Getting started - CREW

 

Reasons to Sail

Getting started in sailing can be an intimidating prospect.  Unless you have sailed before, the sport probably seems somewhat mysterious.  Perhaps you have seen images of the America’s Cup races on the news.  The large boats, rich owners, and professional teams make the sport seem out of reach to the normal person. 

However, the Chicago T-10 fleet is relatively inexpensive.  You don’t have to be a multimillionaire to own one.  The crews are made up of people just like you.  In fact, class rules restrict professional sailors.  Boats are frequently looking for crewmembers that are enthusiastic and willing to learn, regardless of experience level. 

Why Sail?  There are many reasons for a person to be interested in sailing.  The primary reason most people sail is to have fun.  Along with having fun, you meet many new people.  Sailing can be both mentally and physically challenging.  And the knowledge to be gained is limitless. 

 

Getting Started

There are several ways to start sailing on a T-10.  One way is to contact the Fleet Captain.  Another is to post your name on the Crew Queue or look at the Boat Pages and contact one of the boat owners.  The local yacht clubs listed below also offer classes for people interested in learning to sail.  You can also post your name and number on a bulletin board at any of the local Yacht Clubs.  Finally, you can show up at any of the Chicago area yacht clubs for a Wednesday Night “Beer Can” Race.  To guarantee a ride, bring a six-pack of beer (cans, not bottles) and ask someone setting up one of the boats if they need crew.

Chicago Yacht Club 

www.chicagoyachtclub.org

Monroe

400 East Monroe St.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-861-7777

Belmont

300 West Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773-477-7575

Sailing Class: Crew U


Columbia Yacht Club

www.colyc.com

111 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Chicago, IL 60601

312-938-3625

Sailing Class: Skip Jacks

Corinthian Yacht Club

www.corinthian.org

601 W. Montrose Dr.

Chicago, IL 60613

773-334-9100

Sailing Class: Crew Development Class

 

What to Wear and Bring

Because of the varying weather conditions found in Chicago, your clothing should depend on the time of year.  In the spring, when the weather and water are a bit chilly, long underwear and fleece are often required.  If you don’t have fleece pants, sweat pants are better than jeans because they allow for easier movement.  Dress in layers and try to wear a base layer that will whisk moisture away from your skin.  Polypropylene, capeline and coolmax work well.  Cotton tends to absorb moisture and keep you wet.  Frequently, the cloths worn under a sailor’s foul weather gear are similar to what a skier would wear under their parka and snow pants.  When the weatherman says cooler by the lake, it probably means it will feel 20 degrees colder on the water. 

As the weather and water warm up, a pair of shorts and T-Shirt should suffice.  No matter how warm the temperature, it is always a good idea to bring a sweatshirt or fleece top.  Although you don’t have to go out and buy a pair of shoes made specifically for sailing, your shoes should have white or non-marking soles.

Depending on how interested you are and how much you are willing to spend, it is also useful to have a pair of sailing gloves and a set of foul weather gear.  If you don’t want to spend the money on foul weather gear, any waterproof parka and pants should do.  Some boats also will have an extra set of foul weather gear on board.  (Possibly held together with duct tape.)

Other items that might be useful while sailing are:

  • Water (don’t bring any containers made of glass)
  • Hat (with hat clip)
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses (with Croakies)
  • Backpack or Duffle Bag
  • For weekend races, some boats require you to bring your own lunch.  It is best to contact the skipper of the individual boat to determine if this is necessary.
     Outline

Reasons to Sail

  • Fun
  • Fitness
  • Make Friends – sailing is a social sport.  You work together with the crew of the boat as a team.
  • Challenge
  • Mentally Stimulating

Learning To Crew

  • North U
  • CCYC – Crew Development Class
  • CYC – Crew U
  • COL – Skip Jacks

Finding A Boat

  • Contact Fleet Captain
  • Look at boat pages and contact owner
  • Show up for beer can race
  • Put your name on bulletin board at one of the yacht clubs
  • From one of the Crewing Classes Above
  • LMSRF site

What to Wear and Bring

  • Water (don’t bring any containers made of glass)
  • Hat
  • Sunblock
  • Sweatshirt
  • Sunglasses
  • Sailing Gloves ?
For weekend races, some boats require you to bring your own water and sandwich.  It is best to contact the skipper of the individual boat to determine if this is necessary.