The sound gets better after 2 minutes. I'm UK based I've sailed around 2500 miles in total. Mixture of boats. https://youtu.be/l9vWIpnr3fw?si=-0pGGG_-29ZQJNfU

A week ago, I finished hitchhiking from Gibraltar (south of Spain) across the Atlantic to Trinidad (off the coast of Venezuela). It took me around 4 months - 1.5 on the ocean and 2.5 searching for boats. Hitchhiking across an ocean is definitely possible, and here is what I learned.

How to Hitchhike Across the Atlantic (or Any Other Ocean):

Why would a Captain pick up a hitchhiker? When a Captain sails across the Atlantic (or anywhere), they need someone at the cockpit of the boat at all times to watch the instruments and the ocean. This is why a comfortable crossing requires at least 3 people, where each has 8 hours of watch a day. Sometimes the captain can't find 2 friends to go with them, or a friend cancels last minute, or they have a very big boat and want to split the watches by 4 (6 hours a day). Here's where you come in. You have the opportunity to fill their need and be carried across the ocean.

Do I need to know how to sail? No, it should definitely be useful, but being on watch is fairly simple, and you can learn it pretty fast.

Is it free? Sometimes. I hitchhiked on 2 boats - Gibraltar to the Canaries and the Canaries to Trinidad - and both times the rides were free, and the captain even paid for my food. More often, however, the captain wants around €10 for food per day. If they want more, decline (unless you are rich). You will find a better boat.

How to get In contact with a captain who needs you? There are 2 ways: online and in person.

How to find a boat online? There are various platforms like Crewbay, Findacrew, and several Facebook groups where captains look for amateur sailors(Just search "sailboat" and "hitchhiking" ). This needs to be done well in advance, and there is more competition.

How to find a boat in person? This is the true vagabond way. In person, you can always negotiate a better deal and meet a lot of like-minded people.

1. Find out about the current sailing season: To make a passage, the wind needs to be right. To cross the Atlantic, that's from October to February, so do your research.

2. Find the right port: For example, you could technically start to hitchhike from any port in the Mediterranean, but every boat going out of the Mediterranean must pass through Gibraltar, and all boats have to pass the Canary Islands, in thise places you will find the most boats but also the most hitchhikers.

3. Be social with other hitchhikers: If you take a popular route like the Atlantic crossing, there will be other hitchhikers. Yes, they are technically competition, but make friends with them. My first boat was already full, but then a crew member canceled the day before leaving, and another hitchhiker I made friends with contacted me.

How to talk to captains:

• Online: My initial tactic was to wait until a captain came out of the pontoon and talk to them. This has the advantage of not getting in trouble with marina security, however, it will take a very long time, and you will miss some captains.
• In person: The other tactic is 20 times more effective. I used it only later but got a lot more maybes and finally found a boat with it. Get a notebook, hide your backpack, put on your best clothes, and wait for a captain to come out of the security door. Then just pretend that you belong there and walk in. Act like you belong there. Next, go from boat to boat and talk to anyone who is on the deck. Make a drawing of the marina and cross off any boat that you already asked. Note all maybes. If there is security, go out and try again in a few hours. If they ask you, tell them you are friends with one of the boat owners (preferably one you already met).

Important advice:

Build a network: Make friends with the captains. Ask them if they know any other boats in need of crew. Talk about their boat and their journey. You will learn about sailing, might get invited to dinner on their boats, and even be introduced to a captain who needs crew.

Get creative: There are other ways to meet captains. You could swim up to a boat at anchor in a bay, find out about sailing-related events where Captains might go, or find the closest bakery and put a flyer there.

Be careful: Once you find a Captain who wants to take you across the ocean, make sure they have experience, the boat is okay, and there are no social problems. Once you are on the ocean, you are trapped with them for maybe weeks with no contact with the outside world. I heard of a guy whose captain was in prison for 8 years because of rape. You don't want to go on his boat.

Be prepared for seasickness: The first 4 days, I threw up daily, and the first week I felt awful. Eventually, it went away, but be prepared for a tough ride if you are prone to seasickness. Also, get some medication beforehand. I didn't tolerate them, but they helped a lot of others.

