Aloha !

[spencer311]

Ok, I'm new to this whole sailing thing but I know that I was born to be on the water or very nearby.

Being that I am new to all of this, I'm hoping some nice people could point me in the right direction to make my dreams become a reality. So, where to start?

We both live in Charleston, SC and are looking to meet up with anyone that may be from the area to talk about sailing and all things related and then some not. Below is a little bit I copied from other posts to convey what we are trying to accomplish, for now.

"I want to live on a boat for at least a year and see what life is like on the sea, preferably sailing in the tropics. My friend and I are looking to learn to sail so that we can one day own our own boat so we can go to the places we want to go. She is a certified scuba instructor and I just have the motivation to learn. (I have so many thoughts in my head now, I don't know what to type first.) I am going to school for marine biology and she is a dive instructor. We want to find someone who needs some deckhands or any sort of help so that we can learn, preferably free of charge. We are both ready to drop everything we have tying us down to the mainland so that we can get out on the water. We both have no sailing experience but are extremely eager to learn."

If any of this can be easily understood and you know what we are trying to accomplish, we would love to hear from you.


Thank you for your time and I'll post more when I get my thoughts in order.

[skipmac]

Hello Spencer,

Lots of boats in Charleston so you have a good shot at finding a crew position but usually some limitations.

Unless you find a friend with a boat to take you along, most people looking for crew will need them for a few weeks or so when moving the boat a long distance. The other option is to find local sailboat racers who are always looking for fresh meat. How's your upper body strength?

To prepare learn a few basics like sheets and halyards, how to tie a cleat, a bowline and a square knot. If you're really ambitious learn port and starboard.

Have fun.

Skip

[spencer311]

Luckily for me, I already know some of that basic info. I just desire more.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha,
Its best to walk the docks and make friends with sailors. A good way to make friends with sailboat owners is to mention that you have dive gear and can clean bottoms. You'll need to learn how to sail and its best to learn the basics from a safety conscious instructor.
Good luck on finding a great skipper.
regards,

[swagman]

G'Day Spencer,
FWIW I'd suggest going straight into any sailboat racing you can find. Most smaller race yachts really struggle to find reliable crew but it would mean making a comittment for a race season - but usually worthwhile.
Just find your closest yacht Club, rock up and ask who needs crew. Maybe even post a note on their notice board.
A season racing under a reasonable skipper - a new book on sailing consumed each week - and add on any evening classes you can find on navigation, weather, etc - it can all add up quickly to leave you better equipped to judge what you want.
Enjoy and good luck
JOHN