14-01-2014, 18:17
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#76
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Boat: CT-41
Posts: 289
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
A note to those replying to my crew request:
I have been getting a lot of requests on my personal web site and by PM from people who have no experience, but "want to learn", many, women, and several couples. So far none of these requests have told me anything at all about who you are and why I might want you on my boat. I am not a volunteer sailing teacher, and someone with no experience is a liability, not an asset. If you have no experience and nothing else to contribute other than your delightful personality, please provide some compelling reason that I may want you aboard or don't expect a reply. I have very little interest in taking on a couple unless we like each other a whole lot, you DO have extensive experience, and it is for a short duration. I have NO interest in taking on a single, inexperienced woman who I know nothing about and she thinks this is an internet dating site.
I have also got several requests from people who I might consider if we get to know each other a little. However, if you don't respond to my reply, I delete your original message and consider you another dreamer, of which there are far more than people who really are capable of sailing.
If I want a stranger who has no interest in getting to know me and just "wants a ride", they are very easy to find at the local pub in any port town, and, I at least get to know them a whole lot better than through a cpl txt msgs, lol.
I posted this looking for someone seriously interested in an extended voyage (in which case, we get to know each other or I won't consider it), and/or someone WITH EXPERIENCE who is interested in shorter hops from Portland to Astoria, then down the coast to Mexico and possibly onward.
You already know the dog duty requirement if you have read this thread. I would like to clarify one thing about that: EVERYONE who sails on my boat will be treated like a dog. Attached is a pic of my dog Aleutia's dinner.
__________________
Steve VR & Aleutia the Dog
SV Mystique, CT-41, Mazatlan, Mexico
Web page - slvanronk.com
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15-01-2014, 04:16
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#77
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Homer, AK is my home port
Boat: Skookum 53'
Posts: 4,042
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Sounds like you have hit on a great tactic, say you don't want just anyone, and everyone is beating down your door to get on your boat! Good luck, as you already know, you won't really get a true picture of who they are until you have been offshore for a few days. My personal estimation is most people can only maintain their facade for about a week, then you get to see who the real person is. I've had some experienced people keep up a front for up to two weeks, but at some point the real person comes to the surface and you get to know them. Which you probably already know, being involved with SAR, you have seen people at their best and worst.
__________________
" Wisdom; is your reward for surviving your mistakes"
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15-01-2014, 05:20
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#78
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Home at Warsaw, Poland, boat in Eastern Med
Boat: Ocean Star 56.1 LR
Posts: 1,841
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain58sailin
My personal estimation is most people can only maintain their facade for about a week, then you get to see who the real person is.
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It can explain why my dear wife does not like have a guests on board for longer than a week
Except some long time friends
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15-01-2014, 05:57
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#79
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Homer, AK is my home port
Boat: Skookum 53'
Posts: 4,042
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Two days is about right. By the end of the 2nd day, it is time for them to go.
__________________
" Wisdom; is your reward for surviving your mistakes"
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15-01-2014, 06:01
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#80
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Home at Warsaw, Poland, boat in Eastern Med
Boat: Ocean Star 56.1 LR
Posts: 1,841
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain58sailin
Two days is about right. By the end of the 2nd day, it is time for them to go.
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By the end of the second day they are often very keen to go. Just too seasick to move out
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15-01-2014, 06:40
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#81
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Armchair Bucketeer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,012
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by captain58sailin
Good luck, as you already know, you won't really get a true picture of who they are until you have been offshore for a few days.
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A quick way is to go drinking with someone
(that's 'proper' drinking ).
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15-01-2014, 12:41
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#82
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: some ocean down under
Boat: Kelsall Suncat 40
Posts: 1,248
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey
A quick way is to go drinking with someone
(that's 'proper' drinking ).
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This is very true.
__________________
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15-01-2014, 12:47
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#83
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Boat: CT-41
Posts: 289
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
You guys comments are pretty much consistent with my limited experience. I don't "expect" to find long term crew from any crew listing, BUT, one never knows where good crew will come from. Between here and Mexico, there are lots of short hops, for trying out someone. Even short hops, I am not going to take just anybody without getting to know them a little.
People are not "beating down the door to get on my boat", but I have had responses. Several have been in their early 20s, with little or no experience, a few of them women. I don't discourage people from pursuing their dream and don't rule out a young crew member, providing there is another (+ me) with plenty of experience, AND the young person is exceptionally compatible. Unlikely, but I am not going to just shine them on without a polite reply to their request. An old salt provided my unlikely first chance when I was in my 20's!
Have also had responses from a couple who seem to have plenty of sea time. Would consider them if we like each other, but, so far, they have not responded to my reply. I consider that the flare up of an emotional fantasy, not a real request.
I stay in contact with several crew from other posts who are already off sailing, because our time schedules did not match. I stay in contact because we DID carry on conversation and they are people I hope to meet some day, if we sail together or not.
That is my REAL tactic - keep what I am looking for honestly stated on crew lists to build up my own potential roster to draw from if our paths cross and needs match.
