deckhand	$25/hr
Captain (OUPV or Master)	Paid per sail — rate on application

Hours count from muster to dock-out. A 3-hour charter is typically billed as 5 hours (pre-departure + post-sail included). Gratuities from guests are distributed to crew and are separate from base pay.

Apply

Join the JADA roster.

Tell us your sailing background and when you're available. We'll confirm credentials and be in touch by text or email the same day.