Crew Available: Still Green

[SailDreams]

Hi,

My previous post, "Green, Green, Green" got a few comments but no real bites. "Green" by the way, means, "new" like unseasoned fire wood, green, no experience.
I have seen posts by captains who are for hire.
This gave me the idea to put my feelers out to work for a captain.
What I am looking for is experience, one dream I have chased on and off for a while, having been around boats my whole life. I am a quick learner, hard working, innovative and can follow orders.
Will work hard for the opportunity to sail, float, mop the bilge, whatever needs to be done. Mechanically inclined and a geek (computers, electronics). Have a sense of humor, do not smoke.
If you are willing to take on someone "green" please drop me a pm.


Thank you!

[Jeanneau 45.2]

might be a good idea to tell us where you are located, where you are willing to sail, length of time available, age, etc.

[SailDreams]

All details available to responses via PM

[JohnT]

Really, if you are not prepared to be up-front with your information, do not be surprised with very little response to your post.

[SailDreams]

Hmmm, Ok, I am located in USA, am willing to travel, I am available +/- at a moment's notice as I am a semi-retired, independent contractor in the IT field (see above, skills).
I am interested in all types of craft. I like to learn and you would be helping me fulfill one of my dreams (hence my user name) by taking me on board.

Anything else you would like to know, please send me a PM.


Thank you!

[JPA Cate]

SailDreams,

The easiest niche to join in sailing is low level club racing. If you live near the water, look at small sailing clubs that have a club racing program. Meet sailors, offer to help out and always show up ahead of time for races.

If you don't live near the water, I think you may need to take another look at your plan for learning about sailing. Most boat owners already have friends to take sailing. Sometimes people take on crew for long passages, but they want someone who knows how to stand watches, because the skipper entrusts you with the welfare of the boat and all aboard her at that time. Last week, there was a thread here about a skipper on an ocean passage who discovered crew sleeping on watch, who asked for feedback on how to handle the situation, you might want to check that out.

Sailing can be a lot of fun, and it is also easy to under-respect it.

Ann , very long term cruising sailor

[StuM]

Originally Posted by SailDreams

All details available to responses via PM

Hey, you're theinexperienced person looking for someone to take you on. Lots of other people are doing the same, many with experience.


No skipper in their right mind is going to bother with sending you PMs if they don't know anything about your location or availability.

[SailDreams]

StuM
Please look 2 posts above

And because others are looking also, means there are a lot of us who are interested in learning and are ambitious!
Good for us!

[SailDreams]

JPA Cate


Thank you for your kind words and advice!
Great ideas. I will look into it.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Howdy Dreamer.

It is good to have dreams.

But is also good to be practical.

Several members of CF have already tried to help you with some very good advice.

I read their suggestions and your replies.

Here is my friendly advice, all written in a friendly tone of voice:

You need to be more forthcoming and provide more information about yourself in order to get the interest of any captain.

You should learn something about sailing and then be able to prove that. Take classes if you can and get some certifications.

You should clearly identify your sex, your age, and your location.

Don’t try to be coy or mysterious. No one has time for that.

I will send you some more tips I think will help you reach your dream.

Good luck and enjoy your time on the forum. This is a place where you can learn a lot about sailing and boats, but eventually you will need to get out there on the water.

[JPA Cate]

SailDreams,

There is another way to get into sailing, besides low level club racing, and that is to take classes. And those can be anywhere in the world you might like to experience...the English have some great ones, and so do the Americans and Canadians, so you theoretically could choose where and when you did those courses. The whole experience could be very confidence building.

You can also read here about stuff like what to bring with you when you go to help crew on a passage, and view sample crewing contracts. This is for volunteer crew, but yes, do not be surprised by a contract.

When you're just starting out it can be difficult. If it fits for you, just going to boat clubs in your area, around 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning, on Sat. and Sun., and introducing yourself, asking if someone has room for one new hand could work. Sometimes the clubs have their own slipway, and people will be working on their boats there. It is an opportunity to make a new friend and offer to lend a hand. You might be rewarded by the offer of a day sail. It does mean putting yourself out there, and one might really have to crank themselves up for it, especially if one were on the shy side.

Good luck with finding an opportunity to sail!

Ann

[tejeda]

Trip to take about 1 1/2 wks to 2 wks., take turns on watch, general upkeep and cleaning and repairs. .32'sailboat Lloyd's certified with lots of safety equipment.
1st leg is to Apalachicola, Fl. then on to Texas.
Volunteers only and share in expenses.
Need 1/2 person(s) 6 to 10 days approximately to go from Cape Coral to northern Florida to Texas . Leave as soon as I get crew and Off course we wait for weather 1st. I use a meteorologist who advises sailors.
Please respond only if interested.