Further Resources:

• There is a book called "Ocean Nomad" that deals with boathitchhiking in fair detail.

https://www.amazon.com/OCEAN-NOMAD-Complete-Contribute-Healthier/dp/9082745429

• I also recommend you read the hitchhiking wiki's entry about boathitchhiking.

https://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_a_boat&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop

• If you are interested in what it might look like, I have a YouTube channel with some videos about my trip (link on my profile).

Final words: To be successful, you need patience and endurance. On average, it will take 2 weeks to find a boat, but if you have endurance and time, you will find a boat. I have never met anyone who waited longer than 2 months. There will also be a lot of people, captains included, who will tell you it is impossible. Don't listen.

I am happy to answer any questions you have.

I'm looking to to put together a full guide for aspiring yachty's (deckhands, bosuns, stewardesses, etc), an Aspiring Yachty BIBLE if you will.

What information do you wish you had access to when you just started you courses/applications? What speedbumbs did you encounter in you research?

I need the biggest questions so i can do the research for them and compile everything into a bite size but comprehensive all-in-one guide book.

Would appreciate any input.

Hello fellow seafarers.

I am currently conducting research on the compatibility of integrating drones into search and rescue operations with Plymouth University maritime science and require your opinion.

Drones are an emerging technology that is being rapidly adopted for different purposes across many industries. As the early-stage technology continues to improve it becomes evident that the utilization of drones for ensuring efficient and effective SAR missions has emerged as a promising technological solution, Potentially Improving the response time of Search and rescue and preventing unnecessary loss of life.

Do you believe they could be utilised as a life saving tool or do you think the barriers to the technology overshadow the benefits.

please let me know your opinion and fill out the following very short survey

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/plymouth/drones-in-s-r

Thank you

Dan S

Hey crew. Beginner looking to find boat charters with skipper for three. Multi-day, flexible on locations around Mexico. We're looking for a low frills experience to help us learn to sail. Any guidance and or direction to good charter sites or folks that can help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Heading down the coast starting in early June. Ill be hopping down so plenty of legs to choose from.

Boat is a Taswell 43. I am 38/m

Hey everyone,

After dreaming about it for over 15 years, I've finally taken the plunge and signed up for sailing lessons at a fantastic club! They offer a mentor program run by volunteers, and I couldn't be more excited to embark on this new adventure.

While I'm eagerly awaiting the official gear list from the club, I'm already itching to gather everything I'll need to hit the water fully prepared. So far, I've got the basics down: a life jacket (with whistle), gloves, a knife, and a good pair of shoes.

As a 5'7" and 150lbs female, I'd love some recommendations on specific gear that might work well for me. Since I'll be learning on Lake Ontario and planning to sail for three seasons, I'm especially interested in gear that can withstand the conditions of this beautiful but sometimes challenging body of water across varying weather.

Whether it's a particular brand of life jacket that offers a comfortable fit and insulation for cooler seasons, durable gloves that provide excellent grip even in rough waters, or any other must-have items you think would enhance my sailing experience on Lake Ontario throughout the year, I'm all ears!

Additionally, if there are any seasoned sailors out there with suggestions on gear I might not have considered but would be invaluable to have for three-season sailing, please share your wisdom. I'm open to any and all recommendations to ensure I'm fully equipped and ready to make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Thanks in advance for your help and happy sailing! 🌊⛵️

https://www.maritimeror.com/

New Rules of the Road Practice test! Hope it helps with studying!

I am a 26M American who is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I spoke with someone who hitchhiked across the Atlantic and he said that at least half the boats he encountered on his trip were French. I’m wondering if other people think this is true, or if this is only true in the Atlantic.

I have no sailing experience but am considering getting into it. I love learning languages and am wondering if learning French would help me get started. TIA!

EDIT: please explain why each language is useful, ie for which places.

Interested in connecting with a captain to do some cruising or even a vessel delivery. I have taken sailing courses and will be joining a race team again this summer.

As a solo female, I would like to get to know at least the captain in advance, either by phone or in person if possible. I am in SW Ontario Canada and am willing to travel to the right opportunity.

I understand it's may seem a bit early to be making these plans. However, ya never know when the right connection will be made!

I'm meeting friends in Menorca for a holiday around mid June and would like to get there by sailboat.

