J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Racing Tools and Techniques Using cards to find crew.

Last year -- this even-older-than-I guy -- sailed with me a few times in Feb. -- here for two months ... sailing on Vee Jay today.

Said he always had trouble getting crew ... had a spin but didn't really know how to fly it, wasn't really very good, didn't get out that much, etc.etc.

went home to Mich ... printed up a card ... started handing it out to old guys ... started to race spin .... started to place.

Duh....

His "crew" now looking for a couple of 15 yr olds to do foredeck.... up in Mich. for the summer.

He copied my card from last year ... only thing he did different was spell lookin without a g.

Bob is 72 and his crew is all retired guys ... now having fun.

Follow the rules of the fishing guys ... throw a lot of hooks into the water!!
so you throw a lot back ... only need a couple for dinner.

I like that story. I too am a grey beard retired and finding it difficult to get crew.
One of my regulars told me that crew was difficult to find as he swelled a little with his perceived irreplaceability.
So i put an add on Craigslist under boats for sale. Crew wanted.
got enough interest to fill the crew with a couple tospare and so was able to say that if you did not turn up for the sunday race you did not qualify for the overnighter. I ended up with practice sessions and a much mor esfficient crew. Now racing is more fun and less of a drag. A full boat seems to be a happy one with improved results.

Craigs list !!!! dynamite lead!!!

all those guys looking to buy a boat ... and never have enough crew to use it ... now have an answer ...

love it.