Do you ever crew for other sailors on their boats? What's that like for you? Is it enjoyable to just relax and let someone else have all the responsibility? Or do you find yourself second guessing their decisions, sail trim, and the like? Maybe you find it a good learning experience? Share your good stories (or horror stories) and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Royal Victoria Yacht Club Beer-Can Race
Last summer we were using a reciprocal at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Victoria BC and they were having their mid-week beer can races and I volunteered to crew on a guys boat, about a 24 footer. The skipper had only one other crew and compared to the other boats was "kinda rough" around the edges. The Royal Vic is a real sailors YC with probably 95 percent of their slips with sailboats. They are a serious racing group and sponsor major races such as the Swiftsure. On land they have the "sport boats' lined up in rows like an aircraft fighter squadron. Totally impressive! Anyway, we didn't get a really good start in a crowded PHRF class but did manage to avoid a collision - barely - and by the first mark rounding we were only second to the last in our class. The skipper wanted to fly the chute but because both of the crew were unfamiliar with the setup he was going to pass but I talked him into doing it by volunteering to pack it - what do we have to loose? Well, since the other bloke was somewhat familiar with the boat he did the foredeck work and set things up and at the windward mark rounding up it went! Oooops, the halyard was attached to one of the clews! It was actually flying pretty good to we trimmed it up and flew the leg actually passing another boat in the process! .... probably due more to tactics. On the next downwind leg we got everything on the numbers and really did well finishing third out of probably six to eight boats. The skipper was really happy and bought the crew a couple rounds in the pub! If anybody gets an opportunity to socialize at a reciprocal yacht club this is a really great way to do it. Met lots of very nice people and had a really good time.
Last summer we were using a reciprocal at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Victoria BC and they were having their mid-week beer can races and I volunteered to crew on a guys boat, about a 24 footer. The skipper had only one other crew and compared to the other boats was "kinda rough" around the edges. The Royal Vic is a real sailors YC with probably 95 percent of their slips with sailboats. They are a serious racing group and sponsor major races such as the Swiftsure. On land they have the "sport boats' lined up in rows like an aircraft fighter squadron. Totally impressive! Anyway, we didn't get a really good start in a crowded PHRF class but did manage to avoid a collision - barely - and by the first mark rounding we were only second to the last in our class. The skipper wanted to fly the chute but because both of the crew were unfamiliar with the setup he was going to pass but I talked him into doing it by volunteering to pack it - what do we have to loose? Well, since the other bloke was somewhat familiar with the boat he did the foredeck work and set things up and at the windward mark rounding up it went! Oooops, the halyard was attached to one of the clews! It was actually flying pretty good to we trimmed it up and flew the leg actually passing another boat in the process! .... probably due more to tactics. On the next downwind leg we got everything on the numbers and really did well finishing third out of probably six to eight boats. The skipper was really happy and bought the crew a couple rounds in the pub! If anybody gets an opportunity to socialize at a reciprocal yacht club this is a really great way to do it. Met lots of very nice people and had a really good time.
Aye, Captain
This one time I was on someone else's boat, after the sails were trimmed, and the course was set, he locked the 'tiller tamer' and went down below. He insisted that I sit back and relax. I couldn't BELIEVE that he just left the helm like that, ESPECIALLY since it was a particularly blustery NIGHT on the San Francisco Bay. I instinctively grabbed the tiller. I am so used to my squirly, smaller Ranger 26, that the thought of leaving the helm was just a HUGE 'NO-NO'. Aside from that one experience, I usually enjoy the rare opportunity to actually take my thoughts off of the responsibilities of skipper-ette.
