Whether you’re a boat owner or a sailor looking to join, the process is simple: use a dedicated crew-finding platform (like Yacht Cabin) to match trips and crew, then review profiles, chat with the other party to discuss details, and set up a video call to align on expectations.
For boat owners (find crew for your boat)
Post your trip (free) — include route and dates, boat type/model, cabins/berths, equipment, safety gear, shared expenses, required experience, and expected duties.
Promote smartly — post your trip early; use the Share button to promote it on social media and send it to friends.
Vet candidates — review profiles, check ID verification (orange shield), ask for references, and run a quick video call.
Approve — approve the right fit; once you do, the crew member pays the service fee (which helps reduce no-shows), their berth is reserved, and you can both leave a review after the trip.
For crew/seekers (join someone’s boat)
Create a clear profile — include skills, certifications, availability, miles logged, and other preferences.
Browse & filter trips — match by dates, route, boat, available cabins/berths, and required experience.
Send a strong request — select the trip legs, choose a cabin/berth, and add a brief cover letter explaining your motivation and fit.
Chat & align — discuss the plan, duties, safety measures, and shared expenses; schedule a video call.
Get approved & confirm — once approved, pay the service fee to secure your berth; reviews can be exchanged after the trip.
The easiest way to find sailing crew is through dedicated crew-finding platforms like Yacht Cabin, where boat owners can post trips for free and sailors can apply. You can also connect with crew via sailing clubs, marina noticeboards, Facebook groups, or word of mouth.
Popular options include:
Crew platforms — apps and websites that connect skippers and crew directly.
Sailing clubs & marinas — local networks, noticeboards, and events.
Online communities — Facebook groups, forums, and WhatsApp groups for sailors.
Word of mouth — recommendations from fellow sailors and friends.
👉 For a full breakdown of the most effective places to look, see our guide: 11 Best Places to Find a Crew in 2025–2026 (Ranked & Reviewed)
To find crew for a sailboat or yacht, start by posting a detailed trip listing on a crew finder platform like Yacht Cabin. It’s free for boat owners to post, and you can specify route, dates, cabins/berths, experience required, and any shared expenses. Crew members apply directly, and you can review their profiles, chat, and set up a video call before approving.
Practical tips:
Be specific — include route, boat model, safety gear, roles/duties, and costs.
Post early — ocean passages often require crew months in advance.
Vet carefully — check ID verification, ask for references, and run a video call.
Discuss details — clarify expectations on duties and ongoing expenses (cost-sharing or fixed contribution)
Use multiple channels — crew platforms, local yacht clubs, marina noticeboards, and online sailing groups.
Some of the best websites to find sailing crew are dedicated platforms where skippers post trips and sailors apply. Popular options include Yacht Cabin, Crewbay, Crewseekers, and FindACrew. Each platform has its own focus — from ocean passages to casual coastal sailing — so it’s worth exploring more than one.
Top platforms:
Yacht Cabin — free to post trips, free ID verification, built-in chat & video calls, reviews.
Crewbay — large community with mixed free/paid features.
Crewseekers — established network, mostly offshore and ocean passages.
FindACrew — global listings, but requires a paid subscription for messaging.
👉 For a full comparison, see our detailed guide: 11 Best Places to Find a Crew in 2025–2026 (Ranked & Reviewed).