Boat delivery opportunities: where to start
To connect with those who seek a boat delivery crew or skipper, a few of the methods you may try include internet-based searches, attending in-person events, and reaching out to yacht management companies. It is important to read through postings thoroughly or ask valuable questions before applying to make sure you and the boat are a good fit.
Do not hesitate to request as much information as you need about the delivery. Try to garner as broad of an idea about the boat, the hiring contact, and expectations related to the delivery, preferably before you’re out at sea.
If you are specifically looking for skipper positions, you will want to have current references or personal recommendations, a current resume of your experience, and any valid marine related licenses or certifications.
Online search engines and communities
Websites such as crewseekers.net and findacrew.net cast a wide net on an international community of boaters looking for skippers and crew. The filter options can help you sift through masses of ads. Not all of these websites are created equally, and through experience you will notice the varying quality of posts from site to site. Some of these websites require membership fees, which elevates the quality of seriousness of posts and those searching. The more exclusive a website is to be a part of, the more professional the ads are likely to be.
There are also options such as Offshore Passage Opportunities (OPO), commanded by Hank Schmitt, that provides a networking resource to match private boat owners, skippers, and crew with delivery opportunities, near and far.
Schmitt says, “OPO helps a lot of people to be able to get the sea miles to get their license and earn more sea time to learn about moving boats and meeting other skippers. We have had members go from coastal sailors to full-time delivery skippers.”
OPO is not a job placement service; they offer the chance to build sea miles and connect in this ‘word of mouth’ business that can set you up for success in the delivery industry.
It's also worth checking in with the Chesapeake Area Captains Association aka CAPCA
Social media networking groups
There are specialized online groups for all things boating on various social media channels. Getting involved with a group that suits your experience level and desired delivery situation can lead to sailing opportunities through commenting on posts, direct messaging, and conversations had by group members in the comments section. Facebook has a wide assortment of groups to join that include a variety of opportunities from all over the world. The large and relatively unrestricted participation in these online groups can be a fantastic source of community knowledge, but also offers the risk of inappropriate or unhelpful commentary.
Community and yacht club events and local bulletin boards
If you live by the water where people are boating, you can investigate the local bulletin for sailing and crew meet up events. These types of events encourage new sailors, sailing enthusiasts, boat owners, and experienced sailors to mingle in the hopes of developing new connections.
While some events are public and free, others are more exclusive and require membership to be invited. Public events can be hosted by local marine organizations, companies, clubs, (and SpinSheet, including its crew parties), so keep an eye on their social media channels and newsletters to be in the know. The more you get yourself involved with the boating community, the more likely you are to interact with like-minded sailors, find more meetups, and develop unexpected connections.
Print and online publications
Check out your local sailing or boating publications for classifieds in both print and online versions of your favorite publications. Some magazines, such as SpinSheet, offer a free crew finder service on their website for those looking for crew or to crew on the Chesapeake Bay.
Though you may find the classifieds offer more local opportunities, it can be a solid stepping stone to building experience and growing your sailing network for possible deliveries down the line.
Yacht management companies and brokers
Yacht management companies offer consistent work, vetting processes for both boats and crew, and insurance coverage (usually). To work with these companies, start by searching online for sailboat delivery companies. After you find some that appeal to you, send your resume and initiate communication. Flexibility with contracts and exclusivity are bonuses, but compensation usually is decreased due to third-party involvement.
Another route is contacting local brokerages that need recently purchased boats delivered to their owners. In these situations, it is advisable to manage your expectations when it comes to support from the broker before, during, or after your journey, as their responsibility was to sell the boat, not to be your shore crew.
With both of these avenues, you may not be in direct communication with the owners of the boat, which can lead to miscommunications.
by Chelsea Co, with contributions from Captain Charlotte Caroll
About the authors: Chelsea Co has been crewing for charters, deliveries, dive excurisions, and marine biology research. Charlotte Carroll holds a USCG 100-ton Master and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and has been working as a delivery skipper throught the North Atlantic Ocean.
