Crew with us

Both experienced sailors and those newer to sailing are invited to crew on our mixed fleet of keel and sports boats, sailing on the enclosed waters of Botany Bay and beyond. We’ll help you to find a suitable yacht to sail on and get you in contact with the skipper.

If you haven't sailed since you were a child, or have had a couple of lessons and want to build your skills, crewing is an affordable way to get into sailing. The BBYC is the biggest keelboat club in Botany Bay. Our sailboats have between 2 and 12 people on board and many are happy to take an extra crew member or have a spot for regular crew.

On a racing yacht there are a number of different positions, the skipper or helmsman, the foredecker or bowman, the tactician, the maintrimmer, headsail trimmer and the spinnaker trimmer, on the smaller yachts many of these positions are combined.

Twilight races on Friday nights from October to March are an ideal way to get into sailing. If you're new to sailing, twilights are a safe fun way to get started and develop your skills. Twilight races are held over shorter courses in the sheltered waters of Georges River and Kogarah Bay.

If you have some sailing experience and want to experience the thrills of flying a spinnaker, then come and try crewing on a Saturday afternoon bay race. Whether you want to try trimming, a foredeck position, or just being out on the water, we'll match you with a skipper and over a few weeks you can try some different boats to find a casual or permanent crew position.

Its easy to get started, you just need to bring a hat, sun screen and water. Please wear shoes with white soles e.g. trainers, plimsolls or volleys. Its always a good idea to bring a spray jacket and an extra layer. You'll be on the water for a few hours so you might like to bring some snacks and drinks. Most boats have room down below for a sail bag with a change of clothes.

If you need gloves or want to upgrade your wet weather gear or shoes, visit Herrick Sailmakers downstairs at the BBYC for the latest Slam gear. Call Graeme Herrick on 0419 419 373 for opening hours or to check your size is in stock.

Please email us your phone number, email address and let us know any sailing experience or if you're new to sailing. Plan to be at the club at least an hour before a twilight race start or 2 hours before a bay race.