I am looking to buy a boat at the end of 2022.. Wanting to so some sailing before that..

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thevoyager

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Jan 25, 2022
17
AMEL Super mare London
I plan to visit some sailing schools and do all the relevant theory needed.. (already started some).

But I was wondering, are there any boat owners / sailors / Skippers who are looking for any kind of deck hand or help, just no feeding grapes and wine!
I'd love to get on a sailing yacht / boat and learn a little first hand.. I am based in the UK, don't mind travelling to most locations... Though I was going to take a week break to Greece or Croatia and do some boat spotting, speak to owners, try get some time on deck etc.
Just thought I'd ask on here... Is this a normal procedure?

I am male, 37, active and healthy, no smoking, read philosophy, psychology and business and currently run 2 businesses, based in Yorkshire (so nice and central).

Look forward to some advice and guidance!
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
It all depends on what type of boating do you intend to pursue. There are various disciplines and each has its own requirements and complexities. The main ones are cruising or racing; an expert in one may be helpless in the other. They both share "boat handling skills" as a requirement but not exactly in the same fashion. Yes the boat handling skills are learned and practiced aboard a boat but other related skills can be learned by reading and studying. Here is a list of what I consider necessary Knowledges 1) Boat Handling 2) Navigation/ Rules of the Road 3) Boat systems (electrical and mechanical) 4) Weather knowledge 5) safety Equipment 6) anchoring 7) Check lists/Stocking 8) maintenance and inspections 9) Radio Communications 10) resources as tow services, Coast Guard, Marinas, the use of charts, crusing guides 11) Legal aspects of boating, obligations and liabilities rendered by Maritime Laws. Simple things like boats can incur in debt and can be arrested. The differences between a Tow and a Salvage. Operator licenses where required. I don't think we ever stop learning or honing already acquired skills but the challenge is getting through the steep part of the learning curve at the beginning. My advice on buying a boat is to purchase and learn on the boat you want to ultimately sail on. Borrow or rent smaller boats or larger but only purchase your ideal boat.
 
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T

thevoyager

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Jan 25, 2022
17
AMEL Super mare London
Benny17441 said:
.......... My advice on buying a boat is to purchase and learn on the boat you want to ultimately sail on. Borrow or rent smaller boats or larger but only purchase your ideal boat.
Click to expand
Cheers for all of this, good list there!
 
DArcy

DArcy

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Feb 11, 2017
1,768
Islander Freeport 36 Ottawa
I also suggest joining a local sailing club and crew on other people's boats. Even if you buy your own boat it would be more time on the water and you will learn a lot from the skipper and other crew on the boat (assuming they are knowledgeable). It may also broaden your awareness of possible boats since most sailors love to talk about all kinds of boats.
@Benny17441 has a great list of things to learn. There are some learn to sail/learn to cruise live aboard courses that cover most of this and would be a great way to get up to speed quickly.
 
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