So, imagine you've been on your boat for weeks (sounds good, eh?), but you're ready for a few days on land, a hot shower, and meeting some of the locals. Being a sailfar'er, you can't imagine shelling out valuable boat funds for a hotel, or maybe even a hostel. You could try this website/community:
http://www.couchsurfing.com
I spent months traveling in other countries and staying with complete strangers (w/references through this website), spent nothing for lodging, instead spent time with incredible people, always had access to a hot shower and a kitchen, etc., etc. This is excellent for meeting locals and finding a place to stay; although, it is about spending time with your hosts usually, so it is not an meant if you're JUST looking for a place to stay. If you want to meet up with locals just to get shown around, it's used for that, too. Maybe you can reciprocate by offering a sail? (Lots of CSer's are excited by the idea of sailing, being generally into unconventional means of getting around.) Incidentally, many times you are only surfing a couch in name, I often stayed in guest bedrooms when folks had them, but there are more options if you're comfortable unrolling a sleeping bag anywhere.
Anyway, I thought this would be another handy resource for sailfar'er's when they need a little break from the boat, want to meet the locals, or just need somewhere to stay while doing some repairs. This is a worldwide network.
Very cool. I signed up. I have enjoyed my time at Hostels, this is a new wrinkle that I like.
Thanks! Grog to ya.
Todd