This one time I was on someone else's boat, after the sails were trimmed, and the course was set, he locked the 'tiller tamer' and went down below. He insisted that I sit back and relax. I couldn't BELIEVE that he just left the helm like that, ESPECIALLY since it was a particularly blustery NIGHT on the San Francisco Bay. I instinctively grabbed the tiller. I am so used to my squirly, smaller Ranger 26, that the thought of leaving the helm was just a HUGE 'NO-NO'. Aside from that one experience, I usually enjoy the rare opportunity to actually take my thoughts off of the responsibilities of skipper-ette.
captain to crew?
Having just gotten the sailing bug, taken lessons, and bought a used 25' Hunter ('78 Cherubini), I was asked if I would like to crew. I accepted, and was one of the best moves I made in learning to sail. Just kept my mouth shut, did what I was told, and asked questions when applicable. Am now single handing frequently, and have stopped scaring my wife, as she admits "you've come a long way baby". At the end of the season I was able to offer suggestions, but still, recognize the Captain is the Captain.
Having just gotten the sailing bug, taken lessons, and bought a used 25' Hunter ('78 Cherubini), I was asked if I would like to crew. I accepted, and was one of the best moves I made in learning to sail. Just kept my mouth shut, did what I was told, and asked questions when applicable. Am now single handing frequently, and have stopped scaring my wife, as she admits "you've come a long way baby". At the end of the season I was able to offer suggestions, but still, recognize the Captain is the Captain.
Oh Captain, My Captain !!!
I learned to sail while in Vietnam using US Army Rhoades 19's at an R&R site. I have also been a member of many sailing clubs, since I returned in 1970. My experiences with people who own the "big boats" as crew has not been pleasant. They usually are the screamers (when something goes wrong they shout orders at the crew, image an airplane crew working like this !). These "captains" with money to buy these big boats typically don't spend the money to take lessons. Consequently, when the winds pick up their minimal skill levels, show, hence the yelling. Fortunately, in 1983 the American Sailing Association introduced a way of finding out the skill levels of crew and captain before they got together, by using sailing skill standardized tests (includes written and water tests). Our club uses these ASA standards to minimize the screaming and maximize the enjoyment of sailing together, even on the really windy days. Capt Rob KYSC
I learned to sail while in Vietnam using US Army Rhoades 19's at an R&R site. I have also been a member of many sailing clubs, since I returned in 1970. My experiences with people who own the "big boats" as crew has not been pleasant. They usually are the screamers (when something goes wrong they shout orders at the crew, image an airplane crew working like this !). These "captains" with money to buy these big boats typically don't spend the money to take lessons. Consequently, when the winds pick up their minimal skill levels, show, hence the yelling. Fortunately, in 1983 the American Sailing Association introduced a way of finding out the skill levels of crew and captain before they got together, by using sailing skill standardized tests (includes written and water tests). Our club uses these ASA standards to minimize the screaming and maximize the enjoyment of sailing together, even on the really windy days. Capt Rob KYSC
Funny, but who's the captain here?
When I go out with my neighbor on his boat, he usually turns the tiller over ot me and sits back and relaxes. He says it isn't everyone he takes out he can trust like that. I do learn becauyse his boat is different from mine, and also he is very knowledgable. I sailed smaller boats until I bought my 36 foot columbia a couple of years ago, and it is my first 'larger' boat, so I am learning how to handle her. On my boat I am happy to defer to my friend. If I encounter something that I am unsure of, I ask him--and I take his advice since I trust him. It's like haveing your own private instructor along.
When I go out with my neighbor on his boat, he usually turns the tiller over ot me and sits back and relaxes. He says it isn't everyone he takes out he can trust like that. I do learn becauyse his boat is different from mine, and also he is very knowledgable. I sailed smaller boats until I bought my 36 foot columbia a couple of years ago, and it is my first 'larger' boat, so I am learning how to handle her. On my boat I am happy to defer to my friend. If I encounter something that I am unsure of, I ask him--and I take his advice since I trust him. It's like haveing your own private instructor along.
No, you drive. No, You drive.
