A pinch of salt

T

tablesalt

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Have crewed on dinghies, day boats and small cruisers for the past 30 years. Now sail my own yacht but could do with sailing with more experienced people on a regular basis. Don't feel comfortable going into a sailing club as a single woman - any suggestions?

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Hi there,

sympathise with the difficulties. What of all the people for whom you have crewed over the years? Presumably some of them are now boatless and would jump at the chance?

Not all sailing clubs are the same - tho I can all too easily recognise the ones I woulnd't set foot in. Look around for ones which share your sailing interest - eg are you into cruising or racing? Also the more virtual or broader based ones - the Cruising Association is extremely friendly for instance.

If you are based in a marina, wander the pontoons! You will meet all sorts of interesting people that way and some may well be potential crew.

Some people recommend crewseekers etc but I don't have any personal experience with them, and I can imagine some of the replies you would get. (All the blind date rules apply plus all those about weeding out awful crew ...)

HTH and I'll be interested in others' replies. If you are ever in the East of England, PM us - always good to meet other women sailors!


<hr width=100% size=1>Sarah & Pip

www.greatlittleboats.com
UK & Ireland distributors of Swifgig
 
Lots of people start by putting their names down on the crew wanted lists at sailing/yacht clubs. Most have opportunities for cruising as well as racing.

Claire

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I agree with the comment about some yacht clubs. A lot of clubs are not what you expect, and can be full of nice people. There are a lot of fairly low key local race circuits around and most people struggle to maintain a full crew, so it may well be worth approaching local clubs. A lot of clubs also do cruises in company, which could be worth investigating ie take your boat but have the back up of friendly other boats. I don't belong to a club, but I understand there are ways of joining that don't involve funny hand shakes. The clubs I have been a guest in have been full of likeminded people. BTW- have you seen this months Yachting World article on Contessa 32s?

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now.
 
my accountant was a single woman who got lots of sailing through the little ship club.

i can see the problem of a single woman looking for sailing as there are bound to be those who either think you have another agenda or have one themselves. i would have thought a yacht club would be a more likely place to find genuine crew than most.

i have been looking for crew myself. recently i saw an ad in YM from a woman wanting to crew in this area. there was no implication of 'lonely hearts' in the wording so i emailed her, adding a comment that i was looking for crew, not romance. since then i have heard nothing so am left wondering if she did have a hidden agenda (or perhaps seeing my website put her off!).
 
Welcome to the forums. as has already been mentioned, a bit more data in the bio /question would enable a better response.

If you sail on your own, how can you possibly have a problem with just walking into a yacht club. If there is nobody else to talk to start talking to the person behind the bar, they may well know who would like to crew, and also who you should avoid. A conversation started by !I am looking for crew" is bound to get a dialogue going with someone! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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Thanks for all the suggestions! Wow!

I am looking for people to sail with me. My mooring is isolated so nowhere near a marina or pontoons. I'm quite good at that sort of opening conversation put don't like paying the marina/berthing charges to do it!

Membership for the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club is a lengthy process and not cheap either. Other clubs are either for dinghy sailors or too far from home. Perhaps I should tow a flag with my details on it!!!!!!

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One of the best pieces of advice I received was from the young (to me) lady in the adjacent berth. I had just bought my present yacht and asked if she would accompany me as I was not very confident solo. She said "Just go for it" "You will feel great when you return" She was right I did!
So walk into that club and ask, you will not look back.
Let us all know how you get on.
Good Luck Briani

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given the comment about the royal cornwall, i take it you are down our way. there are lots of alternatives to that sort of club, for example the torpoint mosquito will set you back less than £100 and has no waiting list! i'm sure there are others like it further west.

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Sorry- not trying to confuse you by talking about Contessa 32s. I thought that's what was on your bio, not a Sadler 32.

<hr width=100% size=1>Life's too short- do it now.
 
You're not so far out - the design of the Sadler is based on the Contessa - the designer I think was the same in both cases. So I would be interested in the article anyway - thanks.

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It looks as though you have had many replies, in the past I have used crewseekers to find crew. It work out ok for me, perhaps it will for you.

Regards and good luck

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