Help Please!!

[drifter8022]

Where should I go and what should I do to find crew opportunities? I don’t have much experience I’m only 19 but I want to gain it. I’m not picky when it comes to the type of crew position. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Post or email me at k8022@ufl.edu Thank You

[Faster]

Generally if you show up at a local yacht club or marina on a weekend and let it be known that you'd like to get into sailing, you should have no problem getting rides.

All you need to do is convince a skipper that you WILL show up on race day, and then do so. Reliability is a big part of this game, and most owners are quite willing to train newbies if they are sure to show up. This scenario is better for them than to pick up some hot shot who only shows up once or twice a season.

Be prepared for the possibility of being "rail meat" the first time or two, but if you keep on showing up with eyes and ears open you will be given more responsibility and will learn more soon enough.

Even though you may not know if you're "into" racing or not, it's a good way to learn the ropes and meet like-minded people.

Good Luck

[sailingdog]

Drifter—

It would also help if you defined what you mean by crew. Do you mean day sailing and around the buoy races.... or do you mean going on a delivery of a boat across the ocean??? There's a huge difference, and where you go to find crew positions really depends on what kind of crewing you want to do.

It would also help if you had some skills and training. ASA101, 102, 103, coastal navigation, CPR, STCW 95, first aid, cooking, and such would make you a valuable addition to a crew, rather than basically human ballast.

[drifter8022]

Thank you for the advice. How do i let it be know i want to get into sailing at a marina? Who should i tell?


I wouldint mind doing either racing or cruising. How would i find crew postitions for delivery jobs, cruising, those kind of postitions?

[sailingdog]

Most sailboat marinas and yacht clubs, especially ones that have a racing program, will have a crew wanted board.

By racing, do you mean around the cans, day races, or off-shore multi-day racing?

What skills and training do you have???

[Faster]

Originally Posted by drifter8022

Thank you for the advice. How do i let it be know i want to get into sailing at a marina? Who should i tell?


I wouldint mind doing either racing or cruising. How would i find crew postitions for delivery jobs, cruising, those kind of postitions?

Walk the docks and talk to people!

Re: Delivery postitions... I'd think that delivery skippers would be looking for crew with some experience - but they may be willing to take extra bodies now and then, which could work for you.

[drifter8022]

I dont have any trianing besides scuba diving license, adult, child and infant cpr/aed and first aid. But i grew up on ocean fishing, diving etc. In the skills department i know alot about the ocean. i just dont have much expeirence sailing. I bought a chrysler mutineer hull and built it from the hull up and taught myself how to sail it. thats the only sailing expeirence i have. I just want to get some bluewater expeirence however it may be.

[tenuki]

where are you located? (guessing Florida by your email)

[conrat66]

You could do some volunteer work to start out on a tall ship in your area, ASTA billet board.

[GySgt]

I joined a sailing club in order to take my ASA lessons. I have only posted once and get several emails a week of people wanting me to crew. All I do is show up when I say I will show up, bring coffee and am a bit early to help prep the boat, and do what is needed. My skill level has greatly incressed, and have the time of my life.