Finding competent hired crew is just as difficult as competent volunteer crew. There are hordes of "delivery captains" and professional deck hands who will charge $300-$500 per day or $5-$10 per mile, but have little competence and lack the common sense to check out a boat before heading out for the fat paycheck. Not that difficult to find experienced professional deck hand with 100 ton license for $50-$100 per day plus transportation during off season. That is what I rely on for a short hop, but not on a long voyage in season where they make up to ten times that much.
Because this is my first 40' cruising boat and I have not taken her out yet, I will be enlisting crew for at least the first year (plus or minus) until I get to know the boat well enough to single hand her. I already know the mechanics and condition of my boat from spending the last year crawling into every hole during a serious refit. Still have about three months to pull the masts and haul out, then the refit will be comprehensive and Mystique will be ready to sail anywhere.
By then I will have competent crew. Already have an outstanding Security Officer.
__________________
Steve VR & Aleutia the Dog
SV Mystique, CT-41, Mazatlan, Mexico
Web page - slvanronk.com
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15-01-2014, 14:33
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#84
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Home at Warsaw, Poland, boat in Eastern Med
Boat: Ocean Star 56.1 LR
Posts: 1,841
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vino the Dog
Several have been in their early 20s, with little or no experience, a few of them women. I don't discourage people from pursuing their dream and don't rule out a young crew member, providing there is another (+ me) with plenty of experience, AND the young person is exceptionally compatible. Unlikely, but I am not going to just shine them on without a polite reply to their request. An old salt provided my unlikely first chance when I was in my 20's!
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I dare say, I like to sail with young people. Keen to learn, spontaneous. If they REALLY are eager to sail, it is fine. On the opposite, I find a lot of people of my age just whiny and grumpy
But I noticed some reservation towards young crew on this and some other forums, and noticed that this attitude is somewhat location-dependent, so may be there are some culture differences making people of different ages less compatible
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15-01-2014, 14:37
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#85
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Home at Warsaw, Poland, boat in Eastern Med
Boat: Ocean Star 56.1 LR
Posts: 1,841
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vino the Dog
Already have an outstanding Security Officer.
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I have to consider such a promotion for my four-legged Best Friend.
Hovewer I think that more training is in order before?
By the way - is Aleutia friendly for other dogs?
Regards
Tomasz
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15-01-2014, 19:08
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#86
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Boat: CT-41
Posts: 289
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Whiskey,
Totally agree on sailing with young people if they are energetic and mature. They have to show it though or I won't take the chance. There are a couple guys in their 20's I would be happy to sail with, including a current buddy who lives right down the dock from me and grew up on a Beneteau 40. Unfortunately he also has a pregnant wife, and doesn’t need crew opportunities since his dad gave him the boat.
Also agree about people my age (65). A lot of them have become "old men". Many of my friends are half my age and I still keep up with them on a double black ski hill, or a construction job.
Aleutia is very friendly to both people and dogs. He is a pacifist... never been in a fight except when a coyote jumped him at 2 years old. He has excellent conflict avoidance skills, but don't try to get in my car if I am not there. He barks any time people come by the boat and I can usually tell if it is a friend, stranger, or the UPS delivery guy. He is quite intimidating if you try to get on the boat without an invitation. He will let a friend on board, but won't stop barking until I get there.
__________________
Steve VR & Aleutia the Dog
SV Mystique, CT-41, Mazatlan, Mexico
Web page - slvanronk.com
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16-01-2014, 04:12
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#87
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Home at Warsaw, Poland, boat in Eastern Med
Boat: Ocean Star 56.1 LR
Posts: 1,841
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vino the Dog
Aleutia is very friendly to both people and dogs. He is a pacifist... never been in a fight except when a coyote jumped him at 2 years old. He has excellent conflict avoidance skills, but don't try to get in my car if I am not there. He barks any time people come by the boat and I can usually tell if it is a friend, stranger, or the UPS delivery guy. He is quite intimidating if you try to get on the boat without an invitation. He will let a friend on board, but won't stop barking until I get there.
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Hi, Vino!
Sounds You do really have a fantastic mate
I do not know this breed well. It is not very popular in Poland, but there some kennels and I met Australian Shepherds on some dog shows and they apeeared to be really nice and good mates. I know that some are trained for S&R here also, but it happens we have our own breed suitable for S&R (Polish Lowland Sheepdog), so it is inevitably more popular here, just as our local breed
I guess my BIG (we have chihuahuas also) friend is a little more problematic as Yours. It is Black Russian Terrier (some 130 lb). Very good companion, easygoing and friendly with people, but must get to know somebody first. Can only pray for anybody who would try to board the boat without my or my wife presence. Happily nobody tried it yet. People tend to retreat seeing him at the gangway. Always without the sound, always in fighting position when somebody unknown is closing
Unhappily, when young, he was several times attacked by other dogs (plenty of irresponsible dog owners around in the area where we are living) and now, when meeting one, is always ready to fight back. He is well trained (for non-service dog at least) so we don't have real problems, but need to be alert. Especially in eastern Med, where are loads of free running dogs on the streets, without anybody looking for them in sight.
