The skipjack Nathan of Dorchester is seeking volunteers for her 2009 sailing season. The vessel was built in 1994 and is owned and operated by the all-volunteer, nonprofit Dorchester Skipjack Committee.

The Nathan sails out of Cambridge and is berthed at Long Wharf. Volunteers are welcome in all areas, including captains, crew and organization activities.

Captains must have a current Masters License with sail endorsement. Crew volunteers need no prior experience, but must be at least 16 years of age and fit enough to handle the physical demands of sailing a skipjack. Crew members are provided with extensive training before being certified for passenger operations.

Training begins in early April and runs throughout the season. Volunteers may join the training at any time, earning full crew status whenever they have acquired the requisite skill level.

The skipjack has a regular schedule of public sails running from May through October. The vessel is available for charter throughout her sailing season. In addition, the Nathan participates in special events at numerous Chesapeake Bay ports, this year includingAnnapolis, Baltimore, Deal Island, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s City and Vienna.

Volunteers are also needed in other areas of the organization. Marketing and communications, planning, maintenance and shore support are just some of the many tasks in which volunteers may participate to help preserve the heritage of these unique wooden vessels.

For more information, to charter the boat or to volunteer, contact the DorchesterSkipjack Committee at 410-228-7141 or visit its website, www.skipjack-nathan.org.