Is there such a thing as volunteer opportunities in return for sailing experience?

[DonnaM]

Would there be such a thing as volunteering as day crew for short trips to gain experience about sailing? Or alternatively offering muscle to sand or paint and other maintenance in return for getting out on the water and learning? We are based in Bundaberg, Qld, Australia and this is part of a 5 year plan leading to what we hope might be boat living in our retirement. Fit and healthy with a sense of humour.

[Don C L]

Sure! But you're a bit far from me here. I need some sanding help... but I am always happy to go sailing and take someone along. I bet you'll find many there too. Maybe just put a note on a bulletin board at the local yacht club?

[DonnaM]

Hi Don,
Thank you for your positive response. Great idea about the bulletin board.
DM

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by DonnaM

Would there be such a thing as volunteering as day crew for short trips to gain experience about sailing? Or alternatively offering muscle to sand or paint and other maintenance in return for getting out on the water and learning? We are based in Bundaberg, Qld, Australia and this is part of a 5 year plan leading to what we hope might be boat living in our retirement. Fit and healthy with a sense of humour.

Go down and ask at the Slipway under the bridge over the Burnett River,
They would point you in the right direction,

Or ask at the Marina at the end of the river, Bundaberg Cruising Yacht Club,

[DonnaM]

Thank you for your advice Mr B. We will do that next weekend. DM

[LoudMusic]

I've seen some local clubs have online signups for crew volunteer for their racing seasons. You'll probably get yelled at a lot but you'll learn a lot

[DonnaM]

Great idea! Thanks LoudMusic.

[Albinvega27]

Maybe there is an APP for Apple and Android phones? Since in today world everything is solved by Apps? Would also appreciate to have a link in the right direction. Am in Europe and could need some volunteer...

[NevilleCat]

If you rock up at any yacht club on race days and are honest about your ability and enthusiasm, and are available on a regular basis I would think you are almost guaranteed a ride. Crew that can turn up every week and are willing to learn and work as a team are valued.
Being prepared to help with maintenance will be looked apon favourably!
I would suggest that gaining some experience in dinghy sailing would also not be wasted. The elements of sailing are simple and distilled blatantly in a small unballasted craft, but can be less obvious in a large heavy keelboat with many crew performing the different functions.

[DonnaM]

Hi Neville, thank you very much for your advice. I hadn't thought of dinghy sailing but that's a great idea and place to start. DM

[NevilleCat]

Most yacht clubs run dinghy sailing courses, it really is the best way to learn as the boat will quickly respond to what you do and you can feel the results of every tweak, and mistake. Not so obvious as you go bigger.

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by DonnaM

Would there be such a thing as volunteering as day crew for short trips to gain experience about sailing? Or alternatively offering muscle to sand or paint and other maintenance in return for getting out on the water and learning? We are based in Bundaberg, Qld, Australia and this is part of a 5 year plan leading to what we hope might be boat living in our retirement. Fit and healthy with a sense of humour.

Volunteering is how most of us got started in sailing. If you don't know anybody then just hang around the marina or local pub. Be prepared to do some "heavy lifting" as that is the surest way to worm your way onto someone's crew (and you'll learn some boat maintenance skills while you're at it)

[Bill Creadon]

I have mentored several new boat owners with helping them get aquainted with there boats. I usually make contract thru owner groups I am active in or word if mouth. New sailors need all the experienced help they can get beyond the internet cyber sailors and boaters. This is how we learned and gained hands on experience 30-40 years ago. Open up, make friends, share and help the other guy. It comes back in spades.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by DonnaM

Would there be such a thing as volunteering as day crew for short trips to gain experience about sailing? Or alternatively offering muscle to sand or paint and other maintenance in return for getting out on the water and learning? We are based in Bundaberg, Qld, Australia and this is part of a 5 year plan leading to what we hope might be boat living in our retirement. Fit and healthy with a sense of humour.

You could try posting in the Crew Available section..
Just say where your located how far your prepared to travel, type of sailing your looking for.. prepared to do occasional trips or just day sailing, experience and are you reasonably fit and agile..
There's a few Aussies on the forum so you could drop lucky..

[redhead]

I was in the same position many years ago.

I found out quickly that (at least here in the US) there are "yacht clubs" and there are "sailing clubs". Here in the US yacht clubs are more social setting with clubhouses and such, and sailing clubs are out there for the joy of the Wednesday night race or the joint sail to a neat location. I finally figured out the difference and was very generously adopted by several boats.

It may be for nothing but try a search for Sailing Clubs in your area. Or racing club, you'll know the vernacular better than I for your area.

Good luck to you!