Coming out of sailing retirement - advice please?

[KeithMD]

My wife and I have had our yacht out of the water in Plymouth for the last four years, unused, for various non-sailing reasons. But now our grown-up children are making serious noises about wanting to put it back in the water and use it. I'm delighted they are asking, but not wanting to discourage them with a long to-do list. My main worries are (1) remembering everything we've forgotten (2) getting the boat seaworthy again and (3) getting our skills back up to scratch. Has anyone else been in a similar situation, and how did they cope? Assuming we can find a marina berth, and get it back in the water. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

I was in pretty much your position in 2007! I grew up sailing, but barring a few charter holidays, I had done little sailing between about 1988 and 2007. However, I soon found that sailing is like riding a bike - you don't forget how to do it! I went out with my brother a couple of times (he kept sailing) and soon found that there wasn't anything I'd forgotten. I did have the advantage that maps and navigation were part of my work, and my brother and I have always agreed that he's a better sailor but I'm a better navigator! My only problem is that I react instinctively to situations, and often can't explain why I've done something - at least, not until after I've done it! So I'm a bad teacher of sailing; too many things are just "Because"!

 

[Wansworth]

Get a good overhaul and run it whilst ashore…the engine that is. Fuel etc

 

[[70521]]

I'm in Plymouth. Finding a marina berth at the moment is 'challenging', have you thought of either Saltash SC or River Tamar SC and their moorings? Perhaps get a few days tuition from one of the local sea schools or finding somebody to take you out for a couple of day sails should get rusty skills back in working order.

 

[dunkelly]

I'm a ymi and have sailed to the Carribbean, lots in the canaries (where I used to teach) south coast up and down loads and now approaching 70 still can't remember which side buoy is green ( I always use rrr red,right ,returning as my mnemonic from the states coz they get everything wrong !!!! ) To clarify it is actually the opposite . My son (also getting older ) now wants to start using the boat and my main concern for him is that he understands 3 key navigational things . Always know the depth of water where you are and where you're going ,2 know the tidal rate and direction . 3 be familiar with the bouyage system . . As to getting the boat sorted lots of advice available here , and as said before the rest comes back to you like riding a bike .

 

[steveeasy]

As the post above states bit like riding a bike. Bit wobbly at first, but the more you go back out, the more confidence grows. Perhaps get some help with some of the pre launch preparations. Sounds like your have some great fun this year if your grown up children want to participate. Get them on board while you can.

Steveeasy

 

[ChromeDome]

I think it depends on the works of your brain, but an inspiration:
How to Remember Port and Starboard on a Cruise Ship (15 Ways) - Cruise Ship Traveller

 

[Halo]

The main thing is spend time on the boat. It will come back as you do things. Start by treating the fuel and checking the tank for carp.

 

[srm]

I had been playing a lot in small boats, teaching rowing and sailing, but had not sailed a yacht of my own for over 12 years. I then decided I wanted my own boat again so bought one in Plymouth. Spent a few weeks sorting it out then took it for a sail, singlehanded, home to Orkney. No big deal, though would realise in retrospect that I could have done some things a lot better.

As @AntarcticPilot said sailing is a bit like riding a bike. However, I would suggest that how quickly you get back into reacting correctly depends on how deeply involved you were with sailing before the break. I had been an YMI and ran skippered charters then continued working in a maritime environment teaching nav etc. so following my example and setting off to sail half way around Britain may not be your best re-introduction.

 

[veshengro]

Does it have to be a Marina berth or would a swinging mooring suit you? Once you have satisfied yourself that the engine is in good working order you could perhaps consider motoring up to Weir Quay on the Tamar if they have a swinging mooring available.
I have no connection with Weir Quay other than I spent a very pleasant few months Wintering there between voyages to the Med.
You could potter about on board, sorting the rig, and as Halo suggests above, just spend time on the boat away from the Marina Hordes.. and if nothing has changed, Weir Quay had some handy yard crew, if you need help with any work/repairs.