Helping new sailors purchasing a boat.

[Ubergeekian]

Let's not forget that crewing on other's boats is only one way into yachting. Many of us came up the other way: small dinghies, bigger dinghies, small things with lids, big things with lids. It's quite possible to get into yachting without ever crewing for anyone else. That's not to disparage the offers of trips, of course.

 

[Magaz97]

Let's not forget that crewing on other's boats is only one way into yachting. Many of us came up the other way: small dinghies, bigger dinghies, small things with lids, big things with lids. It's quite possible to get into yachting without ever crewing for anyone else. That's not to disparage the offers of trips, of course.

This is quite true, and is the route that I have taken to date. I sail my Flying Fifteen most weekends. However the step into Yachting can be quite difficult, unless you are prepared to buy your own. There are not very many opportunities to crew a yacht in the North East, unless you know someone who is a Skipper of their own boat.....

I am quite sure that my next step is to buy a boat myself. I have a few on my shortlist. However, it would still be good to gain experience with someone else. Build a few miles and learn some valuable lessons.

 

[Ubergeekian]

This is quite true, and is the route that I have taken to date. I sail my Flying Fifteen most weekends. However the step into Yachting can be quite difficult, unless you are prepared to buy your own.

No problem there - you can pick up a good small boat (Corribee, Hunter 19, Jouster, Silhouette, ...) for practically nothing. If you can sail a Flying Fifteen you can sail any of them, so all you need to add is navigation (simple) and anchoring (easy-peasy). you've done all the hard stuff!

I am quite sure that my next step is to buy a boat myself. I have a few on my shortlist. However, it would still be good to gain experience with someone else. Build a few miles and learn some valuable lessons.

That's a worthy aim and a good idea. Remember, though, that the next step can be really quite small.

 

[puddock]

I think that is an excellent idea.
I don't have much experience myself, having only sailed for a season.

 

[Phideaux]

Another factor is (well in my case )learning how to rig your new boat,what equipment to have on board, I say this because some of us newbies have very limited budgets (no doubt many oldies are too) and have bought a boat that needs a bit of work doing but no idea what !

I agree wholeheartedly.

 

[Slow_boat]

I'm more than happy to meet/talk to/show around/take out for a day or two newbies on the East coast.

I don't race and specialise in cheap sailing!