Welcome aboard Richard. I'm in CT. You'll find a good place to get some
crewing experience is to visit the yacht clubs and ask around if there's anyone who needs crew for
racing. There may also be someone (perhaps older) who needs able-bodied crew to just go out for a day sail. You can learn a lot in either situation if you ask questions and follow orders with a can-do attitude.
PS -- I don't generally want crew. But if you want to PM me with your contact info and where you're located I could keep an ear out.