Editing Sailors (section)

== Hitchhiking on sail boats ==
Due to increased popularity here are some tips and advice to consider about hitchhiking on boats:
* There're official websites/FB groups to be found where captains ask for crew. Take a look at the list below. 
* You'll have more succes to hitchhike a sailboat which is co-owned by a bunch of travellers. They often offer their spaces online through social media. 
* Get some experience first. Even if it's just a boat tour on open water so you know how you respond to movement. 
* Sailing is unpredictable. The weather can change, things can break down and currents can slow the boat down: be sure you don't have to be anywhere in time. 
* It's a huge benefit if you know the basic sailing terms so when you're asked to pull the sheet, you know it's not about that thing on your mattress.
* Make sure you have something to give back more then "I can cook". Cooking whilst sailing shouldn't be underestimated so it's always nice if you have other skills to offer in return. 
* Realise some people have saved a lot of money, sometimes for years, before they could go sailing and what you're asking is more then a ride in a car. Be willing to share in the costs of food, marina fairs and fuel, especially with longer voyages.
* Know that a boat is tiny space and when doing longer voyages you can't just get off in between. Cellphone reception is gone most of the time due to the distance to the land, so that also means no internet. 
* Facilities are basic and limited. Most boats can take enough water for drinking and maybe doing the dishes but not for showering. Could even be the boat doesn't have warm water or only when at berth in a marina.
* Asking around in marina's is another way to find a boat to join. Know that most marina's have gates for safety and hanging around the entrance isn't appreciated by everyone. Take a look in the local sailing bar, ask around and drop by the marina office to see if they know someone or to leave your number in case they hear something. When you find a bay where boats are at anchor, check nearby beaches for the small boats which they use to get ashore. They will come back and that's your chance to ask.
* Research online before planning your trip what the sailing seasons are around the world and what the most common routes are. Common routes are used by more boats so will increase your chances. Marina's which are populair take off points for longer crossings are also more popular with other boat hitchhikers. It might pay off trying one or two marina's in the surround area. 
* When you have find a crew to join, be sure you have packed some medication that works for you against sea sickness (preferably one that doesn't make you sleepy like cinnarizine) and food/fluids you prefer to take when feeling sick. 
There's plenty of other information that can be found online, in books or simply by asking people with experience about hitchhiking on sailboats.