I've been sailing dinghies since I was a kid growing up in Hong Kong, now living in Switzerland and got the swiss keelboat license two years ago. I have no experience with multiple day sail cruises, but once crossed the Atlantic as passenger on a cargo ship. I'm an enthusiastic sailor and willing to learn more and do my part on the boat.

I've been searching so far on some of the big crew seeking pages (Crewbay, Coboaters), but I imagine that local noticeboards (Barcelona, Valencia, Marseille, Montpellier) might be a better place to look.

Anyone have any tips or can point me to an online presence of these local noticeboards?

Very grateful for any help!

Hi everyone, I'm a 31M from the USA looking for opportunities to sail. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Are there any telegram or whatsapp groups I could join to be able to communicate with captains looking for crew?

I have experience working at a yacht club. I can help with cleaning and maintaining boats and I really, really want to learn to sail and maintain sailboats.

TIA, if you can help!

Hey all! I'm looking to hitch/vagabonding the west coast and eventually head to Australia after that. I'd love to do that by sail boat, but don't have a good idea for how feasible that will be to find at the time. Hoping for some insight from those with more experience than me

Hello! I’ve been rained in all day and been thinking about a trip I’ve wanted to do for a while now. I really want to bicycle tour the Americas, but I also want to sail. I feel like these two interests of mine sort of go against each other. Learning to cross great distances in the ocean, whilst also learning to cross great distances on land. But I want to throw a hypothetical out. Would someone be able to sail from NYC, or some other port town on the east coast, to Guyana in December? Maybe island hop on the way down through the Caribbean? I have two years of sailing experience in racing at my local yacht club, and would really like to combine these two passions of mine.

If it’s completely unrealistic feel free to let me know, I’m aware it’s an idea that’s a little out there. I just really want to do both of these things

wanting nothing more then to find my self in the caribbean learning the sails.

20 year traveler of the road off and on looking to bare the seas not pulling pots or bearing the cold waters.

Currently traversing by train, thumb, bus, F.V.'s south. Inland now.

Do i head east or cross the border and continue south?

Looking for crew!

​

So i’ve completed all required certifications as well as some extra deckhand courses and would be ready to relocate from the uk in april/may. Of course most people insist on antibes or palma being the best places to dockwalk but i just wanted to know if anyone has some recommendations for other places that may be good to check this year if i don’t find any luck?

Experience thrilling adventures with our la paz sailing catamaran charters, Los Cabos. Dive into the mesmerizing Sea of Cortez on our snorkeling excursions, exploring vibrant marine life. Join our guided tours to witness the playful sea lions of La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, all set against the stunning backdrop of Baja's remote beaches. Whether you seek excitement or serenity, our expeditions promise unforgettable experiences amidst the beauty of the sea.

​

Hello all,

We are a French boat, a 108 yo Ketch, sailing from Denmark to Palermo.

We are looking for new members to join the crew.

You can look for "Ketch Sant'Agata" on the website https://www.bourse-aux-equipiers.com/

The announce is in French but we are willing to welcome english or italian speaker.

Feel free to contact me if you have any question.

Looking to get started in sail racing larger yachts (35+ feet). I know paying crew (I pay a fee to the boat) opportunities are hard to come by, but I’m wondering even where to start looking.

I’ve heard there are race-week opportunities all over the world for boats that take on paying crew. Trying to start as a hobby and maybe build a resume that will allow for access to higher end opportunities. Is there a good website or place to start looking?

I own a 25ft Hunter, have a fair amount of experience racing J24s and all sorts of dinghies (420s, ect), and I’ve bare-boat chartered a number of times on boats ranging up to a 55 (moorings) and 65ft cat (privately owned) in Bahamas and BVI.

Just wondering where this path starts, I’m early 40s with a flexible work schedule and in good shape.

I’m 30 and have lived in London for 7 years, I’ve been working in HVAC design (building services) for the duration of my time here. I’ve worked on ultra high end and highly publicised buildings and have a good career but I’ve come to realise that the lifestyle is just not for me, the weather, cramped, busy cities and high cost of living crushes my mood. I’m also struggling with sitting behind a desk for 8 hours a day.

I hold South African, Portuguese and British citizenship

I’m in good physical shape (gym 4-5 time a week).

