Crew Available: Swedish girl looking for Transatlantic crew opportunities in Dec 2012

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

......However, anyone who can insist that it has no sexual connotations is, at best, naive, as those connotations are both historical and symbolic.

Greenhand, I said it need not have sexual connotations, not that it never had any. I have had a quick look historically and find a form of this was performed two thousand odd years ago by women for women. Another form was an Indian sport called Mallakhamb where men performed gravity defying tricks. It is only more recent Western history that sees an erotic version of this performed in men's clubs. In the last decade or so it has grown in popularity as a gymnastic sport that needs a high level of fitness and strong core muscles. As a sport is is not all about gyrating movements.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by mei

......
Which other forums are there that I can post an ad?
.....

Mei, you might want to try advertising in YBW, it is more British based than American:
Yachting and Boating World Forums

Best wishes.

[Greenhand]

Originally Posted by Seaworthy Lass

Greenhand, I said it need not have sexual connotations, not that it never had any. I have had a quick look historically and find a form of this was performed two thousand odd years ago by women for women. Another form was an Indian sport called Mallakhamb where men performed gravity defying tricks. It is only more recent Western history that sees an erotic version of this performed in men's clubs. In the last decade or so it has grown in popularity as a gymnastic sport that needs a high level of fitness and strong core muscles. As a sport is is not all about gyrating movements.

Actually, the original you mention was about fertility, building the strength to both attract men and, more importantly, survive childbirth. Belly dancing has a similar history.

And even if they keep their clothes on, the costumes worn in competition are highly sexualized.

Pole dancing involves an amazing amount of athleticism, but that does not negate the sexual connotations. And as for the cultural, most Europeans don't find it necessary to deny the sexuality of a thing in order to accept it; that is an extremely puritanical perspective.

On topic, I don't see why anyone puts gender in the title of crew ads, available or wanted. By connotation, it reads like a single's ad. Moreover, it is usually irrelevant. Even if it is important, that is what the expanded text is for.

[Dsanduril]

Nothing sexual or erotic at all



A physically fit, intelligent, adventurous young woman who volunteers that she can cook will have no problem finding a boat willing to take her on as crew. Whether or not she wants that position is a whole other matter, and really the only way to know is to meet both the boat and the crew. You may get on famously with the other people, but the boat may not be suitable for the trip. And if you don't get on with the people, a 40-foot box in the middle of the Atlantic for two weeks is no place to spend your vacation.

Walk the docks (no innuendo intended), meet people, and go with your gut as to suitable boats and skippers.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

......
And as for the cultural, most Europeans don't find it necessary to deny the sexuality of a thing in order to accept it; that is an extremely puritanical perspective.
......

Yep, I'm very puritanical. I don't believe any male athletic attire is designed to enhance their sex appeal. Nor do their photo shoots have any intentional sexual connotations at all. But I do wish they would cover up more. All that bare flesh is somewhat unseemly. An example of what I mean is shown below.

I only appreciate athletes like this for their sporting success:

Top 10 Hottest Men of Sports

World's 25 sexiest male sportsmen|Stars|chinadaily.com.cn

Unfortunately I have become a little flustered admiring all this skill, so I need to take a brief break .

[Captain Jeffry]

Originally Posted by mei

Haha, you guys amuse me.

I'm new here, so have quite a few questions.

Timing
As I mentioned before, I originally planned to go sailing with a colleague of mine (his 2nd world circumnavigation), and crossing the Atlantic at end of November, however, I was not able to make it and will be available first on the 12th Dec, that's when I can be at the Canary Islands.

I am hoping to find a boat that will be going west mid/late December, and arriving at the Caribbeans at end of Dec/beginning of Jan. I can take 3,5 weeks off work for this endeavor, but can be a little bit flexible if needs to.

cburger and foggysail seem to suggest that December is not a good time for the transatlantic leg, is it because it is too late? When is the best time to do the crossing? What are my chances? or would you rather recommend me waiting till next year?

Dsanduril, do you reckon the best way to find a boat is to simply get to the Canaries and hope for the best? Which other forums are there that I can post an ad?

Cost
I'll be paying for my own flights, food and sharing the boat costs. I will accept any reasonable offer, but estimating it to be around 10-15 Euro per day, depending on the boat.

Despite no previous ocean crossing experience, I am eager to learn. (the main reason why I want to do this) I'm happy to cook and take on the other chores. I was an officer with the Swedish Army for 4 years, so I know I can stay awake for night watch etc.

Me
I know there's always a risk of taking on a complete stranger and spending 2-3 weeks together. So here's a bit more about myself. (I'm also available on Skype for a chat if you've got a position for me)

I'm Chinese by origin, moved to Sweden when I was 10 and have lived in Stockholm for the majority of my life. I studied at Oxford, read Engineering Science, concentrating on EE/IE and Robotics. Upon graduation and completing military service, I've worked in finance and strategy consulting in London, currently as a manager for a business transformation project for a major Swedish client based in Stockholm.

