How to introduce yourself to other sailors
How to introduce yourself to other sailors
Learning how to introduce yourself to other sailors is the key to succeed and start your next sailing adventure.
- What are the best practice?
- Is it easy to talk to other sailors?
- What to say and when?
Sailing skippers are people who plan to have a great time on the water with their crew! The same goes for introducing yourself as a skipper to crew members . No one wants to be bossed around by someone they do not get along with and spoils an opportunity to enjoy boating. You want to find the right boat and if you are a skipper you want to find the best crew for a sailing trip, a delivery, a local race or a simple day-sail. Present yourself correctly and learn the best practice to initiate a good conversation and an healthy relationship is key.
So it really is paramount to make a good first impression. After all you really are going to be in the same boat, so it is best to show other members that you are reliable and trustworthy! Here are some important tips to bear in mind.
Why is a sailing resume so important?
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DO NOT be too shy!
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No one is too old, too young, too this or too that. Everyone is welcome on Coboaters. There is no need to hold back on important information about yourself , it would be setting yourself up for disappointment!
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DO let other members know about yourself, your personality, lifestyle and preferences.
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DO make sure you come across as someone who can be relied on. If you have any certifications that showcase your skills and experience, definitely share them. Coboaters team is here to help and support you.
Introduce yourself to sailors: Make a good first impression:
The 7 best practices when you meet for the first time
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Be your best self, stay pleasant, diplomatic and even tempered! You will enjoy yourself much more, and so will everyone else onboard.
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Be clear with other sailors about when you are available to go boating.
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Organize your own way to get to the port where you wish to embark, and how you will get home.
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Be ready to do your part in sailing maneuvers, and be ready to follow your skippers directions, or listen to your other crewmembers opinions.
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Play your part in the everyday chores on long sailing trips (including cooking, washing up, cleaning and basic maintenance)
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Be grateful for your skipper and crewmembers for inviting you into their lives during this boating event
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Participate in the trip’ expenses. Sharing is caring!
The 4 most-common errors people do
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Expect sailing lessons co-boaters are not professionals who teach sailing or boating.
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Be selfish, ie: I want to learn to sail with an enthusiast, to then be able to sail alone on my own boat.
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Describe yourself as a sailing professional, ie: “I am such a good sailor I could teach the skipper to sail.” There is always more to learn from other people.
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Explain why you want to go to Brazil or go fishing instead of explaining why you would be a good teammate/travel companion: Coboaters is primarily a boating community, not a rental service.
Why good pictures are so important to present yourself
A good profile picture: A great way to give a first good impression to other boaters
So you have been denied access to a boating event, or no-one has been answering your messages? That is unfortunate. But did you remember to upload a good profile photo?
It is important to remember that Coboaters is an online service only, so your photo is the very first visual impression other members will have of you, before even communicating with you, hearing your voice or meeting you in person.
Here is how to put you fraternizing with others:
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DO prioritize a photo where your face is clearly visible over full-length portraits.
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DO choose a photo that is as recent as possible.
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DO NOT use a blurry photo, over-exposed or too dark!
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DO NOT use a photo where a boat is more obvious than you are – this could be confusing for other members.
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DO choose a photo where you are wearing a shirt or top or if you choose a photo in which you are shirtless or in a bathing suit, the cropped photo will make you look naked! It just might not be what you are going for when you are trying to introduce yourself as a serious and reliable boater.
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DO choose a photo where only you appear, rather than a group, couple, or family picture. You are the star of your own profile!
Your sailing photo albums
- Post as many photos albums as you want.
- It’s easier to make a good impression or get to know someone from multiple photos than from just one.
- You can easily create photo albums of your previous boating adventures or events.
- Feel free to include other photos of yourself, or group photos with people you went boating with!
If you plan to bring a pet onboard, do include a photo of them, and let make sure it is okay with your skipper and crewmates !
What about privacy and safety when meeting with sailors?
Full members of the club can only see your first name and the first letter of your last name along with your profile picture. Visitors and free trial members do not have access to any personal information and your profile picture is blurred. In addition, searching your name and last name on a search engines (Google in particular) will never lead to your Coboaters profile
Go ahead! Meet other sailors!
After following the tips listed here, you’re ready to respond to notices, contact other members of our sailing network, and get answers in return. You can find a boat or find a crew!
To learn more on this topic, please check:
How to create a successful crew skipper relationship?
12 Best Ways to Find People to Sail With
See you on the water very soon ! Enjoy sailing!
