Go Back   Cruiser Log World Cruising & Sailing Forums > Cruising Forums > General Cruising Forum
Cruiser Wiki Click Here to Login

Join Cruiser Log Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-01-2006, 05:11 AM   #1
Ensign
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Default Hello, I'm new!

Hello all,

My name is Anya and I've got this terribly large itch to get out and see more of the world. I'm not made of money and I keep finding myself scouring the internet for working holiday opportunities and I'm very intertested in crewing on a boat, motor or sail will do but I would prefer sailing.

I've got no experience on boats other than small motor boats in the summertime. I'm planning on staying in Atlanta till the end of 2006 as I'm paying off the last of my debt. But, please keep me in mind! I've read some threads about newbies to the sport and so I'm going to look into gaining some knowledge on local boats. I spent a few day trips on a sailboat on Lake Michigan so I know I'm ok with the seasick. My grandmother used to race sailboats and my grandfather was in the Navy so I'm praying it's in my blood!

Anyhow! I'm fun, I find my jokes funny (oh dear), I've cleaned houses professionaly so I know how to scrub and cooking is my passion. Feel free to throw any advice my way!

Thanks and take care!



-A

P.S. One question- for boats that don't pay for unexperienced crew members such as myself, could anyone give me a ballpark figure of normal expenses and such?
__________________

__________________
Anya is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2006, 07:56 AM   #2
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 58
Default

I don't wish to sound discouraging, Anya, but I have to say that not many skippers are likely to take on an inexperienced sailor who cannot pay for the passage. You should, if at all possible, get some experience under your belt.

While there is no substitute for offshore miles, you can certainly learn a lot about sailing at your local yacht club or marina. Most clubs organise courses for beginners, many of these courses are Nationaly accredited and recognised, and will be useful on your resume when you come to try to get crew positions). The Nationaly acredited courses can take you from beginner to quite advanced levels of knowledge, so are definitely worth a look. Local community colleges or Adult Education facilities may also have learn-to-sail courses. Also, most yacht clubs organise low key races, on weekends, or mid-week "twilight" races, where a beginner can usually find a spot crewing on a boat.

Bear in mind that although harbour racing on a small racing yacht might not be the main aim, it will teach you a lot about sailing, and all that you learn will be transferrable to a larger off-shore cruising yacht.

You can also increase your "desirability" as crew by getting other useful skills. For example:

Take course in First Aid, Paramedic CPR, etc.

Get your marine radio operators license

Do a marine deisel maintenance course

Good luck with your plans.
__________________

__________________
You what?
Weyalan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-02-2006, 11:35 AM   #3
Rear Admiral
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 437
Default

Au Contrair, Weyalan

I personlly prefer inexperienced crew because they are usually very keen to learn to sail the way I like my boat to be sailed!

Please don't let "lack of experience" discourage you, Anya. A keen interest is desirable in itself... and you obviously posess a keen interest otherwise we wouldn't be reading this now.

Weyalan is correct in his / her advice in increasing your chances of getting out there by getting to know the folks at the local yacht clubs & marinas... and a person sitting by a boat ramp with a six-pack of cold beer will find themselves welcome on just about every boat passing by. Sailors, by nature, love to show off their boats regardless of how large or small they are and there's always room for someone with a good sense of humor.

As always - choose your friends wisely, but you'll never find a friendlier group than those you meet simply "messing about in boats".

Come to the Caribbean - there's lots of work on day sailers and charter boats down here.

Happy Hunting!

Kirk
__________________
Gallivanters is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2006, 05:11 PM   #4
Commander
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 104
Default

I totally agree with Kirk. If I could find someone who admitted to being inexperianced but keen to learn then there is a spare berth on Bedouin. I would in fact look for a 'novice' to learn how I like to sail my yacht and to see the smiling face at every achivement.

Give it a go Anya and you will gain so much knowledge as you find new limits to your confidence and enjoy a great lifestyle.

