I have read accounts of cruising skippers who have taken on enthusiastic crews who have turned out to be less experienced than they claim. This quickly turns into an uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous situation. I’d hate to be either the cause or victim of this situation. Although nothing will replace a test run before a long voyage with a new crew, this site hopefully offers some insight into my sailing experience and personality.

Post 2008 – Various coastal and protected water voyages aboard sailing yacht Hi-Time (Jeanneau 43DS). Various conditions including many hours as skipper and solo.

2008 – Sydney to Brisbane aboard 18^th century tallship HMB Endeavour (replica). Varying conditions including 8m seas and 45 knot winds. Participated in 24 hour, 3 watch cycle.

2004 – Sydney to Hobart aboard training ship STS Young Endeavour over 10 days and nights. Extremely rough conditions (11m seas, 60kt winds). Participated in 24 hour, 3 watch cycle.

2000 – Cruising Solomon Islands aboard a Cavalier 39. Tropical trade-wind conditions and some periods of rough seas encountered. No open ocean or night sailing legs of this voyage.

Pre 2000 – Dinghy sailing aboard Hobie Cats and harbour sailing aboard various yachts. Protected water and some offshore powerboat experience.

Are you prone to sea sickness?

I am reasonably immune to sea sickness. During my voyage from Sydney to Hobart we encountered 11m seas. I was not seasick in these conditions, nor during the voyage to Brisbane which involved 8m seas. I have felt a little ‘green around the gills’ in rough conditions but this has not impaired my ability to be an active and useful part of the crew.

Do you have your own equipment?

Yes, I can provide everything I’d need to undertake most coastal and ocean passages. I can supply my own bedding, wet weather gear, safety harness and life jacket, if required. If requested or if the voyage is appropriate I can supply my own scuba diving and snorkelling equipment. Most other items would not be a problem if requested.

What additional skills can you offer?

I have TAFE NSW Certificates I and II in metals and engineering (MEM10198 & MEM20198). I spend a lot of spare time working on cars and other D.I.Y projects. I have a good mechanical understanding and can fix most mechanical devices. I have a reasonable understanding of petrol and diesel engines and can repair minor breakages.  I also have a sound knowledge of 12v electrical systems and I’m not at all afraid to get my hands dirty.

I’m comfortable going aloft at anchor or in mild sea conditions. I regularly go aloft on the family boat to make minor repairs to masthead gear, halyards etc… If necessary I would go aloft in most conditions, provided adequate safety equipment was available and conditions permitted. In all cases safety of myself, the crew and the vessel would need to be considered.

Although not a gourmet chef, I can prepare and cook basic meals at sea.

I have a PADI Open Water Diver Certificate and my own diving equipment. I’m very comfortable in the water and have made various minor underwater repairs to the family boat (as well as retrieving various objects lost overboard!).

What are your expectations from the voyage?

This should be answered on the grounds of a particular voyage. In most instances I would be volunteering as crew in order to gain experience and miles towards my Yachtmaster qualification, while having a bit of fun along the way.

Are you a smoker and/or drinker?

I do not smoke. I do drink but not much while at sea. An alcohol free boat would not be a problem.

Have you any existing medical conditions that could affect you at sea or your ability to stand watch alone?

No. I’m generally fit and healthy and could stand watch alone without any problems in all expected circumstances.

In return, below are a few questions I’d like to have answered before volunteering to crew on-board any vessel.

- What is your honest assessment of the offshore capability of yourself, your existing crew and your vessel?

- Why do you want a crew and what will be expected of them?

- How many other crew members will there be and how experienced are they?

- What is the purpose of the voyage? Pleasure? Racing? Would you be disappointed if I did not set sails for absolute maximum speed?

- How is time spent at sea? Is there a strict watch-cycle 24 hours, just at night, or another arrangement?

- Is there a cook on-board or does everyone contribute to meal preparation?

- What are the time restraints of the voyage? How severe would the weather have to be before you postponed the voyage, or if underway, seek shelter?

- Will I have to pay? If so, will payment be based on divided expenses or a set fee? Is it a high spending boat where I may not be able to pay as much as others?

- What would I be expected to bring and what will be provided – safety harness, bedding, life jacket, etc?

- Do you or the crew have any existing medical conditions which may require intervention?

- Would it be possible to speak to anyone who has crewed for you before?

- What would happen if we did not get along or I had to leave the boat for any reason (for example, a family emergency at home)? Is there a point of no return?