Who is a “savvy sailing girl”? She’s a confident, courageous and vibrant woman of any age, for whom sailing and/or adventure is a passion, regardless of experience.
If you’re new to sailing and the cruising life, start here in SET SAIL U and follow the Savvy Sailing Step-by-Step Guide in this section. Come join in and welcome aboard!
There are many wonderful sailing websites and blogs by couples and families voyaging the seas, some by young passengers hitchhiking from one destination to another, and certainly a wealth of information about sailing and cruising in general.* But, there are fewer resources available for those of us who are out there crewing and cruising independently as a lifestyle.
This is a unique path, something unusual and a bit out of the ordinary. Savvy Sailing Girl hopes her contributions and in-depth content will inspire and assist you in whatever path you choose. There’s lots to explore and learn, so let’s get you started…
What kind of sailor do you want to be and on what kind of boat?
Are you looking for a lifetime adventure, a week on the water, or less?
Are you hoping to find love in this romantic setting?
How do you best utilize crew-finding websites?
What can you expect once you’re on board?
How should you prepare? How much does it all cost?
Savvy Sailing Girl hopes she can offer you some great ideas, guidance, inspiration, and resources in this section to help you navigate your own adventure and set you on the right course.
*note: you’ll find some of these listed in the “useful links” section
Savvy Sailing Step-by-Step
The best advice I can give you in sailing, just as in life, is to know, accept, love and trust yourself… dream all you want, imagine the possibilities, expect the best outcomes, and trust the journey along the way. Enjoy this discovery process as part of the overall voyage, and reach for the stars – those guiding twinkles in the heavens above and the vibrantly colorful ones in the depths of the sea below!
“Step by step” doesn’t necessarily mean in order, so feel free to browse at will. This is just a recommended guide to help you set sail…
If you are brand new to the idea of sailing and cruising, this is a great place to start. This section describes the different types of sailing, boats, arrangements and learning techniques.
Types of Sailing
All About Boats
Arrangements
Learning to Sail
Types of Sailing
The term “sailing” encompasses a wide range of activities, almost always involving a boat with sails. But aside from the forward propulsion by means of sail, different types of sailing will appeal to some more than others. You get to decide what speaks to your heart’s desire…
Day Sailing
Enjoying an afternoon of leisurely sailing in or around a bay or lake can be a wonderful and satisfying experience. This can be a good way to learn how to sail and for beginners to “test the waters” to see if you enjoy the activity. You can often sign up for a day sail charter in resort areas or check out sailing clubs looking for people to join.
Coastal Cruising
If you want to spend a weekend, a week or even more time sailing, you may want to consider coastal cruising. As this term suggests, you are most often sailing in proximity to the coastline and not too far offshore. You may venture from one harbor to the next or one island to another, but usually without traveling overnight, though there are exceptions to that. Most people who charter boats do coastal cruising where they can fly in and then spend a week or two exploring the lovely destinations. The majority of sailors do coastal cruising even if they have their own boats, though how far away from the dock and for how long varies widely.
Offshore Sailing
For those who want more adventure and are open to a longer onboard experience, offshore cruising may be your style. This type of sailing involves longer passages and further away from the coast. You may be crossing oceans with no land in sight for a week or more. If you opt for offshore cruising, then you’ll need to make sure in your own mind that you are up to the experience. You don’t necessarily need to be a skilled sailor, as there are possibilities to travel as a paying guest or by providing services such as cooking. But it is a commitment and you can’t decide to leave mid-stream… you’re in for the duration of the crossing. That said, it is exhilarating and meditative to be on a longer passage, and a great accomplishment to have crossed an ocean this way.
Live-aboard Cruising
For those like me, who thrive on a boat and in this lifestyle, you may find yourself eventually becoming a liveaboard. This is where you spend most of your life living on a boat and cruising. You don’t need to be an offshore sailor and you can still have a land-based “nest” as well. Being a liveaboard is more an attitude. I know many couples who spend 6 months aboard and 6 months at home. There are boat owners who are looking for partners (if you are looking for romance) and others who are happy to have company onboard and to share costs and duties aboard. Make sure you are clear about expectations and what you’re agreeing to in this case (more on this in “Looking for Love” – Boat-finding vs. Love/Partner-finding).
Racing
If you are looking at sailing as a sport, have a competitive spirit, and want the adrenaline rush of the finish line, try racing. You can join weekly “beer can” races (informal after-work) or other races where boats are often looking for people to join – no matter what their skill level. Once you know how to sail, you can become an active part of the team and in the beginning, you can come along to help balance/weigh the boat when heeled over. It’s a fast-paced and fun time no matter what your role on board. The Dashews (well-respected and long-time sailors/racers) stated: stated that “one season of racing will teach you more about sailing than a lifetime of cruising “. A friend of Savvy Sailing Girl’s with decades of racing experience early on in her sailing life concurs.