Regards

Peter
__________________
Bedouin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-08-2006, 08:53 PM   #5
Admiral
 
Auzzee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Home Port: Darwin
Vessel Name: Sandettie
Posts: 1,917
Default

Hi Anya. I think sailing was first mastered by Cromagnon man. He was not especially endowed with brains. It follows that as sophisticated youman beans,we adapt to the practice, if not the theory of sailing, with ease. It really is not so difficult to do and I feel sure that as long as you don't pay much heed to the blazered set at the Royal Doodad Yacht Club ( who will go on and on and on about how sailing is a difficult 'art')...you will be fine as long as you maintain your enthusiasm and sense of humour. Perhaps it would be helpful also if you were to bash an animal senseless every now and again, for dinner. Have fun. Kronk.
__________________
"if at first you don't succeed....Redefine success"!


Auzzee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2006, 07:58 AM   #6
Ensign
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Default

Ah, thank ya for the replies to everyone!

I fully understand the qualms folks have with newbies and also the attractiveness of a newb for you can break 'em in to your liking. It works that way in loads of trades, right?

I'm stuck in this awful place right now: Do I do the corporate, climb the ladder option or do I save a bunch of money and go travelling. My heart tells me travel. But, part of me says to quit screwing around and get my ducks in a row.

Because I live in Atlanta, what do y'all suggest? We surely don't have a yacht club. I was thinking of moving back to Florida, the Cocoa Beach area to be exact. But you say that checking out the Caribbean is the best bet? How does the cost of living pan out down there? Would I be legal to work?

I have so many questions. I must pace myself!

-A
__________________
Anya is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2006, 04:30 PM   #7
Commander
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 104
Default

Hello again Anya. I guess the Caribean is the place sugested as it is near to you but any 'great cruising ground' is an ideal place to begin. Costs here are your share of food on board and you own personal additional requirements so cruising is very cheap and doesn't need a big roll of money to start with. The choice is your to either climb the corperate ladder or look at cruising as a complete lifestyle change. I tried both and have opted for the cruising life and nothing would change me back to the stress and rat race. Your young enough to take a year or two out and go anywhere you like then if cruising doesn't suit you then you could go back to the ladder. Short term work is available in some places but not all in some form of employment or other but the wages are not always that rewarding; it's as much for a bit of social exchange as much as income.

Regards

Peter
__________________
Bedouin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-12-2006, 11:10 PM   #8
Rear Admiral
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 437
Default

Anya,

REMEMBER... There are no Winners or Loosers in the Rat Race - only a lot of other Rats struggling to climb over you.

I abandoned all career pursuits twelve years ago at age 38 to go on what has become an open-ended voyage across three oceans. I've lived profitably, honestly & happily ever after and I am pleased with where life (and my boat) have taken me.

One of the biggest things I've learned is just how little I really need to be happy in this world.

Enjoy!

Kirk
__________________
Gallivanters is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-13-2006, 06:10 AM   #9
Admiral
 
Auzzee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Home Port: Darwin
Vessel Name: Sandettie
Posts: 1,917
Default

I am moving away from Anya's original enquiry, but perhaps the answer to my question will also assist her. Kirk, I am one of those who has been preparing for a voyaging lifestyle forever. I have reached some lofty heights in the professional world, but have never been a truly career happy person since I sailed my first long voyage in 1995.

I have run out of excuses to remain land-based, mowing lawns, vacuuming the pool and washing the blasted car. I understand that security is found in what we know, not what we do. I know I can earn enough whilst sailing that I don't need to touch the small 'stash' back home. Western life provides us with a set of ideals broadly encompassing greed....and this is where the problem for me, and I expect Anya, is found.

Have you prepared financially for the day when poor health or frailty dictate that you must bid the voyaging life farewell? Does the question 'when is enough, enough', occupy your mind, or can we learn to be satisfied with a more theological solution...ie God, or some other entity or set of earthly circumstances, including government assistance?