Hope Your Aleutia will do well on such an extended cruise You are into.
Wish You both all the best
Tomasz
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16-01-2014, 12:19
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#88
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Boat: CT-41
Posts: 289
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
A little about my sailing/boating experience.
First, I am NOT an expert skipper with thousands of sea miles. I do know my limitations, which is why I am seeking one well experienced crew member for at least the first year sailing Mystique.
I also do not necessarily believe that miles travelled or time spent always equals competence. There are countless sailors who have many miles behind them who never experienced bad weather, trouble with the boat, or other problems requiring solving. There is also a tremendous difference between crew doing what a skipper asks and being the decision maker. Many have sailed for years without ever knowing anything about their boat. As a seasoned skipper friend of mine once said; "Many fools get lucky".
Experience however, DOES count a lot, particularly if the sailor is perceptive and intelligent enough to learn.
As for my experience:
Started sailing in 1969 on Coronado 15s with sailing classes at the San Diego Naval Station while in electronics school.
Crossed the Pacific during US Navy duty on combat store ship.
Puddled around on day sailors and under 20 footers off and on for years on lakes.
Crewed on 32-36 foot sloops offshore in SF Bay area and in races around Honolulu
Worked on 40 foot commercial fish boat, 10-14 day trips offshore 100-300 miles.
Crewed on Hardin 45 Ketch from California to Mexico.
Briefly sailed Westsail 32 in Gulf of Alaska, off Kodiak
Raced lasers one season (didn't ever win).
Dugout canoe down Sepik River, Papua New Guinea, with guide from cannibal tribe.
Thai Riverboat into into Golden Triangle. Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam border.
Open riverboat down Manu River, Peru, headwater to Amazon.
Many short inter-island hops on hired boats in the South Pacific, Indonesia, and up through SE Asia.
Had several boats of my own from 15' to 27 foot for years.
During these times, I have experienced some very bouncy conditions, an offshore collision in pea-soup fog, emergency course correction for collision avoidance with a container ship while crossing shipping lanes, a dog crew member as first to alert us to a potential collision, fishing in near gale conditions, waves so big that we once came to the top of a swell and saw an oil tanker close off our starboard side that totally disappeared when we descended into the trough and never saw him again, and leaving our boat drift to paddle over to a friends boat for dinner amid a community of fishermen who were all drifting for the night about 80 miles offshore. It's a good start!
Got CT-41 Ketch last January and have been working on full refit since, estimate being finished in approximately 3 months.
That is a brief summary of my experience. This is my first real cruising boat and while I do not have extensive sea miles, I do know this boat inside and out and have excellent problem solving skills.
__________________
Steve VR & Aleutia the Dog
SV Mystique, CT-41, Mazatlan, Mexico
Web page - slvanronk.com
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16-01-2014, 13:25
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#89
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Cruising Mexico Currently
Boat: Gulfstar 50
Posts: 1,979
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by CapnCol
Hi evm, I went on Thursday and have to say I was a bit disappointed. As I was last year. There really isn't much for the cruising sailor. I*did*pick up some l.e.d.s from Englund which were a steal, so not a complete loss.
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Thats cool. THe boat show is a far cry from when they were in the Coliseum inthe late 70's and 80's. Sadly.
Oh well.....
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20-01-2014, 05:05
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#90
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Armchair Bucketeer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,012
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Re: Interviewing for crew Portland, Or to Mexico then beyond
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vino the Dog
So what part of my "act" do you have problems with, Jammer? Except, of course that I expect crew not to leave dog **** laying on the deck during their watch.
You may notice that I have been open and honest about every detail of my request, and the only people I have had unpleasant interactions with are those who had no interest in crewing on my boat, but felt it necessary to ridicule my request that acceptable crew will do the obvious necessity when on a boat with a dog.
An apology will be graciously accepted.
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I appreciate that this thread has been hard work - welcome to the internet - and useful for you to provide info on your sailing / boat background (albeit anyone as experienced as you are after would likely have guessed similar).......but whilst I can see what you are after from a crew, I see little mention of what a prospective crew member would get out of the deal from you. (above paying you to work on your boat). Some travel plans and time-scale would likely help on that.
The above meant to be constructive - am firmly on the "don't ask - don't get" end of life , but nonetheless sometimes have to help others to help you .
FWIW (nada - it's the internet ), I think you are both being optimistic and unnecessarily fussy on the skill / experience level required for crew which shrinks the pot to pick from considerably. Training up crew members is not rocket science (re-training folks is harder!, let alone dealing with a second (guessing!) Skipper onboard), creating a crew on your vessel is a bit harder, but for both what you need is someone willing to learn (how to and how to on your boat!) and to get stuck in (in this case also with the dog poop - not for everyone, but will be ok for many)..........and most importantly a personality you can live with in a confined space for an extended period!!!......and to make sure you get one of those you need them onboard for a once over (that works both ways! - experienced crew would know what they are looking for in a Skipper and Boat)......before setting off on an extended trip.........sometimes no substitute (or quick shortcut) for putting time and effort in - in real world, even if online is a very useful part of the screening and warm up process.
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