No matter what size boat you have -- from a modest one-design on a trailer to a 65-ft world class cruiser -- sailing with other people can be fun. Sometimes. Sailing with crew often depends on finding compatible schedules and people who share your passion. But taking non-sailing, well-meaning friends sailing on your boat can often mean having to sail in ways you would not prefer. You might have to save that white-knuckle beat into 25 knots of wind for another time. Yet sailing is, for the most part, a social sport. So who do you prefer to sail with? Your spouse? Your well-trained racing crew? Other sailing friends? Or perhaps the only company you need aboard your boat is you? Share your views with here about your preferred crew and then take the Quick Quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Buddy Boating
I enjoy having non-sailing friends aboard but prefer those that know something about sailing (mostly so I can share what I enjoy about the sport!). We've also had good experiences buddy boating with friends who have their own boat. We are able to match race, take pictures of each other, enjoy a good BBW afterwards at the raftup, yet maintain our own space on our own boat! That being said, we usually enjoy having anyone aboard - as long as it's only a night or two. Trevor
I enjoy having non-sailing friends aboard but prefer those that know something about sailing (mostly so I can share what I enjoy about the sport!). We've also had good experiences buddy boating with friends who have their own boat. We are able to match race, take pictures of each other, enjoy a good BBW afterwards at the raftup, yet maintain our own space on our own boat! That being said, we usually enjoy having anyone aboard - as long as it's only a night or two. Trevor
No Crew keeps me from sailing
It seems that a lack of willing crew usually keeps me from sailing. Everytime I ask someone to go sailing, the response is the same "Hey, sounds great, I have an hour on Saturday, how bout then?". My rule is the 3 strike rule--decline 3 times and your out. I would love to sail every weekend, but the spouse says it is boring and hates it. Oh well, life sucks sometimes.
It seems that a lack of willing crew usually keeps me from sailing. Everytime I ask someone to go sailing, the response is the same "Hey, sounds great, I have an hour on Saturday, how bout then?". My rule is the 3 strike rule--decline 3 times and your out. I would love to sail every weekend, but the spouse says it is boring and hates it. Oh well, life sucks sometimes.
I wouldn't mind sailing alone....but my wife does
I feel comfortable taking my H36 out, by since I am still worth more alive than dead...the mrs says no. Besides, for safety reasons I think its always better to have someone even if all they know how to do is scream for help.
I feel comfortable taking my H36 out, by since I am still worth more alive than dead...the mrs says no. Besides, for safety reasons I think its always better to have someone even if all they know how to do is scream for help.
Crewed or no crew...
Anyone of my friends and/or aquaintences are always welcome. I set the rules before we leave the dock and expect nothing less than the treatment that they would give me in their own home. It's worked out well...so far. But I would never let a person try to take advantage of me or my hospitality, rules are rules...and as the Captain..I'm responsible for them. Don't like them..."request denied" for boarding. Brought 2 "friends",I thought, aboard last year. Bad idea!!! They thought it was a party boat. Wrong...!!! Haven't asked them back...even though the have asked. The best people on our boat is my wife and I. PERIOD...At least we find it enjoyable without the "party boat" atmosphere. Sailing is not something to do while you get drunk.
Anyone of my friends and/or aquaintences are always welcome. I set the rules before we leave the dock and expect nothing less than the treatment that they would give me in their own home. It's worked out well...so far. But I would never let a person try to take advantage of me or my hospitality, rules are rules...and as the Captain..I'm responsible for them. Don't like them..."request denied" for boarding. Brought 2 "friends",I thought, aboard last year. Bad idea!!! They thought it was a party boat. Wrong...!!! Haven't asked them back...even though the have asked. The best people on our boat is my wife and I. PERIOD...At least we find it enjoyable without the "party boat" atmosphere. Sailing is not something to do while you get drunk.
Crew? What's that?
