Broad reach for a far-fetched dream

[Bjjordan]

Hello!

I'm new to the forum and I'd like to pose a general question. Is it reasonable to think that I might be able to find a south-bound sailboat to crew on if I haunt the ports/marinas of Chesapeake Bay (or some other major sailing hub of the Northeastern U.S.) around mid-October ?

I've been nursing the dream of crewing for some time and recently bought "Jimmy Cornell's World Cruising Routes" in hopes of getting a few leads on seasonal departure times now that I'm through with college. I have a general idea of when people may be leaving from various parts of the U.S., but I don't know much at all about the likelihood of boats needing help on board...Does anyone have a rough idea of the demand for crew these days?

Thanks so much!
-Brian Jordan

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Brian,
I can't help you with your question but will extend a "Welcome Aboard," and wish you good luck in your quest for adventure.
Good crew is always needed sailing from Hawaii to the west coast. Always keep a journal of each journey and ask for a reference from the Captain of the vessel after each cruise.
Kind Regards, --John--

[S/V Elusive]

Brian - try your local yacht clubs - they're not just for the rich anymore.

You are going to need a 'résumé' of your sailing experiences - PLEASE PLEASE do not exagerate. Most captains would be more than willing to take an enthusiastic and forthright person with only a little experience, than someone who claims to know so much, and proves to know so little. The boating community isn't so large that one incident of misrepresentation gets lost - people will find out.

Try getting involved in the local beer can races. Often these are the same folk who will be making a journey South to race or cruise, or they know who will. I know several people around this area that crew on the race boats - not to find positions, but to improve their skills as THEY are taking their boat South - they often inquire of their fellow races if they know of anyone who would crew with them for the trip.

You may also want to post your desire to crew here:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...splay.php?f=30
Good Luck!

[Vasco]

Brian,

If you go to Hampton (near Norfolk) towards the end of October the Caribbean 1500 rally starts from there. I think they leave early November. You might be able to get on one of the boats. They are often looking for crew especially is someone bails. Of course experience helps.

[Charlie]

On the West Coast. Latitude 38 has a crew party where you can meet people who are going on the Baja Ha Ha (San Diego to Cabo San Lucas) from there you will meet plenty of boats going round the world. Know this from experience b/c I got a free ride all the way to Australia doing it.

[rsn48]

Now I used to live in Madison, a great town; and our family belonged to the Madison Yacht Club - whatever its name was; this was many moons ago. I took my first boating course - power squadron course - back in 1964. I forget what editions of Chapman's I used back then, but I still have it, but bought a new one last year.

If you're an absolute keener, and you come across as that, why don't you bump up your qualifications through some courses taken at a marine school, then you'll definitely develop some interest in you, and make some money along the line.

[Bjjordan]

I truly appreciate the help! Thank you all!

Cheers,
Brian Jordan