NSC’s Crew Bank is a wonderful resource for skippers looking for crew, whether you’re short for weeknight or weekend racing, or looking for someone to join you for a leisurely afternoon or evening sail. This year, there seem to be a lot of great crew interested in getting out on the water, but surprisingly, it seems many skippers are not taking full advantage of this resource.
On Blue Zulu, we’ve had essentially the same crew for the past 10+ years, but people are always missing racing due to vacation, work, travel, and other commitments. While we have a long list of subs from which we can draw, it’s always fun to introduce new people to the fleet, the club, and sailing in general. So with that in mind, we’ve turned to the Crew Bank four times this year, all with very positive results. In each case, I was surprised to learn that we were the first boat to invite these sailors out racing. The first three have all been out multiple times on a variety of boats; at least one has already joined the club and become a regular crew member, and I suspect the other two might soon follow suit. Our fourth guest from the Crew Bank just joined us last week, but her post had been up since May, and she had not yet received a call, despite having considerable experience. (We’re looking forward to having her out again, when we next have an opening.)
So skippers, what you thinking?!? Do you really always have a full crew? The Crew Bank provides a list of keen sailors anxious to get out on the water — why not invite them out for a sail or race? Some are new members; the majority are potential members interested in getting some exposure to the club. Most have some sailing experience; some have quite a bit. What better way to introduce these people to the club than to take them sailing!
Note that skippers may also register on the Crew Bank if they are looking for crew, and no doubt there are some who will respond to such ads that might not otherwise post their own. Either way, check out the Crew Bank today, and check back regularly. There is a convenient link to the Crew Bank from the drop-down menu “Most Popular Pages”, to the right, as well as from the Racing and Cruising pages.
Hugh Morrin
C&C 27 “Blue Zulu”