My wife accuses me of luring guests and friends to a relaxing sailing outing only to put them at the tiller with some lame excuse about "getting the feel of the boat" and then going below to pour myself a cold one and never offering to take back the helm. You know, she's right. Who needs to drive all the time? I just like being on boats. And the sailing experience is a lot more thrilling when an inexperienced captain rolls the boat over on its side in a stiff breeze. But rest assured, I do captian the boat in and out of the harbor, much to the relief of the guest driver. Hey, anybody want to go for a cruise?
My wife accuses me of luring guests and friends to a relaxing sailing outing only to put them at the tiller with some lame excuse about "getting the feel of the boat" and then going below to pour myself a cold one and never offering to take back the helm. You know, she's right. Who needs to drive all the time? I just like being on boats. And the sailing experience is a lot more thrilling when an inexperienced captain rolls the boat over on its side in a stiff breeze. But rest assured, I do captian the boat in and out of the harbor, much to the relief of the guest driver. Hey, anybody want to go for a cruise?
I'm Your Captain...Heaven Help Me
Even though I crew on a limited basis, I am selective for whom I crew for as it can either make you the best of friends or it can be the worst experience you could imagine. Being selective also allows me to enjoy the moment & just relax as I experience the fun of sailing without all the responsibility. Bottom line - it is a great learning experience to see how others enjoy and test the art of sailing while being their guest. J Mashburn TIKI Hunter 146
Even though I crew on a limited basis, I am selective for whom I crew for as it can either make you the best of friends or it can be the worst experience you could imagine. Being selective also allows me to enjoy the moment & just relax as I experience the fun of sailing without all the responsibility. Bottom line - it is a great learning experience to see how others enjoy and test the art of sailing while being their guest. J Mashburn TIKI Hunter 146
Depends
Well, you see it's like this... If they ask they get. If we are racing I do my job and always give input to the point the Skipper wants it. If we are crusing almost always they want me to drive and give input to their boat. They need to relax too. What every When ever the rule is to have FUN and ENJOY. We can always learn from others.
Well, you see it's like this... If they ask they get. If we are racing I do my job and always give input to the point the Skipper wants it. If we are crusing almost always they want me to drive and give input to their boat. They need to relax too. What every When ever the rule is to have FUN and ENJOY. We can always learn from others.
Great Experience
I've crewed a couple of times on other men's boats in both racing and cruising environments. I've found that in both instances I came away with a bit of knowledge I would have otherwise never learned. You do find yourself second guessing their decisions every once in a while, but, in most cases, you bite your tounge and respect their decisions. Sometimes you learn something and sometimes you wish you would have spoken up, but it gives you the chance to step out of your routine and approach situations from a different angle giving you a little more insight into practices you would normally have taken for granted.
I've crewed a couple of times on other men's boats in both racing and cruising environments. I've found that in both instances I came away with a bit of knowledge I would have otherwise never learned. You do find yourself second guessing their decisions every once in a while, but, in most cases, you bite your tounge and respect their decisions. Sometimes you learn something and sometimes you wish you would have spoken up, but it gives you the chance to step out of your routine and approach situations from a different angle giving you a little more insight into practices you would normally have taken for granted.
The Best of both
I've always raced and captained my own boat but now mine is a cruiser so I race with a good friend. he appreciates all the help I give him and its great not worrying about all the food, drinks, new sails and crew problems. I've never had a bad day sailing either on my own boat or some one elses as long as you know who you are sailing with and understand their philosophy about sailing.
I've always raced and captained my own boat but now mine is a cruiser so I race with a good friend. he appreciates all the help I give him and its great not worrying about all the food, drinks, new sails and crew problems. I've never had a bad day sailing either on my own boat or some one elses as long as you know who you are sailing with and understand their philosophy about sailing.
The Mississippi Way?
Rick, I have heard the same comments many times. I try to enlist guests all the time so that I can move to a different location for a different view of the boat, sails and water. I have found that most guests do not want to give the tiller up. I view it as Mississippi hospitality.
