Can you really gather an ideal crew for sailing, or is it just a myth? I like to think that you can. Everyone is different and there are no rules here. Some skippers require total obedience, others perfect fitness and sailing skills. I even found one piece of advice that says, I quote: ‘The only way to find a good crew is to marry one’. Great advice. I would love to do it, but a perfect marriage is probably also a holy grail that is as difficult to find as a perfect crew member.
I have sailed with many different crews over the years and I came to a conclusion that sailing skills are not important at all. I am experienced enough that I can teach sailing and seamanship to almost anyone, but I am not a wizard and I cannot change anyones personality. I would rather sail with a complete beginner who has the most important qualities written below, than with a world champion who lacks at least one of these.
1. Tolerance
Without a doubt, the most important quality for a crew member is tolerance. You have to be able to tolerate other peoples habits and flaws and be very diplomatic when resolving problems and talking about mistakes that were made.
2. Determination
Crew member must be determined that he/she really wants to sail on that boat, otherwise when even the smallest problems occur, people will quit. Determined crew will overcome everything to reach the goal, from bad weather to bad cooking.
3. Good will
If you really want to sail, you will probably make an effort to make it happen no matter what. A good will is definitely one of the most important requirements for a crew member.
4. Improvisation
It helps if a crew member is a mechanic, electrician or a doctor, but knowing how to improvise on the boat is the most important skill of all. Out on the ocean, you never have the right parts or tools, but if you know how to think out of the box, you will always be able to sort out everything reasonably well.
5 Sense of adventure
You have to be at least a little adventurous to set sail and to be able to really enjoy it, because you are actually going into unknown and you have to be ready to deal with anything that comes up your way.
I will give everyone a chance, so anyone who would like to join Hir 3 as a crew should apply for one of the sailing trips in the Adriatic in 2016. I will announce the dates and routes soon…
I have also found a list of qualities that ideal racing crew would have:
1. Unquestioning obedience,
2. Doesn’t mind getting wet, cold and bored,
3. Doesn’t bruise easily,
4. Doesn’t complain when bruised,
5. Strong, silent and agile,
6. Enjoys being blamed for things that aren’t his fault,
7. Has a bent towards telepathy,
8. Impeccable time-keeper and recorder of courses,
9. Naturally good eyesight for spotting distant buoys (desirable magnification on ordinary eyes: 4×30)
10. Likes winning
11. Very good when loosing
12. Preferred hobbies: sewing, woodwork and swimming.
Voilier 'HIR 3' 