Crew On a Sailing Yacht and Travel Free

Posted on April 30, 2010
Filed Under Budget Travel, Sailing

If you’ve a taste for travel and for sailing but don’t have a boat, not to worry, there are still ways to get on one and sail almost any part of the world you fancy. And you don’t even have to be an old salt – several captains are just looking for another hand to help with basics.

If fact, as long as you’re in reasonably good shape and willing to learn, there are any number of boats you’ll be welcome on. And if you’ve got some good skills and experience, so much the better. That gives you even more choices.

My first experience joining a crew happened after talking with a friend and hearing he was heading off to race sailing yachts for a week in the Caribbean. Of course my immediate response was envy, followed quickly by a question – does the skipper need an extra hand?

Now the boat in question was a fairly new 42’ Dufour, and my experience up til that time was just small stuff like Hobie’s, plus it had been a while. Anyway my friend said he’d check to see if a grunt was needed and lucky for me, they were short one man.

All I had to do was get myself to the island and the rest was covered. During the week when not racing, was diving, sightseeing and fun. Most of the crew slept on board and I had one of the four cabins. Food was also provided and the only money I spent that week was the odd drink or meal ashore. Admittedly, not sharing in the cost of food is unusual, but there was a sponsor involved.

Anyway, that’s what got me hooked on sailing bigger boats. Point is, anyone can. Even if you don’t have friends that sail, there are ways to get on. If close to the marinas and anchorages you wish to sail from, post your availability. Otherwise, the internet can be useful – just do a search on “crew wanted for sailing” and start investigating. A couple useful sites are floatplan.com and cruiser.co.za.

You’re going to find boats and skippers looking for a willing crew for anywhere from a few days to several months. One key to getting chosen is being ready to go when the boat is. Often it’s a last minute need, because someone pulled out.

When making a decision on joining a crew, take the time to ensure you understand all arrangements and that you and the captain have the same understanding. The above sites also have info on what to expect in terms of “free cruising”.

The cost should be no more than your share of food and personal expenses. Anything beyond that like fuel, moorings, etc, means it’s a commercial enterprise. Also be aware that there are folks out there looking not so much for help on their boat as help supporting their cruising lifestyle. A good deal for them and maybe for others, but not what we’re looking for.  

That being said, what’s stopping you?

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