See full version: How to get first-time skipper experience and prepare yourself for sailing
Yachtsmen often say: "If you put to sea, you need a license, and if you want to return, you need knowledge". Obtaining a license is not a problem, what is difficult is to sail a yacht properly, even for experienced skippers. You have to consider big winds, steering failure, anchor cables fouling, etc.
There are also international websites (and applications) that help captains and crew members find each other. The formats and conditions for participation may vary. You can find positions both for professionals (paid) and beginners:
Another variant is taking part in a flotilla in which a group of chartered yachts set sail together on the same route. It is usually led by an experienced captain, the rest of the skippers follow his path. You rent a yacht by yourself, recruit a crew and run alone. In this case you really feel freedom at the helm, and a flotilla organizer takes care of many issues, making your skipper life easier. You sail on a proven route, all hidden rocks taken into account, and also participate in the evening master classes for novice skippers. In such conditions the risk of doing something wrong, breaking something and, as a result, losing a deposit paid for the boat is minimal. After that you will be able to sail confidently and without assistance.
When cruisers are faced with a longer passage they often take on extra crew to help out. Sometimes they are even required to do so by their insurance. This is the most varied type of offshore passage opportunity out there. They might cover all your costs or charge you a fee. This could be their first offshore passage or their 100th. The range of skills levels that these cruisers will be looking for in crew varies widely: they might be looking for a experienced offshore captain all the way to somebody to keep their regular crew company on watch. more
If you’re really opposed to racing the return delivery is another good option for getting offshore that can accommodate offshore novices.
Delivery skippers get paid to move boats around the world by owners who don’t have the time or experience to do it themselves. These skippers aren’t rich folk and will be willing to have you aboard if you’re looking to be compensated by experience and can convince them you’ll be an asset to the voyage. You (and the skipper) usually roll the dice on the boat and weather and are on a tight schedule so the sound of the diesel may never cease during the trip. Some, if not all, of your expenses will be covered by the skipper (then passed on to the owner). more
Before we start, are you sure you don’t know a skipper you trust who’d like to take you offshore with them? You’re NOT sure? Be more vocal about your interest in sailing offshore; especially around sailors and skippers you trust! After all the extensive research I did into finding the best offshore passages it has been word of mouth has brought me my best offshore sailing experiences. Don’t be shy: talk to sailors you trust and listen to what they have to say!
The TCN Help Guides are created to help get you on the ladder and into your first position in yachting covering everything from the many different roles there are for yacht crew today, average crew salaries, how to get experience and how to dazzle at interviews. more
We will be adding to these on a regular basis, so do check back from time to time for the latest editions or sign up our newsletter to be kept informed when the next ones arrive.
To help you launch a career in yachting, we asked our TCN specialists to share some of their experience, help and tips. more
There is also a useful FAQs Guide covering all areas of yachting.
Go to a crew wanted website here
Post on facebook that you putting a group together to charter in the Caribbean
Chances are every one of your friends or acquaintances are getting pressured to sell the boat because they don’t use it enough. If you offer to pay the slip fee or something each month (and are competent) chances are your friend will jump at the opportunity.
These are programs where an organization has a bunch of yachts and for a small monthly membership fee ($50-$100) you can use their boats. You pay a vastly reduced price each time you use one of their boats. You meet tones of people. [links]
There are 5-6 famous and fun weeklong regattas in the Caribbean each year. You can get on a boat sometimes for free or sometimes for a small fee. [links]
To get sailing experience you can pay silly money to a sailing school for weekends/weeks out at sea under the supervision of a professional who’s taking their cut from your payments, or you can simply find a willing skipper to take you out for fun. Isn’t the main reason you sail just fun? here
Sailing is a career in its own right. You start knowing nothing but the more you do the better and more competent you become. The best way to learn is to do – to get sailing experience you should get out to sea! Onboard Space can help with that by connecting you with a skipper, or you as a skipper with experienced crew.
Sailing is a part intellectual and part physical experience. As you develop as a sailor there is definitely room for classroom learning – perhaps doing a Day Skipper with the RYA or similar course in your home country.
There are all sorts of ways these days of getting sailing experience as crew. Some (as indicated above) can be bloody expensive. Joining a yacht club isn’t always that cheap, especially if a prestigious one. Most of those who sail aren’t that wealthy so you can find skippers looking for crew at your local marina. It does take a big pair of balls to do – introducing yourself to a completely new person and selling yourself can give anyone the willies. [links]
For sailing being a discipline of art and science, it is about the fun. That can mean the alcohol soaked parties, the half serious (or very serious!) racing, or simply sitting on the windward rail on a long reach as you travel to another country under your own steam. [links]