Advice needed please

[alopezg1]

Hello Everyone

I apologize if this post is in the wrong place and/or hopelessly naïve . I currently live in the UK and work in construction . I am dissatisfied with my job and the opportunities available to me and want to work at sea . I would like to work as crew on non commercial boats/yachts. How is the best way to go about this ? I am aware I need some basic safety qualifications , but can I actually get onto a boat with these , and no experience ? Are there skippers willing to take crew with little to no experience ? I wouldn't want to paid nescessarily , just getting the experience would be enough. I am sorry if this is hopelessly vague and naïve , I just want to know the best place to start , many thanks , Alex

 

[BoyBlue49]

Hi Alex, welcome,
It is good you don't expect payment because that is unlikely. Best you join your local yacht club and talk to owners who may need the occasional help.

 

[pmagowan]

If you want to progress towards paid work then there are specific organisations that train people to be crew on large yachts. It does of course cost money to go on them and a degree of experience is expected. I would do a lot of sailing first before you go down this route. People expect crew to be able to perform their function.

 

[alopezg1]

Thanks for the advice guys . So the route is : get experience first, then train /get qualification. Thanks. I live in Falmouth in Cornwall in the UK . A harbour town so that in theory shouldn't be to difficult . I suppose i should go to the boat clubs and put up a notice asking if anyone would let me come on the water with them , helping as best I can ... i'll do that tomorrow.. Don't suppose anyone is in that area and needs a very willing and enthusiastic volunteer to help out and gain some experience ? thanks , Alex

 

[Malcolm3]

Crewseekers.net is a good website to look at

 

[alopezg1]

Thanks Malcolm, i have heard of crewseekers . I had a look at the website and there is quite a steep joining fee
wasn't sure if it was worth the money or not

 

[Davegriff]

The nastier side of yachting, I'm afraid. Wealthy yacht owners tout cheap labour. You pay, the owners get a free service.....

 

[alopezg1]

I know it doesn't involve actual sailing but would working on a trawler count towards experience ?

 

[Angele]

Thanks Malcolm, i have heard of crewseekers . I had a look at the website and there is quite a steep joining fee
wasn't sure if it was worth the money or not

Then consider http://www.sailingnetworks.com - no fee to join. I have had a number of crew from there this year.

 

[alopezg1]

Thanks angele