Professional
If you love the idea of cruising and being a liveaboard, but want/need to approach it more from a career standpoint, there are many options from cruise liners to merchant ships along with a full range of possibilities on private and charter yachts.
All About Boats
There are a vast number of things about a boat that can make it either a dream come true, a nightmare, or something in between for you. There’s no right or wrong, just as there are many types of housing and amenities, so it is with boats. In this section we’ll look at some of the major categories and styles of boat, plus additional items that could influence your comfort aboard so you can consider how important they may be to you personally.
Hull Style
The traditional style hull historically was the mono-hull, meaning that the boat consisted of one hull, regardless of length and width or whether it was a sailing or motor vessel. In the second half of the 20th century the catamaran style of boat, consisting of two separate and narrower hulls connected together by a bridge above, became widely available.
The main salon and sitting areas were in this bridge and sleeping quarters were located within the hulls, or pontoons. Because of the added space and the fact that it didn’t heel over (lean to one side while sailing), it seemed to have some clear advantages. It also had some significant disadvantages as well, as it didn’t sail as well and if/when it capsized, it couldn’t right itself the way a mono-hull would. Waves tend to slap/slam from below, depending on how much clearance there is from the water to the bridge, and the motion at sea is significantly different.
It wasn’t until the 90’s and into the 21st century that catamarans improved in design and began gaining popularity. Many sailors consider the dilemma of whether to buy a mono-hull or a catamaran (or even a trimaran with three hulls!) It is an individual decision for the boat owner as well as potential crew. Savvy Sailing Girl has sailed on, and is happy with, either. There have been both mono-hulls and cats that she liked and didn’t.
One thing to consider, if you will be sharing costs on board and plan to stay at a dock frequently… Marinas often charge anywhere from 50% to 100% uplift for a catamaran, as it takes up more width/space than a mono-hull. Another consideration is cleaning and maintenance. There is two of everything, including waterline and bottom to clean and paint, as well as engines to service and repair. If you are just planning to charter or sail as a paying guest, then decide based on comfort. If you are staying on board longer, factor in budget and maintenance as well.
Length
Although some would have you believe that size doesn’t matter, it does. Not that bigger is always better mind you, but there are definitely things to consider when deciding what size boat you’d like to sail on. If you are day sailing or coastal cruising for a week or two, the size won’t matter nearly as much as when you are sailing offshore and/or are wanting to be a long-term liveaboard cruiser.
The obvious comfort factor is the amount of space on board. Typically, the more room, the more comfortable. But beware of clutter… a pack-rat skipper can make any sized boat feel small and uncomfortable. Another factor speaking for comfort on a larger boat is the length of the boat in the water. The longer the waterline, the better it will take the waves and the more comfortable the ride. However, as with hull style, one needs to take into account the additional cleaning, maintenance, and costs of a larger boat. Most marinas charge for a slip by the length of the boat.
Construction/Age
What is the boat made out of… wood, steel, aluminum or fiberglass (age of fiberglass), a combination or other. They each have their pros and cons. A few are even made out of cement, really! The overall age will be a factor, but should be tempered by how well maintained the boat is and how extensively refit.
Layout
The layout refers to the design/configuration of the boat and in particular, the interior layout, where cruisers all have their individual preferences, which vary widely. An aft cockpit versus a center cockpit design means a different configuration down below as well. How many cabins and heads (bathrooms) there are is a factor, as is the placement and layout of the galley, from the practical (can you cook and hang on while underway), to the social (can you cook and converse with guests at the same time or is the galley tucked away and isolated), to the aesthetic (how well appointed). The boat’s age will also impact the design as older boats were generally narrower with less space down below (when people weren’t living aboard as extensively as recently), where more modern designs are wider and roomier.
Category
You may read or hear people talk about boats being called either “blue water” or “coastal” cruisers. This refers to the boat’s qualifications to do ocean (blue water) sailing. It is most often about the structural elements and safety factors. If you’re crossing oceans, you’ll want a sturdy ship. Do your homework before hopping aboard.
Power
How the boat is powered (think electricity and wiring not propulsion) is something to factor in. It’s important to know whether the boat is wired for 115 volts as in the Americas or 220 volts which is standard in most of the rest of the world. Have adapters with you, but not all devices can accommodate either 115 or 220 and you’ll need to check before bringing something on board that won’t charge up or will be burned out.
Once you know about the wiring standard, it’s also good to know HOW those wires get supplied. Running the boat’s engine will charge up the boat’s batteries, but there’s also solar power, generators (either built in or external), wind generators and sea generators. Having sufficient battery power on board is always a concern on board.
Amenities
Modern boats may be outfitted with all sorts of nifty things like water makers, freezers, air conditioners, communications devices, grills, washers/dryers, microwaves, even dishwashers and more. Some boats, even modern ones, are basic and bare bones… ask about anything that’s important to you.
