Tips for Crewing Success

As noted in the ad below, tonight is the night when southbound skippers can mix and mingle with potential crew at Latitude 38‘s Mexico-Only Crew List Party. (From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Encinal YC in Alameda.)

Although all who attend wear name tags that identify if they are looking for a ride or for crew, we leave the process of actively networking up to you. Needless to say, striking up conversations with complete strangers comes more easily for some sailors than others, so here are a few tips for Crew Party success:

IF LOOKING FOR A RIDE:
– Don’t be a wallflower. You need to be proactive to find a ride.
– Skippers meet lots of potential crew, so be sure to bring a single-sheet sailing resume with your photo and contact info on it.
– If you are definitely NOT looking for romance, make that clear from the get-go, along with any other expectations or concerns.
– Do not over-inflate your experience. Many skippers would rather take along an eager beginner with an upbeat personality than a grumpy know-it-all.
– Do not get sloppy drunk. You only get one chance to make a first impression.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR CREW:
– Try to access potential crew by the strength of their experience, the nature of their personalities, and their willingness to pitch in and learn, rather than by looks and age.
– Be 100% clear about what tasks potential crew will be expected to perform and what expenses they’ll be expected to share.
– Romances have definitely sprung up from Crew List contacts, but that’s not the principal goal of the event. There are probably better ways to find a date.
– If you select crew to join you, it is not out of line to ask them for a doctor’s statement that they are in good health, and for a list of medications they take.
– Once crew have been selected, it is also prudent to have them sign a simple release of liability.
– If unsure about crew-captain chemistry, go out for a daysail, or ask them for help getting the boat to San Diego.

Tonight’s party is free for registered 2016 Baja Ha-Ha skippers and first mates, and $7 for everyone else. (We can only take cash, and exact change will help get everyone in quickly.) That includes a munchies buffet, color-coded name tags and door-prize drawings. Parking is free.

Baja Ha-Ha sponsors will be there to answer questions, and Sal’s Inflatable Services will demo a liferaft inflation, always a fun highlight of the crew parties. The no-host bar will open at 6 p.m. 

PLEASE NOTE: From 4 to 6 in this afternoon, EYC will host a Mexico Cruising Seminar downstairs. This separate event is free and even includes a free beer for the first 100 attendees. Dick Markie of Paradise Village and Geronimo Cevallos of Marina El Cid will conduct this highly informative seminar and will welcome questions from the audience.