Crewing in Pro Races

[bertusg]

Every time I see photos of the crews on those amazing, beautiful, sleek and giant professional racing boats (Caribbean 600, etc) I wonder - who are those folks and how did they get so lucky??

Aside from the sponsors, owners and captains - how does the crew end up on the boat? Is it sought after, and competitive to be selected? Is it just being in the right place at the right time, and knowing the right people? Is it a lifetime of commitment to sailing races from dinghies on up?

Or - and here's the real question - is there any chance a regular joe with some commitment can end up experiencing what must be an incredible experience....?

Correct me if my assumption is wrong and it's all hard work and sacrifice and pain and no fun!

[Dave_S]

I don't think "some" commitment will get you there.

The top end of the sport costs a lot of money and sponsors want results and media attention. They will be seeking the best players.

Some commitment will get you on a club boat in regular races, who knows you might like it so much you increase your commitment level :-)

[Jim Cate]

On the top boats the crew are nearly always paid professionals. And this is reasonable from the point of view that the boats cost millions, the maintenance costs hundreds of thousands annually, and all that money is spent to win races. Not having professional, highly skilled crew would jeopardize the chance of winning.

So, if ya wanna sail on Comanche or her likes, a dedicated learning process with training and LOTS of racing experience is the route to follow. Oh... this experience also gets you the personal contacts needed for entry into the gilded cage!

Jim

[belizesailor]

Unless you are friends with the owner, just having some "some commitment" wont get you a ride on these boats. These owners/sponsors are racing to win and are willing to hire the best talent they can find to do it...that does not include the average joe or even really good amateurs. Pro racers have way more than just "some commitment" and it shows in their resumes.

However, there are loads of regattas in which you do have a shot at crewing, loads. And, if you build some strong amateur level skills you can get invited to crew on some pretty sexy boats! Maybe not multi-millon dollar sleds, but some cool rides none the less.

Ive got a stack of T-shirts to prove it! [emoji41]

[belizesailor]

I'll be damned, theres even regattas in Missourri!

https://www.417mag.com/events/44th-a...s-cup-regatta/

How far are you from Stockton Lake?

[belizesailor]

Good article on world class pro racing...and the obsession with winning that drives it:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.bus...racing-2014-10