Rick, I have heard the same comments many times. I try to enlist guests all the time so that I can move to a different location for a different view of the boat, sails and water. I have found that most guests do not want to give the tiller up. I view it as Mississippi hospitality.
The Blushing Bligh
I found it embarrasing to sail on his boat with a man who prided himself on his sailing ability. He wanted to go racing, but the boat was a badly worn example of an originally bottom budget clunker, with virtually no sail-handling hardware (the jib sheets ran not through blocks but pad-eyes). He wanted help, but I didn't have to heart to tell him he was just a disaster looking for a venue.
I found it embarrasing to sail on his boat with a man who prided himself on his sailing ability. He wanted to go racing, but the boat was a badly worn example of an originally bottom budget clunker, with virtually no sail-handling hardware (the jib sheets ran not through blocks but pad-eyes). He wanted help, but I didn't have to heart to tell him he was just a disaster looking for a venue.
Crew my Own Boat
I will often crew my own boat. I have several regular crew who I trust at the helm and I will turn it over the one of them and haul lines and man winches myself. It is a great way to learn more about my boat, her rig and find ways to make her better. OF COURSE as Owner, I do reserve the right to re-assume command of my own vessel, but I have never had to do it! I would not coutermand my skippers' decisions unless I deemed them to be dangerous to the crew or boat. Our philosophy is that whoever has the helm also has command. This system works well for us because our 'core' crew has been together for over 7 years and we have developed a great deal of trust. fair winds. dmcc
I will often crew my own boat. I have several regular crew who I trust at the helm and I will turn it over the one of them and haul lines and man winches myself. It is a great way to learn more about my boat, her rig and find ways to make her better. OF COURSE as Owner, I do reserve the right to re-assume command of my own vessel, but I have never had to do it! I would not coutermand my skippers' decisions unless I deemed them to be dangerous to the crew or boat. Our philosophy is that whoever has the helm also has command. This system works well for us because our 'core' crew has been together for over 7 years and we have developed a great deal of trust. fair winds. dmcc
Get Separated
I crew on races as foredeck lead. I find that the separation from the "brain trust" in the cockpit lets me focus just on sail control activities and the pleasure of racing. This way, I don't get involved with the second guessing. Just do the job at hand, then sit back and wait for the next action.
I crew on races as foredeck lead. I find that the separation from the "brain trust" in the cockpit lets me focus just on sail control activities and the pleasure of racing. This way, I don't get involved with the second guessing. Just do the job at hand, then sit back and wait for the next action.
Captain as crew
This is a real interesting question, and some of the responses are interesting also. The simplist answer to the survey question for me is "sometimes, depends". If the Captain is experienced, safe, thoughtful, then I have no problem being crew. I have to relate it to my flying days. There are some people that I will fly with and sit in the back seat, there are others I will fly with and sit in the right seat, but with an agreement about who is in charge and in what situations that might change, and there are others that I'm pilot in command or we don't go, regardless of who is flying the aircraft at that moment. I feel the same about sailing, and the question should be answered prior to leaving the dock. I noticed that some on here seem to equate "having the helm" with being in charge. I can appreciate that lay people would have some identification with that concept, but frankly, and my opinion only, if that is what you think, you are not ready to Captain my boat. I might sail with you, but we would have an agreement about who is in charge if it turns to crap (I'm sitting in the right seat, but not the back). I also do not want to start that old "my boat, my rules" debate. Frankly, I don't buy that one either. I've had the opportunity to sail with some pretty good sailors. Many with more offshore miles than I'll ever see. Even on my boat, they would or have been in charge. And the beautiful thing about that is that there is much to learn from those experiences. Being Captain is not about having the helm. In fact you can be sleeping and still be performing appropriate duties as Captain if you are making sure that you are receiving adequate rest to make good decisions and you have instructed your crew as to your expectations for operation of the boat and under what conditions you should be awakened. It goes without saying that you know the crew is capable. I guess the most valuable lessons I have learned as crew, or in a few sailing classes as acting Captain, is that being Captain isn't about driving the boat. The more valuable lessons have been about making the right decisions early, being in the right place on the boat to properly provide command guidance, and making sure that I have done everything possible so that no one gets hurt. Being a good Captain is also about providing knowledge to the crew. Letting them helm is a great way to get their participation, but it sends the wrong message if they think they are in charge. Part of the knowledge you can provide is ultimately teaching them how to Captain perhaps. The only analogy I can find with an automobile is teaching your child to drive...do you consider them to be "Captain" when they first get behind the wheel? I suspect not...you may not have much control, but I bet you have agreed that stop means stop before you left the curb. So yes...I like to crew and learn much by doing so. But, I can't crew with just anyone. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