I was heartened to read some of the earlier posts to this forum. I was relieved to know that I'm not alone in my predictament - namely that I can't "go out" as much as I'd like for lack of crew and a wife who won't let me go by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my boat - I just have a hard time putting the pieces together to be able to go sailing. My boat is my "summer home," and I wouldn't give that up for anything! Luckily - my son loves to sail as much as I do, and when he is able to get a few days off from work and drive the 220 miles to the boat, we do sail a lot! Unfortunately, when he's not here - the boat sits. Bill on STARGAZER
I was heartened to read some of the earlier posts to this forum. I was relieved to know that I'm not alone in my predictament - namely that I can't "go out" as much as I'd like for lack of crew and a wife who won't let me go by myself. Don't get me wrong, I love my boat - I just have a hard time putting the pieces together to be able to go sailing. My boat is my "summer home," and I wouldn't give that up for anything! Luckily - my son loves to sail as much as I do, and when he is able to get a few days off from work and drive the 220 miles to the boat, we do sail a lot! Unfortunately, when he's not here - the boat sits. Bill on STARGAZER
Lone Ranger
With or without a crew good sailor need to develop the skill to sail alone. From time to time I do have friends on board who don't even know enough to scream or scream too early. They just get in the way while you do the tacking stuff. But they're still there to keep you company.
With or without a crew good sailor need to develop the skill to sail alone. From time to time I do have friends on board who don't even know enough to scream or scream too early. They just get in the way while you do the tacking stuff. But they're still there to keep you company.
Crew either non-existant or scaredy cat
Seems that I get either no crew or crew that shrieks with the tiniest bit of heel. I have one such who has now learned enough about sailing to shriek just when she sees dark ripples out on the water. Her 6 year old daughter thinks that's a bonus - "Make Mommy scream again" she urges me. Don't get me wrong - I sail very conservatively with them - not taking chances with little kids. I chose a boat which I can single-hand with extreme ease and safety, and I love the freedom of being on the water on my own. But yes, it is fun to have friends come out with you, even if they don't know anything about sailing. So far, they all umderstand that I am boss, and if I bark an order, it is to be carried out - if you want to learn, I'll explain what we just did - but first, do it! They need to understand that quick reaction to an unanticipated condition is key. I do like those that at leasst want to learn a little bit - doesn't everyone like to teach what they know? But I also understand that some folks just want the cameraderie and fun of being in a boat, and that's fine with me! Hardest part about getting crew is anticipating the conditions - if you invite folks up a week in advance, you might end up doing something other than sailing - need to be flexible. I do the same in reverse - when friends with big boats ask me out, I am only able to make it about 1 out of 3 or 4 invites. Moral...relax and enjoy the sailing as much as you can - don't plan to go next weekend...make it happen.
Seems that I get either no crew or crew that shrieks with the tiniest bit of heel. I have one such who has now learned enough about sailing to shriek just when she sees dark ripples out on the water. Her 6 year old daughter thinks that's a bonus - "Make Mommy scream again" she urges me. Don't get me wrong - I sail very conservatively with them - not taking chances with little kids. I chose a boat which I can single-hand with extreme ease and safety, and I love the freedom of being on the water on my own. But yes, it is fun to have friends come out with you, even if they don't know anything about sailing. So far, they all umderstand that I am boss, and if I bark an order, it is to be carried out - if you want to learn, I'll explain what we just did - but first, do it! They need to understand that quick reaction to an unanticipated condition is key. I do like those that at leasst want to learn a little bit - doesn't everyone like to teach what they know? But I also understand that some folks just want the cameraderie and fun of being in a boat, and that's fine with me! Hardest part about getting crew is anticipating the conditions - if you invite folks up a week in advance, you might end up doing something other than sailing - need to be flexible. I do the same in reverse - when friends with big boats ask me out, I am only able to make it about 1 out of 3 or 4 invites. Moral...relax and enjoy the sailing as much as you can - don't plan to go next weekend...make it happen.
Crew
I have to say that, while I like having others join me for a sail on my boat, I do find such company constraining at times. When I'm alone, I sail the boat as fast and hard as conditions safely allow. When I have friends/crew/spouse aboard, I am mindful of the fact that they prefer tamer sailing. Yet both -- sailing alone or with crew -- have their place and I enjoy both.
I have to say that, while I like having others join me for a sail on my boat, I do find such company constraining at times. When I'm alone, I sail the boat as fast and hard as conditions safely allow. When I have friends/crew/spouse aboard, I am mindful of the fact that they prefer tamer sailing. Yet both -- sailing alone or with crew -- have their place and I enjoy both.
