The secret language can be pretty impenetrable at times........
BTW Good luck with your quest for sailing experience. Another possibility would be to join the crew register of the Cruising Association. If you could get to London they have regular meetings for skippers seeking crews and crews seeking skippers. I've not been involved myself but I know several people that have had some great sailing through the CA both on one off trips (one friend went to Russia and another to W. of Ireland) and in regular berths. There are CA members and local branches all over the country.
Google would find the website for you if you want to pursue.
Thanks 'Violetta,'
I have just had a look at the CA site, it seems that their crew meet evenings end in July. I guess that I am leaving it late in the season to start finding willing skippers. I have had a couple a of pm's though so I'll keep my fingers crossed.
They do seem to have about 2 or 3 'talks' going on every week, trips across the atlantic, engine maintenance,sail trimming etc. Which are only £6.00 per evening for non members, which I think is very reasonable, so I'll probably pop down for a few of them.
So all in all it was a great bit of advice & much appreciated !!