This is a real interesting question, and some of the responses are interesting also. The simplist answer to the survey question for me is "sometimes, depends". If the Captain is experienced, safe, thoughtful, then I have no problem being crew. I have to relate it to my flying days. There are some people that I will fly with and sit in the back seat, there are others I will fly with and sit in the right seat, but with an agreement about who is in charge and in what situations that might change, and there are others that I'm pilot in command or we don't go, regardless of who is flying the aircraft at that moment. I feel the same about sailing, and the question should be answered prior to leaving the dock. I noticed that some on here seem to equate "having the helm" with being in charge. I can appreciate that lay people would have some identification with that concept, but frankly, and my opinion only, if that is what you think, you are not ready to Captain my boat. I might sail with you, but we would have an agreement about who is in charge if it turns to crap (I'm sitting in the right seat, but not the back). I also do not want to start that old "my boat, my rules" debate. Frankly, I don't buy that one either. I've had the opportunity to sail with some pretty good sailors. Many with more offshore miles than I'll ever see. Even on my boat, they would or have been in charge. And the beautiful thing about that is that there is much to learn from those experiences. Being Captain is not about having the helm. In fact you can be sleeping and still be performing appropriate duties as Captain if you are making sure that you are receiving adequate rest to make good decisions and you have instructed your crew as to your expectations for operation of the boat and under what conditions you should be awakened. It goes without saying that you know the crew is capable. I guess the most valuable lessons I have learned as crew, or in a few sailing classes as acting Captain, is that being Captain isn't about driving the boat. The more valuable lessons have been about making the right decisions early, being in the right place on the boat to properly provide command guidance, and making sure that I have done everything possible so that no one gets hurt. Being a good Captain is also about providing knowledge to the crew. Letting them helm is a great way to get their participation, but it sends the wrong message if they think they are in charge. Part of the knowledge you can provide is ultimately teaching them how to Captain perhaps. The only analogy I can find with an automobile is teaching your child to drive...do you consider them to be "Captain" when they first get behind the wheel? I suspect not...you may not have much control, but I bet you have agreed that stop means stop before you left the curb. So yes...I like to crew and learn much by doing so. But, I can't crew with just anyone. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije II)
captain as crew
Most of my sailing friends and I have been sailing together for several years on each others boats, racing and cruising. When I'm crew, I assume that role and don't offer suggestions or advice because they're not needed. Whey they crew on my boat it's pretty much the same. I usually put inexperienced guests on the helm, pulls the strings, point the way and call the tacks, etc. Works for us. Larry W. MOONDANCE Beneteau 400
Most of my sailing friends and I have been sailing together for several years on each others boats, racing and cruising. When I'm crew, I assume that role and don't offer suggestions or advice because they're not needed. Whey they crew on my boat it's pretty much the same. I usually put inexperienced guests on the helm, pulls the strings, point the way and call the tacks, etc. Works for us. Larry W. MOONDANCE Beneteau 400
Different Perspective
I've found that crewing for someone else lets me look at things from a little different angle than usual, and sometimes question my own assumptions, techniques, etc. At the least, it brings up topics for thought or discussion that might not otherwise occur. For example, last year when handling the jib sheet on my friend's 28 footer, I eased it as we were trying to weather a small penninsula. He told me to trim it in, and asked me why I had eased it. I replied that I felt we would make less leeway with it eased, as we were really pinching to make it, and it would be pretty close as it was. His response was that the boat didn't make much leeway when hard on the wind and that leeway is greatest when the wind is on the beam. This struck me as obviously wrong, but as he was the skipper, I obeyed the order. Anyone want to comment on who was right?
