Crew Available: ARC crew, good odds?

[AlphaBravo]

Hi guys,
So a friend was telling me that if i'm interested in an atlantic crossing to get down to Las Palmas a find a position on a yacht doing the ARC.

What are the chances of finding a boat for a semi-experienced sailor? Worth a shot?

[Jeannius]

Lots of people walk the docks, not too many make it aboard. I presume you are a Brit so that gives you a better chance than most as so many entrants are also Brits. Your best chance is to get on the worldcruising crew forum and start posting there.

[Dockhead]

Indeed. I think walking the docks would be a uniquely poor way to find a boat in an event like that, where people are preparing and choosing crew a year ahead and more.

I would get on all the crew exchange forums (including the one on here), and be sure to describe skills you have to offer. Skippers will be looking for people who are good enough sailors to stand watches alone without anyone having to worry about you, and who have something else to offer the ship. Mechanical and electrical skills are highly prized, as are medical skills. A good cook is always welcome, but that's not usually so hard to find. Expect to share expenses -- and for the ARC, they are considerable.

People participating in the ARC are mostly doing it for the first time, and are generally pretty anal about preparing for it. A berth in a boat which is crossing without participating in the ARC might be more easy going than the typical ARC boat.

[AlphaBravo]

Thanks for the replies guys, very useful

[AlphaBravo]

Jeannius (or anyone else) - you say the world cruising forum, but I can find much of a forum there, there is a link to Ocean Crew Link, is this what you mean?

Cheers!

[monte]

http://www.worldcruising.com/forum/default.aspx


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