Like Anya, I have yet to cast off the shackles of corporate expectations; even if the expectations are not mine, but are those of people concerned with my wellbeing.

I know this question is from the same mould as 'How much does it cost to go cruising', but I am interested to know from all those who have chosen the cruising/voyaging lifestyle, what financial preparations have been made for your dotage. Is it a case of amassing a few more dollars before cutting the dock lines, or is the answer, as Dylan suggested, 'Blowin' in the Wind'.
__________________
"if at first you don't succeed....Redefine success"!


Auzzee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2006, 09:46 PM   #10
Ensign
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3
Default

Firstly, let me say thank you for the well thought out replies and comforting advice from all of you. I've found multiple forums and only this one has constant traffic and no shady characters (from what I see, hehehe)

I don't know if sailing is what I want to do for years to come. But, that's what's brought me here is that I have no idea what I want to do and I think it would be a most fabulous experience(s). Sure, I know I'd like to own a house and meet someone who doesn't drive me crazy, but who doesn't? I feel that if I don't get out and see the world now, I might never. I've worked full time in offices since the day I graduated high school and I think I may be worried to leave that track as having a consistent paycheck every week is my security blanket. I guess my problem is that I don't understand how people travel so much. Are they rich? Do they rack up huge credit card debts? Do they save for two years before traveling? A lot of the working holiday programs that other countries offer are not open to Americans. Hmmmm, I wonder the cause of that?

I guess it all comes down to I'm still trying to find little parts of me and I think they're scattered around the world.

__________________
Anya is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2006, 08:19 PM   #11
Admiral
 
JeanneP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,098
Default

Travel has always been what kept my mind from going to mush (well, perhaps an exaggeration, but I think you'll understand). One close friend was a school teacher and spent her summer vacations traveling. Every year.

I just didn't worry about leaving a job and going back into the work force later. Sometimes it meant that I took a pay cut, but I never felt that my choices limited me. To protect myself from the worst of my choices, I had no credit card debt, no car payments, a small savings cushion. When Peter and I married we dove into debt and real estate development but started out very, very conservatively until we again had a cushion to protect ourselves from market glitches. No guarantees, but two people with jobs meant our "second jobs" could be financed. And we traveled. Worked 7 days/wk in order to have 4 weeks + 4 days a year of travel. And when we "retired" it turned out to be a permanent retirement and full-time cruising "for ever"!

Every person has their own tolerance for risk, their own idea of the level of comfort they need. There is no "one size fits all" level of life, thank goodness. You can try small steps and see how you go.

Cruising, sailing, traveling can be done in little pieces, chunks of months or years, or full-on lifestyles. Try little pieces, go from there.

Whatever you decide, may it be the right choice for you.

Fair winds,

Jeanne
__________________
In 1986 we went cruising for a few years. After 20 years and 50+ countries and several oceans, we are STILL "cruising for a few years".

SY WATERMELON |
MV WATERMELON (New) | Cruiser's Dictionary, free ebook

= Cruiser's Dictionary, North America,
JeanneP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2006, 03:52 AM   #12
Commander
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 143
Default

Anya,

We waited until later, and though we have some security, it wouldn't be enough for everyone. Often life gets in the way of one's best-laid plans and eats at the stash you think you'll have. But...the refit is almost completed and we're heading back out. When we come back, whenever that is, we'll have a home and a piddling pension, and whatever else the Lord has in store for us.

My son, on the other hand, just graduated from university and hasn't a clue what he wants to do with his life (what DOES one do with a political science degree?). So, he's coming cruising with us for about six months before he tries the grown-up life. Before he joins us in Mexico, he's saving his pennies, because he's paying his own way.

