30 year old searching a hitch

[7htas]

You really live up to your profile picture symbol 7htas, What a comment to make.

Why?

The initial comment was insinuating that he won't get a berth, because he'll be usurped by 'presentable' females.

 

[jdc]

The CA (Cruising Association) have a service to put skippers and potential crew in touch. Crew do not have to be members of the CA.

They meet on the first Thursday of each month in the spring, see http://www.cruising.org.uk/crewing/welcome. (can someone who's not a member check this link works pls?)

Good luck! As a skipper I don't find 'no experience' a problem at all: cheerful and practical and not a faddy eater (but nothing wrong with being a foodie!) are much more important

Reason to run off to sea will be in people's minds. If it's just wander-lust and a spirit of adventure most of us will say 'good for you' and, if I'm honest, envy you. But running away from your demons, the law or creditors would be off putting, so without me suggesting in any way that they apply in your case, it's nonetheless as well to have to hand whatever counts for evidence that they aren't your reasons.

Outside Europe a skipper will also be legally responsible for his crew, ie can't just put you ashore without ensuring that you have the means to return home. An emergency 'open' air ticket home or at least some cash would probably be needed.

On the subject of expenses, skippers vary. Some pick up all bills, and others expect a contribution. Make sure it's straight between you.

 

[prv]

see http://www.cruising.org.uk/crewing/welcome. (can someone who's not a member check this link works pls?)

Nope, says members only.

Pete

 

[jdc]

Thanks, hopefully this one will work.

http://www.cruising.org.uk/public/crewing

 

[prv]

Thanks, hopefully this one will work.

http://www.cruising.org.uk/public/crewing

Yep, that works.

Pete

 

[laika]

The CA (Cruising Association) have a service to put skippers and potential crew in touch. Crew do not have to be members of the CA.

They meet on the first Thursday of each month in the spring

Is it suitable for the OP's needs? When I signed up (admittedly 7 years ago) it was a few people looking for someone to pootle round the backwater on weekday afternoons rather than people looking for crew for trans-atlantics. Also Limehouse is probably a bit awkward to get to from Sweden on a thursday. I do note that (a) you can do it online and (b) that several people have said that the CA is very different to when I was a member: Were there many people looking for trans-atlantic crew using that service last year? i.e., is it best use of his money?

 

[jdc]

Were there many people looking for trans-atlantic crew using that service last year? i.e., is it best use of his money?

I really don't know - been a member for 27 years but never formally used the crewing service (but have found crew and been crew via CA contacts). However the value is likely not to be actually finding someone in the CA but facing the very real matter of what skippers expect, and the CA's guidance is fairly well written and sensible. And I imagine it's a bit like job interviews; practice on one you don't really hold out great expectations for! You never know when contacts will pay off.

Edit: just had a look: variety of skippers, some doing things like Baltic rally and others doing RtW cruises looking for extra hands on ocean legs, but admittedly many just doing weekend sailing. Rather more crew looking for exotic voyages than skippers - not really a surprise perhaps.

 

[dylanwinter]

I think our new friend Henke has gone to look for more fertile pastures

you boys scared him off

D