Getting Off-Shore Experience

How do you get offshore sailing experience if others are reluctant to take you aboard if you have not been offshore before?

One great way to get offshore sea miles and experience is by volunteering to crew for others. A company called Offshore Passage Opportunities (OPO) has been helping sailors get offshore since 1994. Delivery skippers and boat owners call OPO for their crew needs. Since you are helping sail the boat you go sailing for free. If you still have a job and need firm dates you can sign up for a paid passage on a great boat with a pro skipper. OPO offers a one-week introduction to offshore sailing aboard a Swan between NY and Bermuda in June starting at $1300. After your first offshore passage you should be ready for the many other opportunities that OPO offers all year long. Call 1-800-4-PASSAGe (800-472-7724) or www.sailopo.com for 2009 schedule, free brochure and membership application. Introductory Winter Special Trial membership for only $100 to be a full active member from now until Oct 1st 2009. Active delivery skippers wanted.