How to Crew:
Eyes Open, Listen, Take Orders, Be Aware, Be Ready to Swim
Many sailboats in our club require one or more crew to effectively race the boat. Crewing is a great opportunity to learn how to sail. The crew needs to be able to learn quickly, take orders, be aware of their surroundings (on and off of the boat), be ready to avoid potentials dangers and swim (with a life jacket) if necessary.
Like many sports, an experienced team (Skipper and Crew) will be able to anticipate each other. An experienced crew carries out the orders of the Skipper “as fast the words come out of the Skipper’s mouth”. Again, this happens over time.
A novice crew will learn sailing terms (names of boat parts and ropes), sailing maneuvers (“tacking”, “gybing”, “broad reach”, “hiking”). Skippers will hand you a rope saying “This is the Jib Sheet” or “We’re going to gybe.” Watch out for the Boom”. Be patient. Watch YouTube “How to Sail” videos. Remember, on the water the Skipper is under competitive pressures like any other sport. Sailing with a crew is like two people driving a car together.
Watch the “How to Sail” video below or the on our How to Sail page.