If this is your first time on a HOEOCA rally, the following information may be useful:
Crews are assembled as far as possible in accordance with the wishes of individuals but also recognising the need to balance experience and aspirations within the overall mix. There may be a mix of chartered and members own boats. Once finalised, you will be supplied with the names and contact details of the rest of your crew. Occasionally crews may have to be changed up to the time of departure.
Your skipper, or their nominee, will contact you. If possible, a crew briefing will take place just before the rally where introductions are made & plans drawn up. Normally, 1 or 2 of the crew will victual the boat for the planned period of the voyage. The cost of this is divided between members along with other incidentals incurred such as mooring fees, fuel, drinks and meals ashore. A kitty system is usually operated to facilitate this.
The purpose of the rally is to provide cruising opportunities for members, often visiting new places. Skippers and crews are free to plan how they spend the rest of the time. Cruising sailing is normally carried out with the intention of eating and drinking well.
Cost implications – please be aware that the club will not accept any liability for damage to, or loss of, property belonging to members of the club and that the club will not accept any responsibility for personal injury to members participating in any event.
For those who haven’t done a lot of sailing, please bear the following in mind the skipper on your boat has overall responsibility for the safety and well-being of their crew, therefore you should act in accordance with their instructions, especially at sea. The skipper should carry out a complete briefing of the crew explaining where things are located, outlining procedures for the safety of the individual and the vessel as well as telling you of any rules they have. If you are not sure - please ask.
You should be physically fit to go to sea, in possibly changing conditions and be aware that the primary responsibility for safety in boating lies with the individual participant. Sea sickness can be a problem so, if you do not know how you will react, please bring appropriate medication and be sure to take it. In the event that you are ill, please try to cooperate with the requests of the skipper and crew who need to continue to sail the boat to the destination.
Please bring your clothes packed in a soft bag. Belongings should be kept to a minimum. You will need waterproofs for all but the best English offshore sailing. It is advisable to include at least one complete change of clothes in case you get very wet.
Your skipper should be made aware of any medical conditions from which you suffer/drugs you take which may have an impact on the smooth running of the boat.
Berths on the boat will be allocated by the skipper.
It will be much appreciated by the skipper and the rest of the crew if you can keep the boat as tidy as possible. Cleaning of work surfaces, heads, handrails and shared equipment is to be performed after each use as often as required.
This is a task that even the most inexperienced crew member can undertake. No smoking is allowed on the boat.
10 July 2024