I can't help but think that this trip of his will teach him things he didn't get in university. Maybe you could consider the same sort of thing. Save your pennies for a while, and then go see what kind of adventure you can find. I know that we welcome anyone on board who has enthusiasm, enough intelligence to learn, the ability to listen, a sense of humor (meaning they don't laugh at others but know how to laugh at themselves) and a good work ethic. Obviously, others on the board agree with me about the qualifications of good crew.

If you don't know what you want in life, now's the time to get out there and try to find it. Adventure certainly doesn't come to those who merely sit home and wish. I will never regret my years of schooling in Italy--I still have dear friends in various parts of the world that I met as an international student abroad, just as I've made friends in every port I've visited.

Buona fortuna!

Normandie
__________________
SeaVenture is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2006, 05:09 AM   #13
Ensign
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Send a message via Yahoo to Texas_man
Default

Anya best of Luck, I am myself am looking to purchase a cat and do some world sailing after living over seas for the last 24 years. Ready to relax get out of the rat race and enjoy.

Keep in touch.
__________________
Texas_man is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-22-2006, 03:49 PM   #14
Rear Admiral
 
Swagman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 349
Default

Hi Anya,

I'd suggest you just go for it. You sound young enough to worry about later life, well.....later.

We travelled when we were first married some 37 years back. In our opinion its always the journey thats the true experience - not the destination you reach.

Back then we went overland across Europe and Africa is the classic the classic VW Combi - and we loved every minute despite missing out on a few meals when the purse ran dry.

First son came along two years out on the road - so we got back to the UK - shaved off the beard and had a haircut (me not Sue) - and did the right thing in settling down and giving the family what it needed.

Thirty years on and we've been fortunate to get got all the bits one needs - and more.

Nice houses, nice cars, nice boat, nice family, nice pals, good business - even still got good health!

But if I had died in that period the one thing we would not have had is a return to that wonderful life of travelling in a self sufficient manner, and really enjoying the experiences.

I am lucky. Even in late 50's Sue's still happy to pack our bags and head off each year (as long as she's all the nice things to come back to when she feel like it) - so we are now resuming the journey.

But if I was not so lucky as to have a partner like her - I could have died and not complete that journey - how sad that could have been.

So my advice is 'go get em' girl. The whole wide world awaits - and later can always come later............

Cheers

JOHN
__________________
Boring blog at https://www.yotblog.com/swagman
Swagman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2006, 02:50 AM   #15
Ensign
 
Kaptain von Klepper's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 22
Default

Thanks Anya for starting such a great thread.

I don't have much to contribute in the way of advise; frankly "in the same boat" (bad pun, I know... sigh)

I have found myself recently questioning the purpose of nose to the grindstone, climbing the ladder, etc. It suddenly seems shallow and purposeless. All around me I see people desperately unhappy, disillusioned, etc, but intent on staying on the same hampster wheel. It's becoming more and more uncommon for me to find people that haven't been perscribed anti-depressants. To add to this depression, we realize that 80% of Americans are in borderline out of control debt. And 80% of Americans (I'm currently "ported" in the US) will not have enough to retire on and will have to continue to work until they drop.

Go into a Starbucks (not endorsing) or Costa, sit down and look around. Statistacally, 4 people out of 5 around you are struggling with debt and/or won't be able to retire if they want to. A significant portion of these are or have been on anti-depressants. For the "just look up" crowd, keep in mind that 80% of Americans also claim to have some significant spiritual affiliation...

What's going on?! Sorry if I'm confused here, but this is at the core of my questioning the flow. I'm not saying the cruising life is going to solve my or anyone's disillusionment, but I'm more convinced the "flow" is not where I'm going to find my answers.

I really don't want to wake up and find myself 75, having spent a life at the grind stone, struggling with debt and about to be put in a nursing home somewhere.

"Selling up and Sailing" suddenly makes more sense than accumulating a bunch of junk that's just going to need to be sorted and sold at an estate sale when I'm gone (or before)...

-Andreas
__________________
Get busy living, or get busy dying!

