After graduating from college last summer, Leo Miller wanted to sail from Portsmouth in the UK to the Mediterranean -- but he didn't have enough money for the trip.
So he landed a spot as a waiter and "general dogsbody," or laborer, on board a privately owned superyacht. Although he was taken on as a volunteer, Miller says he covered most of his living costs through tips.
"No day was ever the same," he said. "I made a ton of new friends and got to swim in the Caribbean... just for serving up food and drinks on a swanky yacht!"
The best thing about the experience, the 24 year-old said, is that "the rest of the crew are generally fun-loving, adventurous people -- most of whom have had the same idea as you."
John Scott, the founder of Global Crew Network, a site dedicated to connecting captains with aspiring crew members, says interest in crew jobs comes mainly from students and people taking time off work.
"It's a great way to have an experience that most people could never afford. You can travel for a couple of months, or for years on end," said Scott, who worked for six years as an onboard chef before setting up Global Crew Network.
The most common way to find a sailing job is online through sites like Global Crew Network, Crewseekers International, The Sailing Network and Float Plan.
Although it's free to register and view available opportunities, applicants will generally have to pay a small fee to get in touch with skippers and submit their resume and a cover letter.
Contrary to most people's expectations, there are a number of "working passenger" positions open to non-sailors, says Bennett. (See sidebar for examples)
But competition for these gigs is "huge," she said. She says talented cooks will always be in demand, while Scott contends that having multiple languages will probably give you the biggest edge.
