If you've got good sea legs and get on well with kids, then the Spirit of Bermuda sail training ship needs you.

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation, which manages the vessel, is currently enlisting watch leaders.

The role is multi-faceted: watch leaders oversee and supervise youngsters aged 12 and 13 from schools across the Island while they're sailing.

They're also expected to act as a role model and motivator, and liaise with the permanent professional crew on the three-masted ship.

Martin Hatfield of the Sloop Foundation said the minimum joining age is usually 18, although younger applicants with relevant skills and experience will be considered. There is no maximum age limit.

"You need good leadership skills, a love of children, adaptability and a cool head," he said.

"Some of the 12- and 13-year-olds can be goofy and drive you crazy, so patience and being safety-conscious are the buzz words."

The Spirit of Bermuda has been operating for two years, with a programme that aims to build team spirit, raise self-esteem and provide leadership opportunities.

She completes three week-long voyages a month during the school year plus a number of longer voyages each year.

Watch leaders do not need previous sailing experience, although it is helpful. Training involves an initial one-day session followed by participation in a week-long voyage during which potential watch leaders must literally learn the ropes — how to rig the vessel, put the sails up and take them down, and how to tie the knots needed to keep everything in place.

Other areas of training range from dealing with emergencies to keeping the Spirit shipshape through lots of scrubbing and polishing.

There are currently 114 watch leaders, and Mr. Hatfield would like to have 300 by this time next year. He hopes high-school seniors will join the watch corps as part of their community service, and he also plans to work with the YouthNet mentoring programme to recruit trainees.

Trainees must be approved by the captain of the ship before they qualify and are then expected to devote at least a week a year of their time, preferably more.

Royal Gazette business reporter Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch has already qualified as a watch leader. She sets sail next week for a one-month trip that will see her visit Maine and Prince Edward Island, off Canada's east coast.

Next year, she'll participate in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge, which will take her to Spain, the Canary Islands, the Azores and Bermuda during the 400th anniversary celebrations in June.

She said: "Being a watch leader can be a lot of responsibility. The people I have seen progress from student to watch leader have learned a great deal about themselves and gained valuable management skills in what can be an extremely stressful situation at times. They have probably learned more about team work, time management, and leadership than they could have learned at any internship at an international business.

"Essentially it's like reaching middle management in a business. The professional crew rely on you to organise and motivate your watch, which is about six students. You have to make sure they are on time and ensure that they are safe while sailing.

"But it's not all hard work. As a member of the Spirit crew a watch leader spends a lot of the day laughing and joking around with the students. When we are on land there are ample opportunities to explore and try out new experiences.

"I'm really looking forward to sailing with the sloop and being a watch leader this fall and next summer, and I would recommend it to anyone. If you're interested in travelling and adventure then this is the programme for you."

The next one-day watch leader training voyage is on October 12. Anyone interested should contact Mr. Hatfield on 737-5667 or info@bermudasloop.org.