I have a chance to be part of a small crew sailing from the Bahamas to NY next May. I have no experience as a crew member and have just started sailing. All experience to date in power boats and on lakes. This will be a non-paying position. What should I expect as far as duties, protocal, weather, etc. I want to be prepared and contribute as much as possible. I know the questions are broad but any tips from those that have been there, done that, would be appreciated. Thanks
First time as crew member
- Thread starter RV6Pilot
- Start date
- Status
Great questions...
RV6Pilot, As a guy who has both skippered his own crew 7 been a crew member on another person's boat, I'd say the best thing you could do would be to listen to what the captain asks of you. Different skippers do things differently and it's tough to give you pointers in that regard. However, most skippers hate to have to keep reminding crew to do the same darn things again & again. For example: I've had crew that consistently brought salty foulies down below & left them on the settee. Salt down below = a damp & uncomfortable cabin. It's not a big deal, but I had to tell this guy the same thing EVERY time. It would have been nice if I only had to tell him once. Every captain is going to have his or her own hot buttons. You're best bet would be to try to listen for what those are & abide by them. On another note, if you've never been offshore on a sailboat for any length of time you should: 1. Mentally prepare yourself to be in close quarters with your fellow crew members. 2. Make sure you conserve water and/or electricity as best as you can. 3. Don't pack too much or too little. Ask what you should bring & bring it but no more. Space is also valuable on a boat, but you don't want to be unprepared, either. Anybody else want to chime in??? Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
RV6Pilot, As a guy who has both skippered his own crew 7 been a crew member on another person's boat, I'd say the best thing you could do would be to listen to what the captain asks of you. Different skippers do things differently and it's tough to give you pointers in that regard. However, most skippers hate to have to keep reminding crew to do the same darn things again & again. For example: I've had crew that consistently brought salty foulies down below & left them on the settee. Salt down below = a damp & uncomfortable cabin. It's not a big deal, but I had to tell this guy the same thing EVERY time. It would have been nice if I only had to tell him once. Every captain is going to have his or her own hot buttons. You're best bet would be to try to listen for what those are & abide by them. On another note, if you've never been offshore on a sailboat for any length of time you should: 1. Mentally prepare yourself to be in close quarters with your fellow crew members. 2. Make sure you conserve water and/or electricity as best as you can. 3. Don't pack too much or too little. Ask what you should bring & bring it but no more. Space is also valuable on a boat, but you don't want to be unprepared, either. Anybody else want to chime in??? Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
a few more things...
if you are prone to sea sickness, before you go get scope patches to put behind your ear ( if you end up worthless as crew it isn'ty going to be too much fun) ---remeber the ride through the Gulf Stream CAN be a roller caster ride. Bring some good reading material for those off watches. (a portable cd/mp3 player in your duffle would be good too) Bring a camera, as there will be some amazing pics to take. good foul weather gear that will keep you warm AND DRY!!!! nothing sucks more than being wet the entire trip. (that includes good dry footwear!!!) (2 pairs of sailing gloves - one with full fingers) a good harness/lifevest with strobe light and whistle attached ( you don't want to fall off!!!) Enjoy the trip!!!
if you are prone to sea sickness, before you go get scope patches to put behind your ear ( if you end up worthless as crew it isn'ty going to be too much fun) ---remeber the ride through the Gulf Stream CAN be a roller caster ride. Bring some good reading material for those off watches. (a portable cd/mp3 player in your duffle would be good too) Bring a camera, as there will be some amazing pics to take. good foul weather gear that will keep you warm AND DRY!!!! nothing sucks more than being wet the entire trip. (that includes good dry footwear!!!) (2 pairs of sailing gloves - one with full fingers) a good harness/lifevest with strobe light and whistle attached ( you don't want to fall off!!!) Enjoy the trip!!!
crew expectations
What I look for in crew, primarily, is the ability to stand watch. To a large extent, this means that I avoid recruiting crew who have not yet mastered the art of avoiding/overcoming seasickness. Nothing sucks the joy out of a passage faster than a seasick crew member who not only has to "share" his misery with others and who can't pull his weight due to his misery. There are modern drugs that help considerably. These drugs are best if used prophylactically. Talk to your doctor about what would work best for you, and then got a prescription. If it's a patch-based medication, apply the patch before you leave harbor. If it seems strange to take medication before symptoms appear, remind yourself that the smaller the crew, the more important it is that everyone stands watch.
What I look for in crew, primarily, is the ability to stand watch. To a large extent, this means that I avoid recruiting crew who have not yet mastered the art of avoiding/overcoming seasickness. Nothing sucks the joy out of a passage faster than a seasick crew member who not only has to "share" his misery with others and who can't pull his weight due to his misery. There are modern drugs that help considerably. These drugs are best if used prophylactically. Talk to your doctor about what would work best for you, and then got a prescription. If it's a patch-based medication, apply the patch before you leave harbor. If it seems strange to take medication before symptoms appear, remind yourself that the smaller the crew, the more important it is that everyone stands watch.
