Should I try racing - Page 2

lapworth · #11 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Thanks for the info Faster I rather drop in and see how it goes then make formal plans. Plus I like to meet the people I am sailing with in person before I decide to get on there boat. My boat always out drinks the crew and never pays so I'll bring a 30 pack.

zz4gta · #12 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Yup, just drop by the docks and ask if anyone is looking for crew. Tell em you're trying to get into racing, and don't be alarmed if someone speaks at an elevated tone to you during the race. They just want to go faster. Race on a bunch of different boats. If you learn quickly, you'll be recommended to crew for other boats in no time. Then you start to get cool, fast, sexy rides, instead of the slow boats. That being said, you can learn a tone from a slow boat.

What part of the Bay are you on? I race all over and could point you to a few good racers.

lapworth · #13 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I am on the Rhode river but was thinking about going over to Pirates Cove over on the West River. I believe wrrc or wrsc have a 1:00 pm race every Sunday in Oct. I live in Odenton so Magothy,Severn and South river are all good for me. Yelling at me is no problem, but I don't care for bad sportsmanship.

mikehoyt · #14 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

"Should I try Racing?"

Absolutely - however there are a few caveats that any who ask that question should think about.

If you love sailing and find yourself always wanting to know how to make the boat sail and work better then YES.
If you just like sitting on a boat and have no desire to trim sails or learn more then probably NO.

If you hate having an interesting conversation interrupted and like to discuss non sailing related topics or topics not about the current situation or race then you may be in for a surprise. When racing everybody is expected to be thinking about the race - all of the time. Often on our boat in a longer race I have to break into someone's conversation to ask for an adjustment - some people may find that rude but in racing skippers find inattentiveness a bit annoying.

With all this said - if you love sailing and are a sponge for knowledge then racing is what you should try. You will very quickly learn about a lot of handling and trim techniques that will make your everyday pleasure sailing more pleasurable.

Mike

Jeff_H · #15 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009

I am guessing but I am assuming that by "A restaurant with a race fleet" you mean Pirates Cove in Galesville. That is a great bunch of folks down there. By all means wander the docks looking for a ride. Bring cards with you that have your name, phone numbers, and email as well as words to the affect of "Looking to crew" in bold letters (I make these up in MSWord and just cut them out roughly business card size) and if you see someone heading out to race ask if they need crew. Even if no one needs crew that evening, I would still suggest at each boat that you are available if they need crew in the future and offer then your card. There is also a bulletin board in the Restaurant (by the heads) that often have "need crew" and "Crew Available" postings.

You might also attend the Spinsheet Crew Party in the spring. I have gotten to race on some great boats that way.

Jeff

Stillraining · #16 (**permalink**) 10-16-2009

What a drag it is getting old and stiff and slow so to be to intimidated to ask for those rides anymore....don't wait any longer if you want to do it ....do it now ..you will not regret it.

I plan on entering my boat in some local races...not ever having advantage of opb opportunities I will be behind the eight ball to be sure....but will greatly enjoy what little I pick up along the way shadowing and copy catting others...I'm looking forward to learning in reverse...from people whom possibly want to crew for me.

We we looking forward to this years swift-sure until things went south...soon I keep saying over and over in my head ....someday soon.

jarcher · #17 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009

No, you don't want to try racing. Nope.

HAHA... No one is going to say no! And many skippers are looking for crew. Finding crew is, strangely enough, a challenge. Finding reliable and skilled crew - well that's extremely difficult. Finding reliable and skilled crew that is willing to practice, almost can't be done.

So try it and if you like it alot, and work hard, they will come to you.

CalebD · #18 (**permalink**) 10-18-2009

My experience is that racing skippers like to have a team of crew members who will show up week after week. This way they do not have to 'train' a different person each week with harsh language. So, if you are willing to make a weekly commitment then let them know this - I know you may not know if you really want to commit to this just yet.
Try it. See if you like it. Then either walk away or be open to making a commitment.
Good luck.