There are many opportunities to work on sailing ships at sea. These include The HMS Rose, the HMS Bounty, Washington State's historic ship Lady Washington, Pennsylvania's state historic ship Niagra, and many others. You don't have to live in their home states to crew on them. You just need to be willing to work very hard, be a cooperative shipmate, and "learn the ropes." (I know, I know, they're lines, but that's the phrase). Crewing aboard a sailing ship is like being in a love-hate relationship. You often curse the relentless hard work and lack of proper sleep, but you also get an incredible sense of freedom and accomplishment, and dedication to the ship and to yor shipmates. You learn that you can do things you thought you were incapable of doing, like climbing aloft in the rigging. The self-esteem building and the friendships, plus the places you get to go to can't be beat!