Would sailing crews take me on if i'm inexperienced and want to learn how to sail?

Question

if so where?

Answer 1

Yes.  It depends on where you want to sail and the conditions, but most crews will take you with no experience, unless it is a danjurious voyage on a specialist boat.

So day sailing, round the buoys racing and even a passage from Florida to the Caribbean should be no problem.  

They are likely to turn you down if it is a trip across the Atlantic, around a horn, in high latitudes, mid winter or in an extream racing boat.

Answer 2

If you work hard, don't complain, are honest and trustworthy, you will be in demand.

A good personality is a big plus, as well. After all, you do live in close quarters with others, they would prefer a amiable person over a dud.

I know many captains that are tired of 're-training' hands. It isn't unusual for them to prefer deckhands to start from the ground up.

Once you get a reputation as a good hand (and good words from RESPECTED captains) you will be in demand.

Be careful whose boat you sign on with. Just because someone is a captain, does NOT mean that they are competent.

Go for the boats that are structurally sound, and the crew (and Captain) appear to be competent.

Answer 3

First off, look in the phone book for some Yacht clubs near you.  Some clubs even offer "Crew School".  One of the previous persons pointed out about dependability and personality.  That is so true in sailing (along with everything else).  It all boils down to this, a sailboat needs crew (unless designed for single handed sailing) and the bigger the boat, the more crew she needs.  Go down to the local club a few times and "hang out".  Volunteer to be part of the Race Committee.  See for yourself how the owners take care of their boats.  A good crew member is hard to find and when you find them, you want to keep them.  Don't be scared if you know nothing about sailing.

Now for the rules about being part of the crew:

1. Treat boat as if you own it.

2. Be dependable, show up on time and if you can't make it, call well beforehand.  Don't call 10 minutes before "leave dock time".

3. The captain may be the captain, but he is not always 100% correct.  Use common sense.

Answer 4

Many like to see soem experience but some will take out inexpereinced people.  I've odne it myself on serveral occassions.  As others have said attitude matters.

Check out your local clubs.  University sailing clubs can be a great way to learn the basics very affordably.  

For extended sailing trips check out:

www.floatplan.com

www.cruiserlog.com