Getting into sailing

[steve yates]

I did a comp crew last year, so I knew how to tie up the boat and stuff. Then I bought a cheap little trailer sailer at the end of last year. couple of cruises across the solway firth singlehanded taught me a lot, then I left Cumbria back in May for Isle of Man, I sail her for a week or 10 days, then leave her where I end up and go back to work. She is now at the very top of NW Scotland, via ireland and the hebrides and I must have almost a 1000 nm cruising under my belt, 90% of that singlehanded. I have 5 weeks or so left before nov to get her back now, unless the winter gales curtail that.

It's really not hard, at all. A bit of common sense, some ability to navigate and just use your eyes and your head and you'll be fine. I'll sail in anything up to force 5-6, I'm more likely to stay in port to avoid 4m waves than I am to stay in and avoid wind. I'm happy to reef the thing down to scraps, as long as she sails relatively flat, thats fine.

I'm still a rubbish sailor, and I've made most of the mistakes in the book already, but I have gained a lot of experience, quickly. It really is a great way to learn. Nothing beats being master of your own vessel, no matter how small and scruffy, with a whole plethora of adventures opening up in front of you, and your choice alone of where to go explore and when.

 

[capnsensible]

They are just about to do a 12 day one starting in Oct, see their Facebook page. Thoroughly recommend them.

Thanks! :encouragement:

 

[Mikedefieslife]

Recently did a RYA Comp Crew course with Captain Sensible's Hercules Sailing School in Gibraltar.

Thanks for the recommendations, I had a thoroughly enjoyable week, and from talking to some other people who took their comp crew courses elsewhere, it seems I got much more time at the helm and practicing manoeuvres than I might have had at some other schools. Would definitely recommend.

Recently got back from Lanzarote where I was hanging out/helping out prep a large catamaran for an Atlantic crossing. A different, but again thoroughly enjoyable time. Shame we only had 2 knots of wind though so had to motor.

Now looking to get some more hours under my belt and build my experience.

 

[Babylon]

Good to hear you've got stuck in!

All experience is good. Whether dinghy sailing locally or yacht sailing courses further afield or cadging rides as crew, do whatever works for you.

I won't bore everyone with my own story, save that I got into sailing aged 40. Dinghy sailing isn't a pre-requisite but it will quickly teach you to 'feel' the wind, the boat and the sea, which (with some differences) does translate upwards to larger sailing vessels. My best crew to date is a nineteen year old who both used to race dinghies on a reservoir AND has done some offshore yacht delivery work.

Certainly don't assume that everyone who sails a yacht knows what they're doing. Remove their engines and GPS and you'll soon find out! Watching people make a hash of picking up a mooring-buoy or mis-handle their yacht onto or off a pontoon can be something of a spectator-sport. Test people's helming skills by blindfolding them.

Read both YM and PBO until they start repeating themselves.

Do the practical courses at least up to Day Skipper and theory up to YM. YM exam appears to be as much to do with crew-management as sailing skills etc. (I haven't got round to it, despite having 5,500 sea miles, but I tend to singlehand anyway - 27 footer.) Sea survival is a good bolt-on course, and you'll need VHF too. If you're good with engines then you can skip the Diesel, but make sure you understand how marine engines work and how to keep them happy.

Eschew electronic navigation for as long as you can. Hone your instincts first by becoming thoroughly-practiced in traditional navigation. Look at the sea and the sails before you look at the electronic gadgets.

Don't waste too much money on designer-gear, but learn to keep yourself warm, dry and well-fed.

Later, when you come on here for advice on what boat to buy, you'll get a lot of conflicting advice.

Jon