How to Become a Crew Member

Time on a sailboat doesn't always translate to bearing the responsibility of skipper. Every captain needs a crew.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sailing Signal Flags
• Boat Shoes
• Sunscreen
• Life Jackets
• insulated, waterproof warm jackets

1. Take a basic sailing course or read about the principles of sailing. Enthusiasm goes a long way toward making you a desirable crew, but knowledge will help even more.

2. Locate bodies of water in your area where people sail boats large enough to accommodate an extra person, generally over 20 feet.

3. Prepare 3-by-5-inch cards that extol your virtues as crew. If your sailing experience is limited or nonexistent, list attributes such as strength, agility, ability to follow instructions, mechanical ability or strong work ethic.

4. Visit marinas and clubs and post your cards on bulletin boards.

5. Look for notices of upcoming races and record the dates and start times.

6. Ask people at the clubs if there are any regularly scheduled races on evenings or weekends that aren't otherwise posted.

7. Show up at the club or nearby marina where sailboats are kept, before a race or on pleasant weekend days.

8. Walk up to groups of sailors preparing boats for sailing and have someone point out the skipper.

9. Ask him or her if the boat could use an extra pair of hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to glorify your experience. If you've never sailed before, don't try to make it look any other way. State flat-out that you're eager to work and learn.
• Don't expect anyone to explain sailing to you. You'll get instruction on a specific chore. Everything else you learn will come from watching and listening.
• Larger boats need more crew, most of whom just sit on the rail.

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