Fast Track to Yachtmaster Offshore (Sail)

[carstenb]

If you are going to make yourself attractive for crewing, one or both of you should learn how to be really good cooks (they can always get a job), at least one of you should also get a motorman's certificate alongside your yacht master offshore. Radio license, preferable LRC would be good.

Why all the above? There are lot's go guys (and gals) out there trying to get into yacht deliveries and/or super yacht crewing or just yacht crewing. It is an employers market, so the more qualifications you have the better. Cooking at sea is not like cooking at home - learn how to do it. A motorman's certificate combined with a Yachtmaster gives you the possibility of two types of positions.

I have a Yachtmaster Ocean and a motorman's certificate and an LRC. WheN I retire, I will try to get into the yacht delivery business - but generally nobody is going to give you a boat unless you have excellent references.

Good luck

[Tony B]

I may be off track here but have you ever considered working offshore in the oil fields?
I live in Kemah and drive 6 hours each way for a 14 on and 7 off sched. I no longer work on boats because I'd rather work on platforms and rigs, but that's me. Most of the offshore boat companies are out of Louisiana and some in Texas.
You can get your 100 ton Masters in about 4 months or so experience on 100 Ton vessels and then get the sailing portion added on. Other than the 100 Ton time, the rest of the sea time can be on any boat with a motor including a canoe if it was on navigable waterways like Galveston Bay. You will be making money while you are on the boat instead of spending money on classes. This may not be the kind of thing you want but you will get your CG license and get paid at the same time. Your wife can get a job with any of a dozen or so offshore catering services very easily if that's what she wants. Then see how life pans out from there.
If it's just the yachtie lifestyle you want, you might be a bit late for that.
Most people I have met that are into the whole yacht thing were pretty much born and raised around them and have made contacts just being in the field. Not sayin' that you can't do it, but it will be difficult.

[Tyrone777]

Originally Posted by Tony B

You can get your 100 ton Masters in about 4 months or so experience on 100 Ton vessels and then get the sailing portion added on.

I was under the impression that for any of the USCG licenses it was time on water and the shortest term license OUPV (6-pack) was 2 years or roughly 1 yr if you lived aboard?

[Svanen]

I don't have the sense that the op is opposed to gaining practical experience, or has any illusions that a fasttrack course leading to the YM Coastal will turn him into an instant expert. He just wants to begin with some quality training, preferably though a high quality formal programme that results in an entry-level qualification. The RYA is perfect for that.

Tyrone, a recent book that might well be of interest: Sue Pelling, "Sail for a Living" (Wiley, 2011). I think you'll find it contains lots of useful information.

Alternatively, if you want to consider the suggestion that you simply buy a boat and cruise privately, check out the following:

1) Ann Vanderhoof, "An Embarrassment of Mangoes: a Caribbean Interlude" (Doubleday Canada, 2003);

2) Bill and Laurel Cooper, "Sell Up and Sail", 5th ed. (Sheridan, 2006).

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

The company will ensure you get the necessary sea miles with command eerience.

David Old Jersey is correct: there will not typically be any bona fide command experience on fasttrack YM courses. Students serve as designated skippers for individual passages >60 nm, but with an instructor aboard to hold their hand.