I've found that crewing for someone else lets me look at things from a little different angle than usual, and sometimes question my own assumptions, techniques, etc. At the least, it brings up topics for thought or discussion that might not otherwise occur. For example, last year when handling the jib sheet on my friend's 28 footer, I eased it as we were trying to weather a small penninsula. He told me to trim it in, and asked me why I had eased it. I replied that I felt we would make less leeway with it eased, as we were really pinching to make it, and it would be pretty close as it was. His response was that the boat didn't make much leeway when hard on the wind and that leeway is greatest when the wind is on the beam. This struck me as obviously wrong, but as he was the skipper, I obeyed the order. Anyone want to comment on who was right?
Captain goes to raceing crew on bigger boat.
I crew on a 26 foot sail boat on narragansett bay every Tue. night in the summer. I have leaned a lot about sail trim.I sail a 22ft.ODay sail boat every weekend my wife and i go to newport a lot.I have had this boat about 6 years now, we are looking to go bigger now.Thank you, LMorton646@cs.com
I crew on a 26 foot sail boat on narragansett bay every Tue. night in the summer. I have leaned a lot about sail trim.I sail a 22ft.ODay sail boat every weekend my wife and i go to newport a lot.I have had this boat about 6 years now, we are looking to go bigger now.Thank you, LMorton646@cs.com
Ahab, Bligh, or Skipper
There is only one CAPTAIN of sailing vessel....hang on folks, it gets better... on my boat there is only one CAPTAIN... no questions asked OR FOR THAT MATTER ANSWERED... if you don't agree, GET OFF.., better ideas will always be considered, but by law, my decisions are the ones carrying liability... the strength of command must never fall short of consideration of others feelings BUT NOT REALITY... if you don't agree... you've got real problems that may be life threatning.... , sorry kiddies, life on the high seas or high bays, or lakes, for that matter, puts you in the position of responsibility.... forget this and you become irresponsible... life on the water is demanding of consideration of the right course to take....o.k., alright; you've got the answers,... bottom line is really simple: you are responible for all onboard...if you don't like it; sell the damn boat! You and I and everyone else will be better for the decision... but if you are considrate of the conditons, the ability of the crew (your passengers), and you have "the right stuff"... you will sail along without peril. Who am I?... Someone thats "been there and done that".... but then what the hell do I know... "life's a beach" a.l.
There is only one CAPTAIN of sailing vessel....hang on folks, it gets better... on my boat there is only one CAPTAIN... no questions asked OR FOR THAT MATTER ANSWERED... if you don't agree, GET OFF.., better ideas will always be considered, but by law, my decisions are the ones carrying liability... the strength of command must never fall short of consideration of others feelings BUT NOT REALITY... if you don't agree... you've got real problems that may be life threatning.... , sorry kiddies, life on the high seas or high bays, or lakes, for that matter, puts you in the position of responsibility.... forget this and you become irresponsible... life on the water is demanding of consideration of the right course to take....o.k., alright; you've got the answers,... bottom line is really simple: you are responible for all onboard...if you don't like it; sell the damn boat! You and I and everyone else will be better for the decision... but if you are considrate of the conditons, the ability of the crew (your passengers), and you have "the right stuff"... you will sail along without peril. Who am I?... Someone thats "been there and done that".... but then what the hell do I know... "life's a beach" a.l.
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