Sailing the Ocean Blue!!

[West Wing]

I sail a Hunter 240 on an inland lake and am very interested in getting an ocean crossing (or point A to point B) sailing experience on a big boat.I can crew but I am a novice sailor...does anyone know of a Web site that I can visit that might provide info or help me to find a boat that's travelling this winter?Thanks!!

 

[scott]

www.floatplan.com

also try www.yachtworld.com There are numerous sites that require you to join up for around $30 per year. Be careful what boat you crew on, I've had some bad experiences crewing on boats that were "fully equipped", they sucked and one of them literally was sinking as we were towed into port at 0100 hrs in the AM. Dont be shy about asking to look over the boat you will be crewing on, safety is not just the captains job but the crew's as well.

 

[Wanderer138]

www.sailnet.com

This is an extensive website with lots of interesting articles for the sailing enthusiast and a HUGE archive. It is updated daily and there are "crew wanted" notices all the time. Ditto re checking out the boat and skipper. Be prepared to cover your share of all expenses (including fuel if you have to motor and the marina in case you have to put into port). Bring your own foul weather gear, safety harness, tether and personal strobe. Don't be bashful about making sure that there are enough Type I PFDs to go around before you leave.Try to keep your first bluewater trip short if you can. Remember that you not only have to get there but in most cases you also have to COME BACK. Here are a couple of suggestions:Key West to Dry Tortugas, Ft Myers to Dry Tortugas, Miami to Jacksonville, Miami to Freeport, West Palm Beach to Marsh Harbour, Norfolk to NYC, Buffalo to Toronto, Antigua to Guadeloupe, Antigua to St Maarten. Good luck and happy sailing!!PeterH23 "Raven"