Racing a sailboat in the 20'-35' size range is very much a team effort, and our skippers are often looking for additional help. If you are an experienced sailor, if you are in a learning mode and are looking for experience on other boats prior to purchasing a boat of your own, or if you simply want to give the sport a try, we may be able to arrange an introduction. E-mail usdescribing your experience and interest, and your note will be posted to our skippers. Hopefully an invitation will result.
The first outing is often a revelation to individuals new to the sport who may have been expecting a more idyllic experience. The nature of sailboat racing includes short periods of intense activity interspersed with longer periods of catching one's breath, tweaking the sail trim, strategizing, and preparing for the next maneuver. Add to this a mild adrenaline rush and the fact that our skippers are very competitive in spirit (as skippers are everywhere), and you begin to get the picture. For a crewperson, a willingness to pitch in is important (as is a sense of humor). Nearly everything else can be taught. One doesn't have to be an athlete, but good balance, agility, and some level of conditioning are helpful.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the classic image of the skipper directing the activities of the crew simply doesn't apply. A winning effort requires close teamwork in which each team member understands what needs to be done in a given situation and accomplishes his/her duties with a minimum of prompting. So any independent effort you make to learn the sport and apply your knowledge onboard gets rewarded by a standing invitation to go sailing -- a crewperson's equivalent of tenure.
