Sociable Boat Share

[stevepremia]

I was wondering whether somebody could help me with some advice. I am thinking of boat sharing in a small group but I would like to sail (cruise not race) with other group members. Because I live in Oxfordshire I don’t know anyone who sails so I am unable to put together crew for a sail, my wife likes fine weather sailing but to be honest is not very keen on “sailing” in the active sense of the word!

My sailing has been done mostly in the Solent on a Devon Yawl (16ft dayboat) that I owned until early this year, I have had one channel crossing on a Hallberg Rassey and have crewed on a delivery trip from Cork to Portsmouth. All in all I have logged about 1000 NM on larger boats and about 400 NM on the Yawl over a couple of seasons. I also completed my RYA Dayskipper (theory & practical) last year. I sold the Yawl and bought a 20 foot powerboat for this season but I miss the sailing.

Is it feasible for me to find a fairly sociable syndicate so that I can sail in company on a 26 – 35 foot boat (towards the smaller end would be ideal) I am lucky in that my work commitments allow me to get away regularly (every other week) so that I have plenty of sailing time.

I look forward to hearing from anyone who may have some advice or anyone who is interested in starting a small "Sociable" boat sharing group!

 

[landaftaf]

welcome to the forum - I hope you dont think you are on ignore already /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

hopefully someone might reply positively to your query soon ......... you could always repost calling yourself stephanie or something

 

[MidlandsOnSea]

Have you thought about joining a sailing club? Once you get to know folk, it's more likely that the sort of arrangements you describe would start to emerge. Don't assume that this means you have to join a coastal club. I'm a member of a small inland club but the members often get out on boats offshore.

When I did my RYA courses, I often found that the crews sometimes agreed to get together again on later trips - not least because a) they've got to know each other and b) they are typically around the same standard of sailing so they feel comfortable all mucking in.

Although owning a boat can be fun, I reckon it's far from necessary. Not many boat owners are inclined to sail with complete strangers, but many boat owners are happy to have resular guests once they get to know them.

 

[jb2006]

Have a look at the Gas Sailing Association (used to be for employees of British Gas, but is now open to all) . They have 4 boats (2 in Solent, 1 in Plymouth and 1 in Scotland). CAn't find their website at present.

Or maybe the Channel Sailing Club

 

[jaustenstock]

Can't help with the boat sharing other than to say all the advice I have read has said only share with people you know really well. Joining a club and crewing is a good idea.
If you would interested in crewing South coast/ France/CI I might be able to help just send me a pm.