Experience required

I don't know how long you have to sort this out - but this is probably the wrong time of year to ask. Many people have their boats out of the water - or at least part-winterised - at this time of year and I for one would be much more cagey about taking an unknown crew member aboard in the sort of weather we've been having recently than later in the year when the weather is more predictable.
 
I followed the same route via windsurfing, dinghies, Hobie Cats etc over 10 years ago. (Still windsurfing when the wind is too strong for sailing!) Now on 3rd yacht. You will find the technicalities of sailing easy and your wind awareness will be streets ahead of many yachties. If fact people following your route reply much less on instruments etc. which can be a good thing.

The big difference is that things happen much more slowly. I distinctly remember my first yacht experience. After the "rush" of getting the boat sorted out, getting out to sea, setting sails and then - what next I asked ? - answer - well not much for the next hour or so, just enjoy the ride/scenery/etc.

A big difference is boat handling in and around other boats, marinas etc so best get some help there. You might be able to do some practical in a marina at this time of year. Contact local RYA school.

Also, you will need to get to grips with tides, pilotage, charts etc etc. As bedouin says, bad time for getting on-the-water experience but why not sign up to an RYA shorebased navigation course. Also possibly VHF radio course.

Best of luck and hope you enjoy many years of happy yachting.

Hope this helps
 
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Also, you will need to get to grips with tides, pilotage, charts etc etc. As bedouin says, bad time for getting on-the-water experience but why not sign up to an RYA shorebased navigation course. Also possibly VHF radio course.

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er he has DS theory and DS practical for power and DSC VHF - it's the yacht practical bit he's looking to build on (for Sunsail

bty I find a fin keeled yacht the easiest thing (ft for ft) to handle in a marina - not harder.
 
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bty I find a fin keeled yacht the easiest thing (ft for ft) to handle in a marina - not harder.

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LOL

I suspect you are thinking of modern BenJenBav's with sail drives.

Try handling a heavy displacement long keel boat with a two bladed folding prop which is offset from the centre-line (without bow thruster of course) and then tell me it is easy /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I have tried, and it's easier with any keel than with no keel (as with mobo) - a keelboat mostly goes forwards in the direction of the centreline, whereas a motorboat almost never does.
 
Hi Mark,
I sail from Burnham on Sea.
29' long keel Van der Stadt design. Some cruising and some club racing. I usually have crew, but do sometimes have a space. How flexible are you for time, as I am retired and midweek is when I would be most likely to have spaces. We launch again on April 1st. (Yes - I know !)
Ken
 
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