How to be a Good Crew Member in Yacht Racing

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If you like the boat you’re racing on, keep getting invited back by being a good crew member. Understanding what the skipper and other crew members are looking for in each other is key. Good crew members are hard to find and if you make a little effort, you’ll make it to the top of the crew list in no time.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Yacht racing is like a job. It is absolutely possible on a Saturday or Sunday that you will be on the water for about 8 hours. Just like a job, you should show up on time, be prepared for the day, and be a team player throughout the day.

Step2

Be prepared. If the skipper told you to bring a life jacket and you don’t, you may be out of a ride. If you don’t bring water, you may lost your focus halfway through the race due to dehydration. Good things to bring on the boat for any race day are:
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Layered clothes to stay warm or cool
• Boat shoes so you don’t scuff the deck
• Sunglasses
• Life jacket
• Water

Step3

Be Alert. A lot of people on the boat may be daydreaming during a long race or just not that interested. Stay alert and pay attention to the wind direction, the wave action and what other boats are doing. If you notice something that may be helpful, mention it to the crew. You will be surprised at how much goes unnoticed if crew members are not engaged in the race.

Step4

Listen more than you speak. No one likes someone screaming at them or telling them what to do. Ask questions and mention things that may be helpful for the race. Otherwise, keep you mouth shut, pay attention, and you will learn quickly what makes the boat go fast and what information is helpful to convey.

Step5

Be Helpful. If the boat is rounding a mark and you don’t have a job to do, help someone else who does have a job but needs assistance when things get hectic. Volunteer to make sandwiches for lunch. No one likes going down below, but someone has to do it and you won’t be the new kid on the boat for long. When the boat gets back to the dock, help clean up. Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Make sure the skipper has accomplished all the clean-up she would like before you leave the boat for the day.