A mix is best
When I first bought my Oday 23, I was uncomfortable going out on my own; I felt I needed a hand while raising the sails and in docking. I wound up begging my wife, kids, friends, parents, almost anyone in fact to go sailing. Of course, I wound up sailing a lot less frequently than I wanted. I finally bit the bullet and added roller furling, and it changed everything; I had no problem going out on my own. In fact, the huge majority of my sailing became solo sails. At first, I reveled in the solitude and quiet, and my ability to sail where and how I liked. However, I realized that I missed the company. Most of my sailing is still solo, but my ideal would be a more even mix of friends and family to go along with my alone time. I don't care if the "crew" knows what they are doing; in fact, I prefer it if they leave most of the sailing to me. I really like having folks to talk to and share the enjoyment. Also to hold my beer while I trim the jib.
When I first bought my Oday 23, I was uncomfortable going out on my own; I felt I needed a hand while raising the sails and in docking. I wound up begging my wife, kids, friends, parents, almost anyone in fact to go sailing. Of course, I wound up sailing a lot less frequently than I wanted. I finally bit the bullet and added roller furling, and it changed everything; I had no problem going out on my own. In fact, the huge majority of my sailing became solo sails. At first, I reveled in the solitude and quiet, and my ability to sail where and how I liked. However, I realized that I missed the company. Most of my sailing is still solo, but my ideal would be a more even mix of friends and family to go along with my alone time. I don't care if the "crew" knows what they are doing; in fact, I prefer it if they leave most of the sailing to me. I really like having folks to talk to and share the enjoyment. Also to hold my beer while I trim the jib.
Crew
I live 600 miles from the ocean in Alberta, Canada. My boat is in a harbour at the bottom of Vancouver Island. Each year, I do a couple of buddy weeks, a couple of long weekends with children, some client trips and very enjoyable voyages with a significant female friend. Once I move to the coast, I will probably single hand much more although my preference is for company. Just counted them, 45 wonderful days this summer and 10 more to go before shut-down. My buddy Barry was the funniest when he fell off the dock in Poet's Cove after a night of excess libations. Drowned his watch, wallet, camera and gave himself a large cut on his head which bled all over Tula.
I live 600 miles from the ocean in Alberta, Canada. My boat is in a harbour at the bottom of Vancouver Island. Each year, I do a couple of buddy weeks, a couple of long weekends with children, some client trips and very enjoyable voyages with a significant female friend. Once I move to the coast, I will probably single hand much more although my preference is for company. Just counted them, 45 wonderful days this summer and 10 more to go before shut-down. My buddy Barry was the funniest when he fell off the dock in Poet's Cove after a night of excess libations. Drowned his watch, wallet, camera and gave himself a large cut on his head which bled all over Tula.
mostly with a crew
We try to go every Wednesday afternoon, and we have a general "open" invitation for family and friends. Our H30 "Dreamboat" is comfortable with 6 aboard, but we have never had more than 5 at one time. Not everyone can make it every time. Most times it's just me and the first mate, and that's the best, anyway. I have never had a "screamer" aboard, and I don't think I would like that. I prefer to sail at the maximum, only occasionally do I ease off for comfort's sake. I'm lucky that my mate is always ready to sail.
We try to go every Wednesday afternoon, and we have a general "open" invitation for family and friends. Our H30 "Dreamboat" is comfortable with 6 aboard, but we have never had more than 5 at one time. Not everyone can make it every time. Most times it's just me and the first mate, and that's the best, anyway. I have never had a "screamer" aboard, and I don't think I would like that. I prefer to sail at the maximum, only occasionally do I ease off for comfort's sake. I'm lucky that my mate is always ready to sail.
Always a crew
Usually it is my wife and I, and often our dog. We have 7 kids (the youngest is 14) between the two of us so we can have a crowd on board at times. We've never had anybody on board that isn't willing to press the rail. Besides, everybody loves to jump in the lake. The convenience of having our boat at home means that we can easily adapt to schedules and time constraints. We're flexible and don't have to be away from home for hours, so we get more interest from the kids and friends. We had to laugh one day when we came home from the boat with the dog still wearing her orange vest and pink leash. She jumped out of the car and headed down the driveway because she likes to escape for a romp in the neigborhood at times. She turned around expecting us to chase her, but I simply said, "don't do it, you look ridiculous and you'll be the laughing stock of all the dogs in the neighborhood." She turned around and slunk back into the house.
