How to start sailing.

[dgadee]

I was 26. Colleague was looking for crew. I went, did what I was told and he took me back on loads of other trips. I was single and available at the drop of a hat. Then I thought I knew enough to buy for myself. Ha! But God looks after the idiot sailor. I've never really been the type to do courses, so we all differ.

 

[KompetentKrew]

Recommend this club: Home - Phoenix Yacht Club

It's basically a boat coop - you pay an annual membership and then on a per-day basis towards boat maintenance costs. The day rate is very cheap weekdays and out of season, you get a variety of experienced skippers to sail with, there's an annual cruise (typically to Brittany, Scotland or Friesland) and RYA qualifications are practically free.

Once you've got some experience (maybe 20 or 30 days onboard) check out the Facebook crewing groups.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

If you speak French you could take a course in France with this organisation, whose mission is to democratise sailing:
Apprendre la voile avec la 1ère école d’Europe | Glenans (Make allowances for the clunky translation)
They teach people of all ages, with residential courses for dinghy/catamaran sailors and live-aboard courses on cruising boats:
You could enquire as to the existence of courses in Engish.
There used to be an affiliate association in Ireland, but , sadly, it is now defunct:
Glenans Ireland - Wikipedia

(All of their boats have a red stripe on the mainsail - see my profile pic )

 

[BobUp99]

Thank you all for your helpful replies, didn't expect so many.

Lots to go do and find out.

I am 55 pushing on 21, did I really say 55 ! still pretty fit and able, feel far too young and optimistic for my age ...

 

[Concerto]

Thank you all for your helpful replies, didn't expect so many.

Lots to go do and find out.

I am 55 pushing on 21, did I really say 55 ! still pretty fit and able, feel far too young and optimistic for my age ...

You are just a whipper snapper to most of us on the forum. I am 67, been sailing for over half a century, and I am still learning.

 

[Kukri]

Thank you all for your helpful replies, didn't expect so many.

Lots to go do and find out.

I am 55 pushing on 21, did I really say 55 ! still pretty fit and able, feel far too young and optimistic for my age ...

You may reassure yourself by thinking of the many very capable yachtsmen who started to learn to sail after they were fifty-five. Francis Chichester and HW Tilman were two.

 

[Stemar]

been sailing for over half a century, and I am still learning.

The day you stop learning is the day to stop. That's when you become a danger to yourself and everyone around you!

Sailing, driving, most things really

 

[Jim@sea]

A friend took me sailing in a small dingy, I capsized to boat as I had not been instructed what to do.
We were sailing off a beach in Majorca, he gave me the Jib sheet to hold the boat leaned over and I pulled harder on the Jib sheet which meant the dingy capsized.
Fifteen years later after having 2 power boats, I took a Sailing Course which involved dinghy's , that was 1971. Still remember it.
Worth every penny.

 

[slawosz]

I would say thats really depend of what kind of person you are. Some like to buy a first sensible yacht and learn everything as they go, some prefer to take courses. Joining a club with its own dinghy could be the best, although slightly challenging way to learn. Regarding kit, some people are happy with drysuits some with wetsuits, depending on their cold tolerance level.

 

[DownWest]

As above, there are several inland places with dinghy clubs near London. Staines? Used to be a keen mob at Broxbourne on the sand pits at Nazing. Maybe still?

 

[slawosz]

As above, there are several inland places with dinghy clubs near London. Staines? Used to be a keen mob at Broxbourne on the sand pits at Nazing. Maybe still?

Its Fishers Green Sailing Club, I am a member there. Its absolutely great place to sail, the most friendly people you could imagine, lot of action every Saturday and Sunday as long as lake is not frozen and during summer Wednesdays there is almost always at least 20 boats on the water. Active Merlin Rocket, Solo and Laser fleet + some other classes.

 

[Rhylsailer99]

Hi,
I wish to start sailing, and one day perhaps own a sailing boat and do some ocean sailing.
I'm sure this is asked a dozen times or more.
Can you self teach yourself to sail, I wish to start off by purchasing a small one or two person dinghy.

I note many recommend taking the RYA Level 1 and 2 courses, can you self teach what you learn, or is it wise to take the courses.

I just bought a boat and raised the sails. I had sailing dinghy lessons booked but covid wrecked that so it all happened the wrong way around.
I just used the genoa at first to get a feel for it then used both sails and have managed fine.