Sail • Crew • Croft • Explore

The Selkie Volunteer Programme is designed for young sailors who want to deepen their seamanship, gain real sea miles, and become part of the rhythm of island and sea life in the Scottish Hebrides. Volunteers split their time between working aboard Selkie and helping on the croft on the Isle of Eigg, building practical skills, confidence, and community along the way. It’s hands‑on, meaningful, and rooted in the realities of living and working on the west coast.

What the programme offers

On the boat

Volunteers become part of Selkie’s working crew. Depending on the trip, this may include:

• Helming and sail handling
• Watchkeeping and lookout
• Deck work, lines, fenders, anchoring
• Basic navigation and passage routines
• Wildlife spotting and logging through HWDT’s Whale Track
• Taking charge of collecting small amounts of marine litter on suitable shores and storing what we can aboard Selkie
• Supporting guests when they’re aboard
• Keeping the boat clean, safe and running smoothly
• Light maintenance

It’s real seamanship in real Hebridean conditions, with a hands‑on environmental role that reflects the responsibility of moving through these waters

On the croft and on shore

When based on Eigg, volunteers are part of the shore team supporting Selkie’s operations. This varies with the season, but typically includes:

• Helping prepare for trip turnarounds
• Keeping things running smoothly while Selkie is away
• Daily sheep checks and seasonal croft tasks
• Feeding, watering and general animal care
• Fencing, weeding and small repairs
• Getting involved in island beach cleans and environmental projects when they happen
• Contributing to the rhythm of island life and becoming part of the community.

How the rotation works

We aim to have two volunteers at a time: one aboard Selkie and one based on Eigg. Volunteers usually rotate weekly between these roles. Most trips end on Eigg, which creates a natural handover: the shore volunteer joins Selkie for the final sail to Mallaig and becomes the next boat volunteer, while the boat volunteer stays on Eigg for the following week. The rhythm adapts to the season and the needs of each trip.

Accommodation

As the boat volunteer, you’ll spend nights aboard Selkie during trips.

When you’re on your shore‑team week, you’ll stay on the croft — either in the yurt, the shepherd’s hut, or camping, depending on what’s available at the time.

Food

Food is provided for both the boat volunteer and the shore volunteer during charter weeks. If you’re shore team that week and looking after the croft while Selkie is working, your basic food is covered. On the occasional quieter weeks when there’s no charter, boat maintenance or croft projects running, volunteers self‑cater.

Skills & experience

As a volunteer crew member, you’ll gain real hands‑on experience in the marine world. This includes:

• logged sea miles and time on the helm
• anchoring, line handling and deck safety
• maintenance and repair skills
• wildlife spotting, logging and conservation work
• insight into running a small expedition yacht
• experience of island life and croft‑based projects

Personal development

The programme is as much about people as it is about boats and crofts. Volunteers often leave with:

• Greater confidence and resilience
• Stronger teamwork and communication skills
• A deeper understanding of island life
• A sense of belonging and purpose
• A clearer idea of whether a maritime or outdoor career is right for them