Beginner looking for training

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quicest

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Hi everyone!
I am looking to learn about sailing. I searched on internet but all I've got were courses on fabulous prices. The money they are asking for going out on the water for a few hours, I could buy a small second hand yacht. I wonder if I could find anyone willing to teach me and my wife, going out on water on his boat, for a more reasonable money. I could afford to pay £50 for a few hours out on the water. What do you think, guys? Plus that you can meet new, nice people, coming from other cultures, other nationalities !?
 
I would recommend that you call in at your local yacht club and enquire. There are often owners looking for crew even beginners. They may let you post a note on their club notice board.
 
Mel said:
I would recommend that you call in at your local yacht club and enquire. There are often owners looking for crew even beginners. They may let you post a note on their club notice board.
Click to expand...
Thanks Mel for your quick response. I didn't mention that I've been there and paid £180 for about five hours training in level 1 on dinghies. Realize how much it will cost the next levels! I've been told that I can become a member of the club ( for about £450/year) and I MiGHT find occasions like that. I consider that a bit to much for something that it MIGHT happen.
 
There is nothing to stop you just buying a boat and learning by yourself. Others have done the same in the past. However, you may then discover that going on a course is a good investment as it will teach you the basics and you will be in a better position to know what you are looking for in a boat. Likewise joining a good active club is the best way of meeting other people - that is partly the role of clubs. You may well be able to find a professional skipper who will give you some own boat tuition, assuming you have a suitable boat. However do not expect them to do it for pocket money - it is not a cheap alternative to a proper course.
 
Join a local sailing club. You will almost certainly get a skipper who will have you as rookie crew as most clubs welcome new members and beginners. Lots of peops there to speak to and different boats to look at. Also, try and see training as an investment not a cost. As Tranona says, training now may save you money in future. You could start with a competent crew course.
 
Tranona said:
There is nothing to stop you just buying a boat and learning by yourself. Others have done the same in the past. However, you may then discover that going on a course is a good investment as it will teach you the basics and you will be in a better position to know what you are looking for in a boat. Likewise joining a good active club is the best way of meeting other people - that is partly the role of clubs. You may well be able to find a professional skipper who will give you some own boat tuition, assuming you have a suitable boat. However do not expect them to do it for pocket money - it is not a cheap alternative to a proper course.
Click to expand...
You're very right Tranona. Best learning is from a professional course. But when I am thinking that for the amount the clubs are asking I could buy a boat, I'd better do that. Buy my own boat and learn from an experienced person who's happy with the money I am offering, without being forced to pay the fees for an entire club (secretaries, managers,porters, cleaners etc.). This is what I am looking for. I am sure that it can be some lone sailors with the willing of making a few pounds in the same time with enjoying a day out on water.
And the best example is Albineer's ideea where you can find indeed crew demand.
(The only problem is that what I've found so far were looking for long trips companions.:(
 
xyachtdave said:
http://www.erithyachtclub.org.uk/index.php/how-to-join


This looks local to you and about 1/2 your £450 a year. If you buy a boat you will have to keep it somewhere and a yacht club is good place to start.
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This is the first place where I asked. If you read carefully you'll find that is £250 membership fee, £450 mooring fee, £225 allocation mooring fee and the most important : there are not available moorings! :(
 
Your going to do well to get a mooring for under £500 a year in this part of the world.

A haul in/out, use of the scrubbing facility (you'll need this), club fees, mooring, mooring maintenance and tender parking...somewhere in the region of £1500 a year for 11 m boat.

Have a look at MYC but fees are similar to join unfortunately.
 
Boating is not a cheap hobby. Unless you are very hands-on and willing to teach yourself, or can make some boat-owning friends, you are going to have to put your hand in your pocket. Whilst the sea is available for anyone for free it's the bit between the dry land and the wet sea that you have to pay for.
 
quicest said:
This is the first place where I asked. If you read carefully you'll find that is £250 membership fee, £450 mooring fee, £225 allocation mooring fee and the most important : there are not available moorings! :(
Click to expand...

That sounds very reasonable - the lack of available moorings tells a story. You will not find commercial moorings anywhere near that price, plus you have all the problems of having somewhere for your dinghy, parking your car, hauling out in the winter etc etc.

Clubs are invariably cheaper options plus you have the benefit of the social side. Bite the bullet and join in.
 
Lakesailor said:
Boating is not a cheap hobby. Unless you are very hands-on and willing to teach yourself, or can make some boat-owning friends, you are going to have to put your hand in your pocket. Whilst the sea is available for anyone for free it's the bit between the dry land and the wet sea that you have to pay for.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I have noticed that. What I am trying to do is to find a cheaper way, like everyone wants.
I am a very hands-on person, willing to work hard and find new friends. But because I am earning my money with hard work I don't want to spend it without a proper research for cheaper ways to obtain my wishes.
Therefore, my offer still stands on but I am also open to other suggestions.
:encouragement:
 
quicest said:
Unfortunately, I have noticed that. What I am trying to do is to find a cheaper way, like everyone wants.
I am a very hands-on person, willing to work hard and find new friends. But because I am earning my money with hard work I don't want to spend it without a proper research for cheaper ways to obtain my wishes.
Therefore, my offer still stands on but I am also open to other suggestions.
:encouragement:
Click to expand...


Cheapest way, is to get a book from your library, read it & use what you've absorbed in practice on your own boat.
Pls pick a quiet bit of water, so you don't bump into the rest of us. ;)
 
quicest said:
Unfortunately, I have noticed that. What I am trying to do is to find a cheaper way, like everyone wants.
I am a very hands-on person, willing to work hard and find new friends. But because I am earning my money with hard work I don't want to spend it without a proper research for cheaper ways to obtain my wishes.
Therefore, my offer still stands on but I am also open to other suggestions.
:encouragement:
Click to expand...

How do you think sailing instructors earn a crust?
 
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