Joining a delivery crew as a volunteer is a great opportunity to gain experience and gather miles for your Yachtmaster exam. Nonetheless, there are fundamental requirements and factors a crew must consider before taking on this role.
Before volunteering for delivery crew things to consider include,
How long is the delivery? A short daylight passage or longer distance over multiple days or weeks.
How long do you want to be away at sea? Do you have commitments onshore, deliveries often overrun due to weather or boat issues.
Is the passage a coastal, offshore or ocean passage?
Are you ready for an ocean passage? Yacht deliveries can be very demanding both physically and mentally, jumping straight in to an ocean passage may not be appropriate.
Is the delivery in tidal waters?
If all your experience has been summer sailing in nontidal waters it will be beneficial to gain some knowledge of tidal sailing first
While a skipper is always available for consultation if a crew member is uncertain about something, it's crucial that the crew allows the skipper to have their rest and sleep. A crew that frequently disturbs a skipper with inquiries can become more of a hindrance than an asset.
For a brief daylight journey, a basic day skipper qualification may be adequate, but most delivery trips will require some sailing at night. For these trips the minimum requirement is usually coastal skipper.
Conditions
Consider the time of year and the conditions you may face, is the delivery in the middle of winter? Do you have experience of sailing in the possible bad weather, short daylight hours and conditions that may occur at that time of year.
Consider the type of vessel
Do you have experience on the type of vessel the delivery is on. Is it a cruising or racing yacht, mono or multihull do you have enough experience to be helpful.
And although it may seem obvious, if your experience is only motor vessels do not volunteer for a sailing vessel!
Delivery crew is a team
The delivery crew engages in all facets of the delivery process, with the skipper setting up a watch system that likely includes a rotation for preparing meals for everyone aboard. Having some basic cooking skills and creativity in the galley is definitely advantageous.
To sum up
Volunteering as a delivery crew member is a great opportunity to accumulate mileage, gain experience, and can be very fulfilling. However, it's crucial to assess your own experience and the demands of the trip beforehand.
It's advisable to communicate with the skipper prior to the delivery, and if possible, meet them in person. Be upfront about your limitations and understand what they expect from you.
As delivery crew you should have an understanding of collision regulations and be willing to perform watches both day and night. You should also be capable of basic sail trimming and responding to wind changes.
The skipper is always just a call away and the crew should not hesitate to ask if they feel unsure about any aspect.
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