Clean up after yourself,
Best tip for getting along in a group, don't leave your stuff where it will impact others, if you use sink etc. wipe it down after, put whatever you touch back where you found it or where it belongs, if something obviously needs to be done & you can do it, do so, cleaning, trash, rust removal, polish etc., treat the boat like fragile gold. Most people don't enjoy others watching them work so if someone is doing something lend them a hand when possible. Rinse/wash dishes, glasses after you use depending on boat's practice, find out what the boat does about what you use freshwater for and what you use salt, people have different levels in this regard and if freshwater is tight it's not good if you are the only one spitting it down the drain brushing your teeth. Some personals, take them or leave them: Cooks don't wash dishes, if your not busy during meal prep. ask if there is anything you can do to assist,clean up for the cook as he works if possible, if someone has to set the table the same way everyday don't wait to be told. Don't ever stand with the icebox lid open figuring out what you want, that little bit of cold air in there can be the most valuable commodity on the boat, Captain get ugly if his beer get warm. Don't discuss politics or religion in a group except in vague terms then change the subject. Captain has lot of crap that goes with the title, when it's just you & him he may be Tom, Dick or Harry but when others are around throw him a bone and call him "Cap". Try not to make him repeat himself, but make sure you are clear about what he wants done, when he "asks" you to do something, jump to it. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth, try to use them at the same ratio.
Best tip for getting along in a group, don't leave your stuff where it will impact others, if you use sink etc. wipe it down after, put whatever you touch back where you found it or where it belongs, if something obviously needs to be done & you can do it, do so, cleaning, trash, rust removal, polish etc., treat the boat like fragile gold. Most people don't enjoy others watching them work so if someone is doing something lend them a hand when possible. Rinse/wash dishes, glasses after you use depending on boat's practice, find out what the boat does about what you use freshwater for and what you use salt, people have different levels in this regard and if freshwater is tight it's not good if you are the only one spitting it down the drain brushing your teeth. Some personals, take them or leave them: Cooks don't wash dishes, if your not busy during meal prep. ask if there is anything you can do to assist,clean up for the cook as he works if possible, if someone has to set the table the same way everyday don't wait to be told. Don't ever stand with the icebox lid open figuring out what you want, that little bit of cold air in there can be the most valuable commodity on the boat, Captain get ugly if his beer get warm. Don't discuss politics or religion in a group except in vague terms then change the subject. Captain has lot of crap that goes with the title, when it's just you & him he may be Tom, Dick or Harry but when others are around throw him a bone and call him "Cap". Try not to make him repeat himself, but make sure you are clear about what he wants done, when he "asks" you to do something, jump to it. God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth, try to use them at the same ratio.
Excellent suggestions all
It goes without saying that a lot depends on how well you know the skipper and the rest of the crew. Every boat is different. If you have time, try and arrive a few days before the scheduled departure. Your help with final prep will be appreciated, you'll have a chance to find where everything on board is located while still in port, you stand a better chance of getting the berth you want and you can run to the local drugstore to buy some Stugeron. Stugeron (active ingredient cinnarizine) is an excellent oral anti-seasickness medication that's available over the counter everywhere in the world...except the US. It's better than dramamine or bonine, and probably as good as the Scopolamine patch without the dry mouth, drowsiness or other side effects. As the others mentioned, bring your own gear: foulies, gloves, harness, tether, PFD, hats (yes, more than one) sunglasses, a good sharp knife, sunblock, lip balm and toilet items. A watch cap and long-sleeved shirt will come in handy for night watches, especially as you head further north. Clean up after yourself, pitch in and do your share (and occasionally more) and keep a good sense of humor. These are all things that go a long way towards making the trip fun and will help you get invited on the next one. Good luck and enjoy the trip. I wish I was going. Peter H23 "Raven"
It goes without saying that a lot depends on how well you know the skipper and the rest of the crew. Every boat is different. If you have time, try and arrive a few days before the scheduled departure. Your help with final prep will be appreciated, you'll have a chance to find where everything on board is located while still in port, you stand a better chance of getting the berth you want and you can run to the local drugstore to buy some Stugeron. Stugeron (active ingredient cinnarizine) is an excellent oral anti-seasickness medication that's available over the counter everywhere in the world...except the US. It's better than dramamine or bonine, and probably as good as the Scopolamine patch without the dry mouth, drowsiness or other side effects. As the others mentioned, bring your own gear: foulies, gloves, harness, tether, PFD, hats (yes, more than one) sunglasses, a good sharp knife, sunblock, lip balm and toilet items. A watch cap and long-sleeved shirt will come in handy for night watches, especially as you head further north. Clean up after yourself, pitch in and do your share (and occasionally more) and keep a good sense of humor. These are all things that go a long way towards making the trip fun and will help you get invited on the next one. Good luck and enjoy the trip. I wish I was going. Peter H23 "Raven"
cloths, weather, and terminolgy
1. It can get very cold and wet as you move north in May. Polar tech is useful, a gortex hat with ear muffs has been used by me more tha once coming back to the east from BVI in May. 2. Know whether you are doing a near coastal passage (in or inside the stream). 3. Know sailing terminolgy if your captain is a real captain 4. If you are running offshore (outside of the stream) be sure that the boat has adequate access to weather info, i.e. "South bound II" etc, if not don't go. crossing the stream in May can be very rough and dangerous.
1. It can get very cold and wet as you move north in May. Polar tech is useful, a gortex hat with ear muffs has been used by me more tha once coming back to the east from BVI in May. 2. Know whether you are doing a near coastal passage (in or inside the stream). 3. Know sailing terminolgy if your captain is a real captain 4. If you are running offshore (outside of the stream) be sure that the boat has adequate access to weather info, i.e. "South bound II" etc, if not don't go. crossing the stream in May can be very rough and dangerous.
- Status