Should I try racing

lapworth · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

I have been learning how to sail on a 24' sloop the past two years and love it. I was thinking about trying to crew for a race team. Is it worth finding out how the other half lives?

PaulinVictoria · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

Don't see why not, I've just started doing exactly that.

TheFrog · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

Give it a try. Even try it on your boat. Best method is to find a friendly soul to take you out during a race. Listen to their tips. Hopefully have a good time. If not, try again on a different boat.

I must say my first race where I crewed was poor. The wind died and the race was called 1/2 through. My next race I raced my own boat. Had an absolute blast (wind helped). I didn't think that I was going to do much racing the first few years. Now I look forward to the next race. It is a different world than pleasure sails. Both are nice, but have a totally different appeal for me. When pleasure sailing I am with the wife and kids and working hard to basically single hand. Need to pick days without much chop or high winds. When racing we push the boat, work hard, and hope for a strong wind.

Most important thing as a beginner, find a good friendly group to get out there with.

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

Is it worth it? Definitely!

All the tricks and techniques you'll learn by racing OPBs or your own boat will stand you in good stead while cruising. You can easily gain an hour or more over a day-long passage by paying attention to sail trim, steering, and choosing when to tack or gybe over someone doing none of those things.

This can mean the difference between snagging that last mooring buoy at your favourite park, getting the last spot on the dock of a marina, or simply having more choices about where to anchor at your final destination, not to mention leaving more time for those R&Cs you'll be wanting to enjoy!!

Stillraining · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

Wished I would have known wondering the docks could have put me on a boat when I was young...get out there if you have the opportunity....personally I think racers tend to be better sailors.

lapworth · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Sounds like I'll give it a try. Heres my next question, I know a resturaunt where they race once a week should I just go up and see if any one needs crew or should I call the race club ahead of time? Is it OK to sign up that day, do you bring cash or check and about how much?

PalmettoSailor · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapworth

Sounds like I'll give it a try. Heres my next question, I know a resturaunt where they race once a week should I just go up and see if any one needs crew or should I call the race club ahead of time? Is it OK to sign up that day, do you bring cash or check and about how much?

More information can't hurt and the worst you might get is an "I don't know" so I'd call them up.

I've crewed on a Tartan 40 over the past 3 years during which I've owned a 32' and now a 36' boat. I've managed to learn a ton from crewing though I have to say I still rarely know where the heck we are during our around the bouy races. The owner skipper runs his own race so the fleet is rarely nearby making it hard to know how we're doing. Still I've learned a lot about sail trim and helming during some of the longer races I've crewed on. In particular I learned a lot during the Down the Bay Race where I had my first experience helming at night. A great lesson on steering the boat just feeling the wind on your face and watching the boat speed to know when to head up or fall off.

I think the thing you mainly learn as crew is about sail trim, at least until you've been on the crew a while where you might get handed the helm, at which point someone might start talking tactics with you.

deniseO30 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I'd think long and hard if you have a older boat and can't afford to be replacing things and fixing damage. While racing is fun, those the race (at least my experiance) are VERY competitive, the boats in my YC are starting to show the toll of racing. Last weekend one of the boats rounded up and climbed the toe rail into the cockpit from starboard. it was an accident of course. but the damage is going to be costly. I'd rather crew on someone else's boat!

lapworth · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I was thinking I should crew on someone else's boat mine is a 1968. She sails great but there is always somthing breaking. It feels like I climb up the mast at least twice a year.

Faster · #10 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by lapworth

Sounds like I'll give it a try. .... Is it OK to sign up that day, do you bring cash or check and about how much?

You should not be expected to pay anything... if you're willing, able, and reliable someone will be happy to have you. By all means bring a case of beer for the crew afterward if you like, but I'd be shocked if a skipper wanted to charge you.

Drop-ins are usually welcomed, esp if someone has had a no-show or cancellation. I'd just drop by and ask what's up, if anyone needs some railmeat or is otherwise shorthanded. Be honest about your experience (or lack thereof)

This is an excellent way to learn about boat handling, meet like-minded people, and make connections for your sailing future.