-Shawshank Redemption

Current Fleet:

'90 Klepper Aerius I

'65 Klepper Aerius II

-Dreaming of (much) larger boats!
Kaptain von Klepper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2006, 11:32 PM   #16
Ensign
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1
Default

Anya,

Go for it.

Me and my husband are both fairly recent college grads. We currently have office jobs, but are preparing to go cruising in 1-2 years once we save up a bit. We plan to do a circumnaviagtion, but to take our time. Right now we live on our boat so that we can practice a lot to learn and get used to living aboard. It was difficult for about the first month to get used to the simplistic lifestyle, but now I wouldn't trade it for a house any day. We sold or gave away nearly everything we own except basic necessities, keep all our clothes in our car, and live comfortably in a 27-foot boat. It's really liberating. We enjoy taking it out whenever we can and we love the people we've met at the marina.

As far as the allure of crusing, for my hubby it's the sailing, for me its the travel and the simple and sustainable lifestyle. The travel bug has really got me... we are not rich at all, in fact last year I was the only one working and not making much money, but we have been to belgium, the netherlands, the czech republic, poland, morrocco, and mexico since we have been together. The best way is to travel to inexpensive countries away from tourist areas, camp or stay in hostels, and be willing to get transportation by hitchhiking, cheap trains, freight trains, walking, buying a cheap bicycle, whatever. It's much more exciting and actually affordable that way. For young women such as myself, it can take a dose of fearlessness at times. The plane ticket is the most expensive part, of course, which is why crusing is right for us - it is inexpensive and you get a more local taste of things. Cruising also fits my sustainability goals - travel without consuming massive amounts of airplane fuel.

We bought our boat (1976 Albin Vega 27) in Boston and drove it down here on a cradle we built ourselves. It was $9,000, which is a lot to us, but we have been saving up. At this point we have to be careful not to fall in that trap of just living aboard and never going anywhere, but we are quite determined about it.

You'll also need to learn to do maintainence yourself, but forums and other boaters are great resources for that. You'll need a small budget for repairs and a crusing kitty. I would suggest you start reading magazines like Good Old Boat to learn about economical cruising, or books by folks like Nigel Caulder or Larry and Lin Pardy. We frequenly go sit at the Barnes and Noble and just read their cruising magazines. :-) Also visiting marinas and boaters as much as possible. Around here, the less glamorous marinas are where you will find the most liveaboards and the most friendly people willing to help you. Other boaters are a great resource. I know that can be difficult in Atlanta, but we are not too far away in Charleston, SC, and here there are a ton of boats and boaters. The Charleston-Bermuda race is a good opportunity for new crewmembers, and there are other folks around here looking for crew all the time. I didn't know how to sail a year ago - it isn't too hard to learn. I agree with the advice of other posters about learning first aid, how to cook in a small galley kitchen, etc. You can also learn basic terminology just from books.

Maybe I'll have better advice after I've actually gone crusing, but I thought this might be a little helpful since I'm just a few steps ahead of where you are in the planning stage. Email me (tuckerma at gmail dot com) if I can help - it looks like I am geographically the closest of the other posters here, but I don't have the experience they do. Good luck!

Fair winds and following seas,

Melissa

P.S. - just in case that long, rambling post wasn't clear: sell up and sail!
__________________

__________________
tuckerma is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Our Communities

Our communities encompass many different hobbies and interests, but each one is built on friendly, intelligent membership.

» More about our Communities

Automotive Communities

Our Automotive communities encompass many different makes and models. From U.S. domestics to European Saloons.

» More about our Automotive Communities

RV & Travel Trailer Communities

Our RV & Travel Trailer sites encompasses virtually all types of Recreational Vehicles, from brand-specific to general RV communities.

» More about our RV Communities

Marine Communities

Our Marine websites focus on Cruising and Sailing Vessels, including forums and the largest cruising Wiki project on the web today.

» More about our Marine Communities


All times are GMT. The time now is 11:54 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
×