Greetings everybody, been checking in on this forum for a while and really appreciate it. Posting today to look for some advice, suggestions, critiques, or anything in between , with regards to moving to Australia and learn how to sail..

I'm 29, male, from the US, with a small amount of sailing experience (2 weeks in British Virgin Islands, a few random classes over the years, and coastal navigation cert). I feel like the only real way to truly learn is by getting miles under your belt. Where I'm located - there's not much sailing and I'd have to move regardless to learn, so I figure - why not move to another country for a bit while I learn.. I'm obsessed with travel and sailing seems one of the best ways to do that, so that's the source of where my passion for this sort of adventure is coming from.

Any advice on best part/city in Australia to be based out of for this sort of scenario? Once in town, what's the best way to go about finding a boat to work on/with? Or is walking the marina acceptable?

That just about sums it up. Anywhere round the edge of the continent will have lots of sailing!!

NZ may still be providing sailing lessons for yanks. Just ask.

Thanks for the advice everybody, confirmed some things and gave me some new ideas so thanks for that .. Definitely trying to be there for Australia's summer instead of winter. trying to decide between Sydney and Melbourne, but will likely end up somewhere on the east coast for sure.. +1 for the camper/van idea, though much prefer the water@Bruski068 and & plev - not quite in need of a nanny just wanting to learn as much as possible but also know my limitations .. so I'll take whatever job I need to ..

but have to ask, how much competition is there for crew in Australia? best city/area for lowest competition? I know places in the states and Europe where its becoming harder, even for more experienced sailors, to find a boat/crew with open spots .. thoughts?

jhil said..


but have to ask, how much competition is there for crew in Australia? best city/area for lowest competition? I know places in the states and Europe where its becoming harder, even for more experienced sailors, to find a boat/crew with open spots .. thoughts?

Dead easy in Sydney at least, certainly for twilights in summer if nothing else. Turn up with a smile & a six pack and you're in, even if only as railmeat. Our club tries to make sure that no one is ever left on the dock.

More competitive clubs might be a bit different, but generally, you'll find skippers will sail multiple times a week, with slightly different crew. I have crew that come out on twilight sails that aren't interested in Sunday spinnaker races and vice versa. As you get to know people around the club, ask around and make sure people know you're available. Biggest tip would be to show up when you say you're going to. I'll take a dependable beginner over a flaky pro any day of the week.

mysail.team/ is a new site that seems to be working on getting more people signed up at the moment. Give it a bash, but honestly, most skippers are still crusty old blokes who are more likely to just grab a spare body off the dock rather than mess about with that "internet thing".

jhil said..
Thanks for the advice everybody, confirmed some things and gave me some new ideas so thanks for that .. Definitely trying to be there for Australia's summer instead of winter. trying to decide between Sydney and Melbourne, but will likely end up somewhere on the east coast for sure.. +1 for the camper/van idea, though much prefer the water@Bruski068 and & plev - not quite in need of a nanny just wanting to learn as much as possible but also know my limitations .. so I'll take whatever job I need to ..

but have to ask, how much competition is there for crew in Australia? best city/area for lowest competition? I know places in the states and Europe where its becoming harder, even for more experienced sailors, to find a boat/crew with open spots .. thoughts?

G'day Jhil,
Pretty much wherever you end up, you'll get a ride as long as you make the effort to go down the club and make yourself available. On race days at the host club there's usually a registration desk somewhere in the bar for the skippers to sign in for the race, see them or grab a staff member, they'll help you out regards who to talk to.
I've often inherited half a dozen extra people on casual race days at the bar prior to the race, the more the merrier.

Welcome to you, look us up if you get to Brisbane and come for a sail.
As mentioned above, just bring a 6 pack.
Edit: time your trip so you can go here for a week. www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au/ great week of sailing, see a ton of boat porn.

Also you will need a visa. Tourist visa for up to 3 months and you can't work. You might already be too old for working holiday visa.