If you are a crew and wish to find partners to sail with, you need friends with boats who are willing to take people on board.
If you are a boat owner, you may need crew to use your boat more often, to sail for longer periods of time or to go offshore. You read our article and find out why boat owners need crew.
Crew, boat owners and skippers need each other to sail more and better. So, how can they get together? we found 12 best ways to meet with someone and sail.
Your first goal if you want to find a sailing partner is to create and expand your sailing network!
Research local sailing clubs, yacht clubs, and sailing organizations in your area. These groups often organize events, regattas, and social gatherings where you can meet like-minded individuals who are interested in sailing. Participating in their activities can provide opportunities to connect with potential sailing partners. Check this list of American Yacht Clubs and the American Sailing Association
We also recommend that you taking sailing lessons with NauticED. It is a great organization to learn sailing on the web and then to practice with one NauticED affiliated sailing school. You will be able to obtain certifications and to meet other sailors. A great way to start building your newtork.
Crew Finding websites are online platforms dedicated to connecting sailors looking for crew positions with boat owners seeking crew members.
Sailing websites such as Crewbay, Find a Crew are good for worldwide experiences and long distance sailing opportunities, whereas Coboaters focuses on USA, Canada and the Caribbeans. They provide databases where you can create profiles, search for sailing opportunities, and connect with boat owners or captains who need crew members. Compare the 7 best crew finding websites before choosing one of them. This is probably the best way to meet motivated sailors.
You may think that you need to be very experienced to join a racing team and that most skippers have enough people to sail with and do not need you. Be aware that most recreational racers need crew on regular basis simply because they sail often and that there is always someone missing! Racing requires more people than cruising, more actions. You can meet skippers on crew finder websites, in yacht clubs or by walking the docks before the race.
US Sailing organizes a lot of racing events and you can find a list of racing events by checking Yacht Scoring.
Volunteer with sailing charities and organizations
Many sailing programs and organizations are in need of volunteers. By offering your time and skills, you can gain experience, make connections, and find potential sailing companions. Contact local sailing schools, community programs, or maritime nonprofits to inquire about volunteer opportunities. You will probably be able to meet and find people to sail with around your location.
Possible volunteering opportunities: Sail4cancer, Sail to Prevail, Clagett Sailing
Check your local sailing magazines
There are many sailing or boating local magazines. Pick up the one around you and browse ads and articles. Some of them provide crew finder pages where boat owner list their needs for deliveries, racing, blue water adventures or simple day or weekend sail.
Local sailing magazines in the US: Windcheck, Pointseast, 48North Magazine
Go on a sailing date!
You can try to use dating websites and specify you want to find someone with the same passion than yours. It may works. If you really want a sailing date, join a crew finder website listed above. You will have a better chance to meet with the right person to sail with.
Join or create a meetup group
You can try meetup and join groups and participate to events with them but you may not find the best or motivated sailors there.
Check Sailing blogs
Sailing blogs are a good source of information. You will be able to understand what is going on in the sailing community and be able to contact bloggers or their followers. Some bloggers describe their sailing adventures and voyage and you may find some who welcome people on their boats. Another good way to expand your network and find someone to go sailing with.
Some interesting Sailing blogs: Sailblogs.com, svdelos.
Join sailing forums and online discussions
Join online sailing forums, discussion boards and groups focused on sailing. Platforms or sailing-specific websites have dedicated groups where you can connect with sailors in your area. Post about your interest in finding sailing partners and seek recommendations or opportunities to join boats and sailing teams.
Some examples of sailing forums: Coboaters forum, Cruisers forum, Sailboats Owners forum
Visit your local marinas
It sounds obvious that you will meet with boaters where the boats are. However, very few people simply walk the nearest marina and ask if there are boating opportunities. Spend time at marinas, boatyards, and sailing-related establishments in your area. Engage in conversations with sailors, boat owners, and sailing enthusiasts you encounter. Sharing your interest in finding sailing partners may lead to valuable connections and opportunities to join others on their boats.
Marina listings and organizations: TPG Marinas, Marinas.com,Safe Harbor Marinas
Join rallies organizations
Sailing rally organizations plan and coordinate sailing events or rallies that often span multiple days or weeks. They establish a predetermined itinerary, including the start and finish locations, as well as waypoints or stops along the route. These events typically have a specific start date and time, allowing participants to sail together in a loosely organized group.
You can easily connect with members and sail with them for one of their event.
Rally groups: Satly Dawgs
Conclusion: It is easy to find sailing companions
There are many ways to find people to sail with around you or anywhere in the world. It seems that the easiest approach is to join a Coboating website because you can easily connect with hundreds of serious sailors, check their resumes and their boats before getting in touch with them and plan your sailing trips.
Find the way that best suits your need and goals. Sailors are friendly people, make friends and expand your sailing network.
