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Race Crew

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Keelboat classes
Forum Name: Keelboat news and development
Forum Discription: All the latest developments for yachts
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=714
Printed Date: 05 Aug 25 at 5:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Race Crew
Posted By: Briswake
Subject: Race Crew
Date Posted: 20 May 05 at 1:54pm
Right guys, I've had enough of my UK sailing job and want a new one abroad racing in bluewater type regattas.
How do I go about joining a team?
As ever with these things, I hear its a case of 'who you know' and 'being in the right place at the right time!' hey?!!!
Bri



Replies:
Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 20 May 05 at 2:27pm

Originally posted by Briswake

As ever with these things, I hear its a case of 'who you know' and 'being in the right place at the right time!'

So you already know the answer. Get networking.

 



Posted By: Briswake
Date Posted: 20 May 05 at 2:28pm
'Networking'???


Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 20 May 05 at 3:21pm

Networking = use your social network. Talk to people.



Posted By: MonkeyBoy
Date Posted: 27 May 05 at 3:57pm
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...



-------------
If I only had a little humility, I'd be perfect.


Posted By: Macgyver
Date Posted: 02 Jun 05 at 9:20am

I am sick of my desk job and have been looking for year to find away of getting racing job

no luck yet



Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 02 Jun 05 at 11:38am

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. 



Posted By: Aretia
Date Posted: 02 Jun 05 at 4:28pm

 

 

     Try the RORC site and other similar looking for crew sites on the net



Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 02 Jun 05 at 5:12pm

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.



Posted By: Briswake
Date Posted: 04 Jun 05 at 6:26pm
Man - you're full of positive enthusiam!


Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 05 Jun 05 at 10:52am

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



Posted By: ali_charlton
Date Posted: 11 Jul 05 at 8:34am

All that has been said so far is true, from my own experiences and many of my friends that have worked professionally in sailing. A tiny minority have done very well, skippering large private yachts, charter fleet yachts (clipper/BT challenge etc) and America’s cup crew. The vast majority how ever have either worked along side in sail making, rigging, boat building, shore teams for campaigns or have done it for a couple of years got completely fed up with polishing boats and be treated badly by owners. As somebody who was in a position to follow this route I am glad to have got a dull career and bought my own boat instead.



Posted By: wallynomore
Date Posted: 15 Jul 05 at 10:33pm
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.



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