Happy Labor Day! We hope you have sailing plans aboard a boat that’s shipshape and ready to sail. 

We’re joining sailors in a tribute to those on our working waterfront who make it possible for all of us to sail. There is an enormous opportunity for young people looking for a career in the maritime trades as many of the current workers with the skills, trades and craftsmanship are maturing. There’s a shortage of workers who want to repair boats, drive tugboats, and enjoy the outdoor work on both recreational and commercial boats and facilities. Boats, infrastructure and those who have cared for it all for decades are aging, creating an alternative path for those who aren’t looking to spend life with a keyboard and a screen.

These are in-demand, IRL (in real life) jobs.

Being captain or crew or shore team or woodworker are all hands-on opportunities to work with an awesome community of people in the great outdoors.

Openings are available up and down the coast, including San Diego Bay, Long Beach, Morro Bay, Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay and every piece of shoreline available to keep access and boating available.

And what if you want to be a teacher but don’t want to spend your days in a classroom? Emily Zugnoni of Alameda Community Sailing Center and Chris Childers of Treasure Island Sailing Center have rewarding days teaching kids real-life lessons on the Bay. There is a shortage of sailing instructors on the West Coast.

We appreciate all those who build, maintain and supply infrastructure that supports sailing and the maritime trades. We also want to give a shout-out to those who are helping preserve the land required for the maritime trades and access to the water.

Looking for a career on the waterfront? Keep an eye on our Job Opportunities section in Classy Classifieds.

Enjoy your Labor Day, and give thanks to those who have made it possible.

Oh, and a sneaky shout-out to Bay View Boat Club. If you’re not already booked for Monday night, their Monday Night Madness series is continuing with a race on Labor Day. They’d be delighted to have any Bay Area racers join them for some South Bay racing “and maybe a jaunt out to the Slot.”

“It’ll be like a mini Plastic Classic Regatta!”

Fun and food at the club after and always. Race docs and entry information can be found here: https://www.bayviewboatclub.org/racing.