Help finding a crew berth

[Flyfish58]

I am new to sailnet. I have been trying to crew on a sailboat. I have responded to ads, left emails, posted an ad at a marina. As of yet, I have had only one response that consisted of a polite but no. Below has been my typical response to ads - any help?

I am a 53 y.o. male, married, retired (flexible schedule), good health, non-smoker, ASA certificates, some sailing experience - chartered 44 ft Morgan on Chesapeake Bay, some cooking skills, very mechanical, responsible - retired military officer but not pushy or take charge type. looking for bluewater experience

I am not sure what I am doing wrong or not describing correctly? Could any of you offer any help, guidance or assistance?

[LinekinBayCD]

Have you tried any delivery captains? If you are in it for the education seems like you would be cheaper than additional paid crew.

[Flyfish58]

I have not responded to delivery ads because I did not think that I was qualified or they needed professional crew.

[Boasun]

The old adage: If you want to learn to swim, you need to jump into the pool.
So crewing with delivery captains, you will get hands on mentoring.
But remember Captains by their own personality will teach you one of two ways on any subject.
1. How to do it properly.
2. How not to do it properly.

As I said it is the leaders that will mentor you... Just some are better than others. You don't want a Capt Bligh or a Capt Ron. But some where in between is good.

[Flyfish58]

Thank you

Any suggestions on how to find delivery captains? I am responding to postings on crewseeker.com but not much luck.

[MarkofSeaLife]

Hi

If your post is what you are offering then yes, you will have problems getting a berth.

If you letter said something more like: "Obsessive-Compulsive Cleaner/Polisher for any boat heading South! OK, I'm not that bad, but I cook and clean and will have your boat shining better at the end of the passage than the beginning. Experienced, mature, male who is relishing more longer passages.... (etc)"

Remember what advertising is: Don't sell the bacon, sell the Sizzle!

Don't put your age in - unless you are female and 22
Don't talk about you, talk about them, and how you will make their voyage better.

Even delivery captains want crew that polish because a Delivery Captain who hands over a brothel doesn't get as much work as one who hands over a gleaming clean sailin machine....


Mark

[Slayer]

I just joined this site: Offshore Passage Opportunities: Halesite, New York

I sailed with the owner of the site recently on his Swan 48. I haven't been a member long enough to critique it. But I will keep you posted.

[ottos]

One thing you haven't done is post on the right forum here which is "Crew Wanted".

As the weather warms, you should start seeing more interest. Boats on the east coast migrate like the birds....

Good luck.

[Flyfish58]

thank you every one, lots of ideas and encouragement and I will post on this forum for crew wanted. I just needed some fresh ideas and helpful hints as how this is done.

If any of you have additional ideas or recommendations please post them

Thanks

John