Given my background, how likely would it be for me to land an engineering role on the yachts and it 30 too old?

Hey 50ft beneteau 3 cabin looking for crew in Antigua. We’re laid back beach hoppers. I live stream on kick name is wvagabond. Heading south in march

I am in the Canary Islands and looking for a sailing boat to cross the Atlantic towards the caribbean or South America.

My name is Tilo; I am 20 years old and on a mission to sail across the Atlantic. I know the basics of sailing (600nm experience), know how to operate an AIS system, and am able to cook. Since crossing the Atlantic by sailing is one of my biggest dreams, I would consider it a privilege to be on your boat. I know there are people more experienced than I am, but I will work hard, clean your toilets, scrub your hull, and do long night watches. I will also do my best to learn everything you require me to do.

Just to be transparent, I do have a YouTube channel where I document some parts of my journey: The Pilgrimage of Life

I also do get mildly seasick, but from past experience, I know that if I take some pills, I will be able to handle it and work normally after 2 days. I also don't drink, smoke, or take drugs.

If I sound like someone you could use in your crew, please write me, and we can talk and see if we are compatible.

Looking for 1-2 crew from Central America -> French Polynesia

Departure: Early April

I'm putting together a crew to make the passage from Central America (likely Costa Rica departure) to the french Polynesia islands.

Requirements: Must have sailed at least once across either the Atlantic or Pacific ocean. Easy to get along with.

Boat: Hallberg-Rassy 53, recently refit. The goal is to have a total of 4 onboard.

About me: I have been cruising off and on my entire life, mostly coastal. Just completed a 2200nm 18 day passage with this boat.

Hi there! I’m from California and working in Maine as a wooden boat builder. I don’t have a ton of sailing experience (maybe a month’s worth of hours on the water) but I’m not a noob either. Looking to crew and cruise back home sometime in the next year.

I’m a quick study and quick thinker. Well able to do any work that needs doing (carpentry, fiberglass, rigging, sewing, general problem solving)

I pack light and am very easy-going. Happy to set sail from anywhere on the east coast if you’re heading west.

Thanks so much! Shoot me a message if you’d like to talk!

I’m booking a competent deckhand course and STCW and the person I’m speaking to is trying to sell me multiple other courses. I know they’re just trying to upsell me but do you guys think any of these are necessary? I feel like it would be stupid to pay for a course on how to ride a jet ski for example, but I don’t know about the radio one.

This is the email:

As an absolute bare minimum, I would recommend the following:

RYA Powerboat level 2: R5,850.00 Superyacht deckhand: R8,250.00 STCW’10: R10,200.00 RYA PWC Jet-ski: R3,835.00 SRC SAMSA radio: R4,350.00

Please advise the the above and let me know if you have any questions. Ultimately this is your decision, I am just here to advise you. The industry is incredibly competitive and you will be competing with others more qualified and/or with more industry experience. The above are Industry standard qualifications.

Hi there ocean lovers!

I am a captain in the superyacht industry with over 10 years of experience.

I am thinking of trying something as a side business would you be open to giving me some feedback?

1. I’m planning to offer 1 on 1 online superyacht career coaching to help you land your dream job! 

My Coaching sessions will include:

• Personalised job-hunting advice specific to the role you are looking for, I will also help you understand exactly what captains/agents look for when hiring new crew.

• I will be sharing my top tips and tricks to stand out in the industry. Exclusive insider knowledge from a real superyacht captain.

• Promotion of you and your CV to guarantee employment onboard a super yacht.

• Email & CV writing tuition.

A session is £50 an hour. Would you be interested in this offer? Why or why not?

2. If you could change or add something to my offer, what would it be?

3. What have you tried in past to help you with job hunting?

(Please list any blogs, courses, agencies you have tried)

4. Have you managed to secure any job interviews before? If yes: How did you feel before the interview? What went well? What could have gone better? How did you feel afterwards?

Please be as detailed as possible.

Thank you.

Jonathan Watkins Super Yacht Career Coach & Captain.

jonopaulwatkins@gmail.com

We are cruising Fiji and have an extra room on our catamaran. I am looking for places to find someone to rent to. We are looking for younger people we have to kids G17 B18. How can I find people who would be interested in spending some time on a sail boat and are willing to help with the costs.