How to Select a Sailboat Racing Crew

You spend a lot of time on the water, so make it worth your while by selecting a crew that understands and meets your expectations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Sailing Gloves
• Deck Shoes
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Sun Hats
• Sunglasses
• Foul Weather Gear
• Seaman's Knives

1. Think about why you want to race. Do you do it for fun, for family interaction, for the competition, to become a professional, to enjoy being on the water or to boost your ego?
2. Decide how often you want to practice and race.
3. Post ads on bulletin boards in yacht clubs and marine supply stores for crewmembers.
4. Ask each potential crewmember why he or she wants to race sailboats.
5. Select the ones who best fit your crewmember profile and have expectations similar to yours.

Tips & Warnings

• Give lesser-experienced people with a desire to learn and a good attitude a shot. Often they are the best selections.
• Remind yourself every now and then that sailboat racing pays prize money only for the biggest guns in the biggest races. Sail with people who like to have your kind of fun.