I'm a firm believer in learning by doing and enjoy getting myself into new areas. After all, life rewards action. Last year, I got my eyes up for endurance races and high altitude mountaineering, and since then have completed my first Ironman-distance triathlon and summited 3 out of the 7 summits. Sailing is my new hobby for this year Hope you can help me turning a dream into reality! Someday, I too want to captain a boat and go sailing around the world.


/Mei

Ps. Sorry to disappoint, there's no stripping involved in the pole dancing. The company that I'm with, focuses more on the artistic and athletic part of the sport, with my fellow dancers working for the likes of Cirque du Soleil.

WoW---A close friend of mine has a business in LA teaching women pole dancing. Not erotic pole dancing. Yes there is a difference. Best of luk with your dreams! You are articulate, determined and full of adventure.
Go for it~

[debbiedragonfly]

you boys are all sooo bad... no wonder I don't want my man picking up female crew.

[xymotic]

There's a reason why daddy's get so weird about their daughters. They remember how they acted

[mpianigiani]

Originally Posted by mei

Hi,

I'm a fun loving 28 years old Chinese-born, UK educated, Swedish girl looking to cross the Atlantic in mid/late December 2012.

I am willing to pay for my costs. I am a competent crew, however, with no previous ocean crossing experience. I have a masters degree in Engineering and cooks Chinese

I am small (165cm/50kg) and will fit into any space! I'm easy going and not very fussy about sleeping conditions. (I spend several weeks a year sleeping in tents on various mountain expeditions)

In my spare time, I am a competitive figure skater and pole dancer. I have a healthy appetite and will eat just about anything, rawr! However, I don't seem to be able to handle any alcohol and never smoked in my life!

I originally planned to participate in the ARC, however, due to work commitments, I was not able to leave in Nov. (I work in strategy consulting.) Having been looking forward to this transatlantic trip all summer, I am hoping I can still catch a ride from the Canary Islands, and have some fun in the Caribbeans

Please let me know if you've got a position for me, or know anybody that might be interested. Thanks for the help!

/Mei

SUMMER in mediterranean sea on Beneteau 43" : Rome - Sardinia - Tuscany Islands. Colud plan Baleari, based on available time.
mpianigiani@yahoo.com

[UnExCorp]

I say mutiny, and just throw the Captain & Crew over board -Except!" That would leave only me left to Sail the boat?

"I'm so going down with ship!"

[sy_gilana]

This young lady corresponded extensively with us last year. She is now going to the North Pole...
What an amazing YL.

[TeddyDiver]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

She is now going to the North Pole....

That explains the pole dancing

[hellosailor]

"Attractive and multi-talented Swedish Elf looking for Sled Ride from North Pole...."

Sounds like she's having fun!

[belizesailor]

Reminds me of a former sailing student...she went on to become the 1st Guatemalan female to summit Everest!

[europaflyer]

I'm sorry. Before reading through this thread I thought I was a man with fairly normal attitudes towards women, but clearly I'm actually some sort of closet feminist nutcase!

Actually, let's put sarcasm aside for a moment. A lady posts here looking for a crewing opportunity, detailing her (impressive) credentials and not including any pictures because, frankly, with a CV like that it's not needed. While a few people set out to help from the start, I am absolutely disgusted by some of the responses I've seen. I include a few below to name and shame. I'm not usually the type of person to take things so seriously, but this is just wrong. If a young man had posted here, then the ladies wouldn't have produced a stream of innuendo and bawdy comments, they wouldn't have demanded pictures, and it wouldn't have descended in to a debate about whether their chosen sport has sexual connotations or not. Why on earth should it with her. Shame on you - you're a load of bloody creeps. No wonder there aren't more women in sports like ours - if I was a woman I would run a mile having gauged the average mentality of a sailor from here.

Having said that, wait a minute... I still can't quite believe the perfect woman exists and likes sailing... This isn't an incredibly elaborate wind up is it?

Originally Posted by nagrom snoyl

would,nt mind some chinese about now.....5ft 6in , black hair with a tight stern

Originally Posted by xymotic

This thread is worthless without pictures. Preferably a really bendy one so we can get a better idea of the actual size of trunk you can fit into.

Originally Posted by caracas

In sailing a blow is just part of the job

Originally Posted by caracas

This is sounding more like Captain Hook'ers right arm

Originally Posted by Tellie

Whaaat? I totally believe it. Why with her and my movie star looks and Greek God body it's a perfect fit.

Originally Posted by lannen

To achieve perfection with this post she needs to add:

"Very quiet, talks only when absolutely necessary"

Originally Posted by captsam54

This thread requires Pictures.. Just sayin....

Originally Posted by captsam54

Nice pic's.. I am sure you will find a ride... I would go to the Canaries and hang out. Bet you find one.... Stop in and I will hand you a "fishing" pole with a Marlin on the end of it...!!!