Arrangements
In addition to deciding on what type of sailing and boat, you’ll want to consider the arrangements and expectations. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to what you agree upon for your sailing adventure. What is absolutely critical, is that all involved fully understand the arrangements and are clear about what’s being agreed to and expected. A combination of amount of time aboard, your agreed-upon roles and responsibilities, your accommodations and the amenities on offer will all factor in, as well as your own budget. Here are a few things to consider…
Financial Arrangements
Depending on the financial circumstances of the boat owner as well as your own, whether you contribute and how much yshould be discussed and agreed to up front. It is typical for crew to share “running costs” – those consumable costs incurred along the way such as fuel, food, marina/mooring fees, etc. Some owners will do an informal charter-like approach, especially when crew is aboard for shorter periods, and ask a set amount per day/week to cover a portion of their other costs such as maintenance and insurance.
If you want to do more and agree to additional responsibilities and chores, or don’t want any responsibilities, just want to be along for the ride, you can discuss contributing a little more or less, accordingly. Accommodations may also be a factor for negotiations, if you have a full cabin and private head versus sharing a bunk. Length of time aboard is a factor. If you are on the boat for a season or more, and making the yacht your home for that period of time, then contributing to regular maintenance and haul outs (for regular application of anti-fouling bottom paint and other routine maintenance) or paying an additional amount per month might be in order.
One important note here, make sure you have sufficient cash and resources with you so that you can fly/travel out of anywhere at any time in an emergency. Do not rely on the boat owner or anyone else… you need to be able to arrange an emergency exit plan, whether it’s to get out of a dangerous situation on board, having a serious health issue or other crisis (you or your family), or a location/political-based issue. I recommend having USD in new and current $100 bills, which are generally accepted worldwide.
Roles and Responsibilities
You may be concerned about not having a lot (or any) experience sailing, but many boat owners are happy to teach you or have you aboard if you are willing to help out in other ways. If you can cook and/or are happy to clean, many would appreciate that as well as just having good company aboard. But, are you expected to cook all meals and clean up always? Make sure you are clear about what you are committing to.
Although uncomfortable, make sure you are crystal clear about what the expectations are of a more personal nature on board. You don’t want to have a misunderstanding on whether or not you are willing to explore a romantic relationship or engage in anything of a sexual nature once the boat has left the dock. Be clear up front. Also know that there’s a difference between an “invitation” and an expected command performance. Just sayin’.
You can always discuss and renegotiate along the way, but it is important for harmony on board that everyone knows what they are responsible for and that you are reliable and accountable for those things. For example, if you are standing watch (taking shifts at the helm), it is your obligation to arrive and be ready at least 5-10 minutes prior to your assigned time. Taking a page from good management practice: say what you are going to do, and then do what you say.
Accommodations
Accommodations on board will vary greatly and it is important to clarify what and where your personal space will be. It is important to ask specific questions about this (more on this in the “Savvy Searching” section of “Finding a Boat”) as you don’t want any surprises upon arrival. If it is important to you to have a private cabin, state that up front. Having a private berth is not the same thing as a private room. Some boats are set up with more of an “open plan” and only have curtain dividers rather than doors, which may not afford sufficient privacy. Ask about water and make sure there is enough for a daily shower if that’s important to you.
Also make sure that you and the boat owner are clear about whether there is any intent or the desire for a more personal relationship developing (as stated in the “Roles and Responsibilities” section. You don’t want to be surprised and find out that you are expected to be sharing a cabin (and more) with the skipper or any other crew member. There’s an entire section on “Looking for Love”, with more specific recommendations, but the bottom line is to ask enough questions and have both boat owner/skipper and crew clear about the specifics of your accommodations and personal space.
Learning to Sail
The journey of learning to sail is an ongoing one, as there is always more to learn both in theory as well as in practice – mostly the latter. Many people have learned solely through experience, while others have started with books or classes teaching the theory. Whichever way you start learning, there is no substitute for getting out there and doing it!
There are many courses and institutes to choose from to learn the basics in the classroom with on-the-water training as well, ASA (American Sailing Association) in the US and RYA (Royal Yachting Association) in the UK are two good examples with a wide variety of choices and levels, but there are many more and you should be able to find some options local to you. Taking sailing courses and getting certifications will show prospective boat owners that you are really interested in learning and not just looking for a vacation, and it’s also a great way to make new friends and sailing connections.
Beyond learning to sail, savvy sailing girls will need to know the basics of marine safety before getting aboard a boat for the first time. Being a competent swimmer is step one. Also, having some knowledge of first aid is a very good idea, if not essential. These types of courses, from introduction to more advanced, are also offered by ASA and RYA as well as local sailing schools.
