Craving a boundless sailing adventure but don’t have your own boat or experience? No problem! Sailing as a guest crew member is the perfect way to get on the water hassle-free. You hop on board a sailing yacht or traditional sailing ship with an experienced crew and get to experience firsthand what it’s like to sail along. Whether you’re curious about life on board, want to meet new people, or just want to enjoy the freedom of being on the water, sailing as a guest crew member is the answer.
But how does sailing as a guest crew member actually work? In this blog, we’ll explain what it means to sail as a guest crew member and how you can plan this adventure.
What does sailing as a guest crew member involve?
Co-Sailing as a guest crew member means boarding a sailboat or ship that already has a skipper and a small crew. As a guest crew member, you become part of this team but don’t need any prior experience to join in. It’s an ideal way to get to know different types of boats and learn how to sail. You can participate in all kinds of tasks on board according to your abilities—things like navigating, steering the boat yourself, raising and lowering the sails, but above all, enjoying the beautiful views and the relaxed atmosphere on the water.
Who is co-sailing as a guest crew member suitable for?
Sailing as a guest crew member is suitable for anyone who loves being on the water and is curious about sailing. You don’t need any experience, as the skipper and crew on board are happy to teach you the basics. For complete beginners, it’s an easy and accessible way to get to know sailing, and for those who already have some sailing experience, it’s a fun way to discover new boats, routes, and people without having to carry the responsibility for the ship.
How does it work in practice?
The best way to book a sailing trip as a guest crew member is through a sailing organization, charter company, or shipping company. You sign up for a specific trip, which can range from a day trip to a multi-day journey or even a weeks-long ocean crossing. The skipper or captain takes care of the planning, route, and sailing equipment, while you bring your own clothing and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
On board, you’ll receive explanations, instructions, and tasks to help out, but there will also be plenty of downtime to simply relax and enjoy the nature and surroundings.
Costs of sailing as a guest crew member and what to bring
Co-sailing as a guest crew member is often much more affordable than renting a boat yourself. The costs usually include contributions for fuel, harbor fees, and sometimes groceries. Always check carefully for each trip what is included and what isn’t (sometimes you need to bring your own sleeping bag, other times not).
Bring practical sailing clothes, such as a waterproof jacket and pants, warm layers, and good shoes with soft, non-slip soles. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen, as the water reflects a lot of sunlight!
A unique experience with Rederij Van Linschoten Traditional Sailing Holidays
At Rederij Van Linschoten, we offer a wide range of crewed sailing trips on one of the sailing ships and/or yachts affiliated with us. Whether you want to try sailing for a day or enjoy a full sailing holiday with a skipper, we ensure a safe, educational, and above all, enjoyable experience on the water. Our skippers and crew personally guide you and make sure you quickly feel at home on board..
Co-sailing as a guest crew member is one of the most accessible ways to discover a passion for sailing, meet new people, and enjoy being on the water. Are you interested in joining us? Then feel free to contact us now. We’ll be happy to tell you more about the options and availability.