How to Travel for Free on a Sailboat

Thousands of sailboats travel the world's oceans every year. Some of them need help.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boat Shoes
• Duffel Bags
• Foul Weather Gear

1. Acquire sailing experience if at all possible. Sailing small dinghies may not give you any advantage, but experience on larger boats, however limited, may set you apart from other candidates.

2. Prepare a resume. Sailing larger boats isn't all about sailing. Skills such as cooking, mechanical ability and medical training are often in great demand.

3. Search classified ads. Some national magazines and many local and regional publications list opportunities to travel by sailboat.

4. Travel to popular sailing centers. They are the best places to make contact with people who are setting out on a passage.

5. Search waterfront bulletin boards.

6. Speak with clerks at marine stores. They'll know who's planning to sail away in coming days.

7. Stake out sailing bars and restaurants. Sailors tend to congregate in certain eating and drinking establishments. These are great places to make contact.

8. Sell yourself. Once you identify a boat and owner who might want to take you along, you'll have to convince him or her your presence will make the trip substantially better. Your first trip will give you references and experience, which will make it easier to get yourself future berths.

Tips & Warnings

• There's no absolute formula for finding a ride on a sailboat. In the end, it comes down to personal relationships. Get out and meet the owners, captains and crews.
• Boat owners and captains may want references from you, but you also may want to talk to people who have sailed with these people. Occasionally, horror stories circulate about psycho captains and owners. Don't take any chances.

[shirleybill]

on 12/6/2008 Good advice