Bridging the experience gap

[C205]

How does one progress from sailing on an inland lake to sailing in the ocean, inexpensively?
It appears that any sort of deckhand/delivery type opportunities want a fair amount of experience in that type of sailing already, which I don't have.

I'm from Upstate New York, should I just go and hang out at some major area (Newport?) at the end of the season and volunteer for deliveries?

I'm a college aged sailor (hence the lack of money), who has been enjoying my family's 26 foot 60s era boat out on a lake as often as possible, both by myself, and with friends. Realistically, all I have going for me is that I'm young, able-bodied and know how to sail.

[CaptainForce]

Keep your eye on the "crew needed" posts here and on other sites. Often little experience is needed to assist with a short passage.

[SJ34]

Watch the crew lists as mentioned. You may also want to join a yacht club. In our area there are yacht clubs that have reasonable dues (~$30/mo) and very have active racing fleets. The better your skills, the more sailing you will do as crew.