Getting involved at marina/yard

[Calif.Ted]

Boating and shipyards are year round here and most places short staffed and busy. The Log is our local boating publication, check want ads for jobs and the digital editions showing every marina and shipyard on the west coast. Worst marine seems to always be hiring, last time I was in one the clueless kid behind counter had facial piercings that inhibited his speech.
https://thelogclassifieds.com/help-wanted/
https://www.thelog.com/
Employment « Dana Point Shipyard

[nightowle]

In Seattle, we have the "Center for Wooden Boats", a non-profit that attracts volunteers. Maybe there's something like that in your area.

[Sailing Seas]

If you are headed to San Diego, a quick way to get some basic sailing in before this season begins is to join one of the Sailing Clubs.
Last summer I joined https://mbaquaticcenter.com.
Affordable and perfect for basic sailing skills. Then, as already suggested, show up at a nearby Sailing Marina at the begging of the racing season and your chances of getting on as crew are great.

[Drunkonwatch]

look around the docks in SoCal. I noticed all kinds of little forgotten boats sitting sadly everywhere last fall. One I asked about in the tavern could have been gotten for free. Then your ruined for life just like that poof broke for ever….captain