Usually it is my wife and I, and often our dog. We have 7 kids (the youngest is 14) between the two of us so we can have a crowd on board at times. We've never had anybody on board that isn't willing to press the rail. Besides, everybody loves to jump in the lake. The convenience of having our boat at home means that we can easily adapt to schedules and time constraints. We're flexible and don't have to be away from home for hours, so we get more interest from the kids and friends. We had to laugh one day when we came home from the boat with the dog still wearing her orange vest and pink leash. She jumped out of the car and headed down the driveway because she likes to escape for a romp in the neigborhood at times. She turned around expecting us to chase her, but I simply said, "don't do it, you look ridiculous and you'll be the laughing stock of all the dogs in the neighborhood." She turned around and slunk back into the house.
Family is crew
While my wife and son(12 yrs old) are not fans of "balls to the wall" sailing I still prefer them over anyone else. My father-in-law loves to sail hard but is not very adapt at doing anything other than steering the boat. I don't mind doing all the work because that's what I would be doing if I were by myself so it gives me a chance to see how I can handle a 37.5 by myself without actually being by myself. My son loves to fish and would rather have a fishing boat but he also likes it when we spend the weekend on the boat. He likes kicking around the dock, throwing the cast net(I'm amazed at the things he catches) and sleeping on the boat. The other day I decided to take my son and go fishing on the boat, no sailing. We motored out to a place I thought we could catch some fish and anchored. No fish and the weather turned nasty. We decided to go back in. The wind was up about 18-20 knts and I needed my son to motor the boat so I could lift the anchor. He has only driven the boat in and out of our channel and always in forward gear. Now he was going to have to figure out how to use both forward and reverse and steer into a stiff wind. I gave him a quick lesson on steering the boat and the hand signals I would use. The anchor was nicely buried in our black mud. After about 15 minutes the anchor was free and we were headed home. Taylor had done a superior job, better than most I've sailed with. I'm pretty proud of that little guy and look forward to the day that he actually wants to go sailing but until then we'll fish and sail in comfortable conditions. As for guests, I've had about all the problems you can imagine; screamers, sea sickness, drunks, sister-in-law that's lucky to be alive, everything. Consequently I am cautious about inviting just anyone on board these days.
While my wife and son(12 yrs old) are not fans of "balls to the wall" sailing I still prefer them over anyone else. My father-in-law loves to sail hard but is not very adapt at doing anything other than steering the boat. I don't mind doing all the work because that's what I would be doing if I were by myself so it gives me a chance to see how I can handle a 37.5 by myself without actually being by myself. My son loves to fish and would rather have a fishing boat but he also likes it when we spend the weekend on the boat. He likes kicking around the dock, throwing the cast net(I'm amazed at the things he catches) and sleeping on the boat. The other day I decided to take my son and go fishing on the boat, no sailing. We motored out to a place I thought we could catch some fish and anchored. No fish and the weather turned nasty. We decided to go back in. The wind was up about 18-20 knts and I needed my son to motor the boat so I could lift the anchor. He has only driven the boat in and out of our channel and always in forward gear. Now he was going to have to figure out how to use both forward and reverse and steer into a stiff wind. I gave him a quick lesson on steering the boat and the hand signals I would use. The anchor was nicely buried in our black mud. After about 15 minutes the anchor was free and we were headed home. Taylor had done a superior job, better than most I've sailed with. I'm pretty proud of that little guy and look forward to the day that he actually wants to go sailing but until then we'll fish and sail in comfortable conditions. As for guests, I've had about all the problems you can imagine; screamers, sea sickness, drunks, sister-in-law that's lucky to be alive, everything. Consequently I am cautious about inviting just anyone on board these days.
Anyone that likes/wants to go sailing
I will take anyone that want or likes to sail (at least once). Overnighters/weekenders I have to think twice about but still am pretty flexible. I can sail single handed (Hunter 42) if I need to..although a little help works better. I am a year around sailor, and any weather! Jack
I will take anyone that want or likes to sail (at least once). Overnighters/weekenders I have to think twice about but still am pretty flexible. I can sail single handed (Hunter 42) if I need to..although a little help works better. I am a year around sailor, and any weather! Jack
Sailing buddies
I most often wind up sailing alone.The wife isn't that into it, and the kids have work and other commitments. I have two sailboats,a cruiser and a racer. The racer is set up for single handing, but has no bow rails or life lines, and no roller furling for the head sail. I've solved the problem of going to the bow to raise the head sail by hanking the sail on at the dock, first wrapping the sail with rubber bands to keep it from blowing open on the way out of the marina. When I'm ready to hoist, the rubber bands snap as the sail is raised, and viola. The main is less of a problem, as I don't have to climb out of the cockpit to untangle lines. My larger boat has winches at the mast, and the same plan works. Even though its not set up for single handing, being heavier and broader beamed, its a much easier boat to sail alone. To solve the problem of finding sailing buddies I ran an ad on "Craigs List". I got about 20 replies over a two week period, all local to my area. After screening, I have 5 folks that have fairly flexible schedules, so that if I'm in the mood for company, and family isn't available, I can generally find company to go along.
