Race Crew

You could just pack your bags and head to the med, aim to get a full time job on a Swan, Wally, of if it blows your skirt up a classic, all these race competitivly in the Med in September and October. The Swans have a huge regatta and attract some big names and big crews. Hang in there, rub shoulders and who knows where you end up. Turn your life around and make your hobie and your passion into an earner in the sun. It is not easy getting your foot in but once in your future is your own.

I am indeed full of enthusiasm: for racing as a hobby.

The RORC site is great for finding boats looking for crew for RORC races but there isn't an earthly chance that any skipper you contact that way is going to offer to pay you, which is what this thread is about. It is far more likely they are going to ask you for a contribution to the boat's expenses. 

BtW I used to use the RORC list when I sorted the crew for a RORC boat for a few seasons and I've also used to the list to get on boats myself, so I think I know what I'm talking about here.

Well it is hard to get paid for having fun. Generally, you get paid for doing what isn't fun, while the people having fun do it for, erm, fun, not money.

Just how many raceboats do you think there are based in the UK with a full-time professional crew: I mean an entire crew, not just one or two? I think it is zero. The number employing even one or two is probably less than a dozen and those people will have very special skills to offer: certainly including maintenance as well as sailing. I know sailmakers and others who make money out of coaching owners and crew of larger keelboats but, with one exception they don't make a living out of it, and that exception is a former Olympic medallist.

Outside the UK is different, but being paid to be on a very wealthy man's yacht is basically being a servant and not most people's idea of fun in the long run. 

Originally posted by Stefan Lloyd Networking = use your social network. Talk to people.

= stand around in yachtie bars, trying to get noticed. Drink more, come up with outrageous stories, name drop, etc...