Crew Available: Checklist for the Beginning Crew Member?

[RobSATX]

To be a prepared, voluntary crew member on a boat, is there some sort of checklist for the voluntary crewmember that includes clothing items, documents, personal equipment, etc.? I understand that space on a boat is usually very limited, so I'm guessing there is a good checklist out there somewhere that would help a voluntary crewmember be prepared to travel to a port with little notice and be prepared to walk on to a boat and be ready to be an asset rather than a liability. Any information is welcome. I'm new here and wanting to learn about sailing and get some experience. Thanks.

Rob

[JPA Cate]

If you're hoping to get rides by hanging out at the yacht club, just ask the skipper what to bring. Appear to be a competent human being, but 'fess up to being a novice. Some skippers prefer to train you to their way of doing things, so not being trained crew isn't a problem, generally, at club level racing. As you meet more sailors, you'll also meet more potential skippers.

Do wear soft, non-marking soled shoes. [Personally, I sail in cross-trainers, but any soft, non marking shoe will do.] Do protect yourself against sunburn, and wear polarized sunglasses. Do bring a spray resistant jacket, and be prepared to get wet (dry unders and another pair of shorts). First time, bring your own water to drink, and a snack that'll tide you over till supper time. Depending on the group, bring a 6 pack of beverage to share for after the race. Do help the skipper put the boat to bed. Volunteer to help at haulout and bottom job times, always be to the boat 10 min. early, to help out.

Others will have more to add.

Ann

[avb3]

You might want to check the thread at the top of this section. It's titled Checklist for Voluntary crew.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ew-105914.html

[s/v Beth]

Know what job you want. Sailing with a racing crew is generally active, quick and short. As Ann said, you are generally told what to do. Passagemaking with a cruiser is deliberate, slower grind that may last for days but has it's own knowledge base and rewards. You may be expected to carry a certain knowledge base already, and if not, do not assume you will be taught unless you state that is your goal.
A person who can sail across a river or lake cannot necessarily sail some oceans, but some of what you learn racing can be applied to cruising and visa versa.

[JPA Cate]

RobSAtex,

AVB3 suggests I misunderstood your post, and now I wonder if I did? Were you asking us to develop a checklist for the beginning crew member on your boat? or are you the beginning crew member? Would you be so kind as to clarify your intention? Thanks.

Let me apologize if i've set things off wrong. Sorry.

Ann

[RobSATX]

I'm sorry. I should have been more clear. I'm looking for a checklist for the new crewmember with little sailing/crew experience. (That's me.) Any advice you have would be great. I would like to get prepared, so that if an opportunity presents itself, I'll be ready to go. Thanks again.

[RobSATX]

And thanks to others for the feedback. Much appreciated.

[jldunn86]

My East Coast/ Florida/ Caribbean / Gulf Coast crew Kit:
This fits a week to several months cruising. Racing is a bit lighter.
Hand Held VHF
Hand held GPS
Hand held compass
Rigging Knife, tethered to my person.
Inflatable PFD with Harness and tether, whistle, knife and strobe attached.
Boat shoes
Weathers, in the appropriate weight for the season
Head light, white and red led type and hand held flash light strong enough to see tale tales.
Sailing gloves or other leather or chafe resistant material
Quick drying socks and underwear, two pair each.
Tee Shirts, two
Shorts, two
Long sleeve tee shirts two, UV protection type shirts work well, dry quickly.
Long pants, jersey or sweats as temperatures suggest
Sleeping shorts or other
If warm, include filp flops for shore activities
Swim trunks
Snorkel Gear
Sun screen
Chap stick
Personal hygiene items and any meds you typically need or take, spare glasses etc.
Hat
Sun glasses
Reading material
Iphone, with international service, include data.
Cash Card / Debit Card
Credit card
Passport
A Smile
A great Attitude
A willingness to share chores, cooking and cleaning without direction,
A if it needs done, do it and do it right work ethic.
And mostly I bring an understanding that I am crew and not the FBO.

[edneely]

What should a novice crew member on a cruise expect to pay towards expenses? His share or a disproportional share? What is the average per day expense for a 40' boat when motor-sailing?

[s/v Beth]

Jld- you would be welcome on my boat anytime. Ed- that all depends on how much a pain in the arse you are. No kidding. If some people want to crew on a particular difficult crossing they have to pay. Others I give them food, gear and a travel allowance to get home and get to the boat. It all depends how much you really contribute to the journey. Last year I gave a older dingy to one of my crew. He needed it, and he was gold on passage. But that is a exception to the rule.