I most often wind up sailing alone.The wife isn't that into it, and the kids have work and other commitments. I have two sailboats,a cruiser and a racer. The racer is set up for single handing, but has no bow rails or life lines, and no roller furling for the head sail. I've solved the problem of going to the bow to raise the head sail by hanking the sail on at the dock, first wrapping the sail with rubber bands to keep it from blowing open on the way out of the marina. When I'm ready to hoist, the rubber bands snap as the sail is raised, and viola. The main is less of a problem, as I don't have to climb out of the cockpit to untangle lines. My larger boat has winches at the mast, and the same plan works. Even though its not set up for single handing, being heavier and broader beamed, its a much easier boat to sail alone. To solve the problem of finding sailing buddies I ran an ad on "Craigs List". I got about 20 replies over a two week period, all local to my area. After screening, I have 5 folks that have fairly flexible schedules, so that if I'm in the mood for company, and family isn't available, I can generally find company to go along.
2 for 1
I get the 2 for 1 .I sail with my family. My family is my crew.I found out that sailing has become a family outing for me and my family.Its time that we get to spend together with out TV/Playstation/ and all those other things we get caught in a weekly basis.We are still green when it comes to sailing but the fact that we are all learning together and that makes it fun.
I get the 2 for 1 .I sail with my family. My family is my crew.I found out that sailing has become a family outing for me and my family.Its time that we get to spend together with out TV/Playstation/ and all those other things we get caught in a weekly basis.We are still green when it comes to sailing but the fact that we are all learning together and that makes it fun.
Mr. Auto and myself
I've found it easier to move the boat myself (a pleasure) to a nice port, fully stock the ice box, humidor, and liquor cabinet- and other provisions (dvd's, cds, ect) . At Martha's vineyard + block island there's ferry service on the hour, other ports like newport + falmouth are a short drive. Most people love swimming, laying out in the sun, eating, drinking and listening to music- Real Sailors are a small group, few have the patience, it seems like a good idea, but my experience has shown it's easier to have my friends and family meet me at the port, beach, ect.
I've found it easier to move the boat myself (a pleasure) to a nice port, fully stock the ice box, humidor, and liquor cabinet- and other provisions (dvd's, cds, ect) . At Martha's vineyard + block island there's ferry service on the hour, other ports like newport + falmouth are a short drive. Most people love swimming, laying out in the sun, eating, drinking and listening to music- Real Sailors are a small group, few have the patience, it seems like a good idea, but my experience has shown it's easier to have my friends and family meet me at the port, beach, ect.
Variety
There is a distinct enjoyment to each kind of crew situation, or at least the ones that don't involve conflict. My wife isn't into it all that much, so it is a special treat on the rare days when she does go along. When experienced friends go, it's like putting on a comfortable old pair of shoes. A year ago I invited an old buddy who has some health problems and doesn't get out much - he had a great time and his smile was like the sun coming up. A windy day on the water with any of my daughters is the end of my rainbow. Most of the time I singlehand - the conversation isn't much, but I tend to notice a lot more of what is going on around me, and at night there is a special magic in it at no extra charge. I have learned a lot in the post mortems after a races, when crew and I talk over what we did well and what we should have done differently. And it is very satisfying to singlehand a race and finish decently against boats that rate faster and have full crews.
There is a distinct enjoyment to each kind of crew situation, or at least the ones that don't involve conflict. My wife isn't into it all that much, so it is a special treat on the rare days when she does go along. When experienced friends go, it's like putting on a comfortable old pair of shoes. A year ago I invited an old buddy who has some health problems and doesn't get out much - he had a great time and his smile was like the sun coming up. A windy day on the water with any of my daughters is the end of my rainbow. Most of the time I singlehand - the conversation isn't much, but I tend to notice a lot more of what is going on around me, and at night there is a special magic in it at no extra charge. I have learned a lot in the post mortems after a races, when crew and I talk over what we did well and what we should have done differently. And it is very satisfying to singlehand a race and finish decently against boats that rate faster and have full crews.
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