learning to sail

[vvv]

THe time is approaching when we will be able to buy our first boat. we had several replies to an earlier posting on this matter and we thank all those who responded. One of the criteria that my wife insists ( wisely) on is that we have more experience before we take the plunge. I have tidal day skipper qualification and my wife has com-petent crew ( mediterranean) we are now looking for an inland training school where we can re aquire skills( self taught) learnt when we used to race an albacore 20 tears ago. Can anyone recommend a good school that we can go to for mid week sailing tuition in the essex/ suffolk area prior to returning to sea with Sea Train at Orford ( we have found them to be excellent with well founded boats etc.). Also how does one go about getting berths as crew with owner skippers who need some help and what should one beware of when shipping out with comparative strangers.

We would appreciate any advice on all of the above. Thank you

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: shipping out with strangers

It’s a ‘suck it and see’ / feely thing. You go out with them on a local get to know you trip, if you don’t like them you don’t come back for more. Remember, its also a two way thing, they might not invite you again!

 

[david_e]

If you go racing as crew then it is most likely that you will get experience more quickly and and you will probably find it easier to get a ride. Having said that, your qualifications and past experience look good. With the market fairly depressed and slow now is not a bad time to think about buying and, as with most people you are likely to move on to another boat in a year or two. So you might consider that as an option, you will get the benefit of as much sailing as you want when you want and you could always do things the other way round i.e. take an experienced sailor with you.

 

[billskip]

Re: shipping out with strangers

The skippered charter buisness is allways "shipping with strangers" most skippers
fully understand the concern from new to the confines people..A good skipper will allways ensure you are comfortable..I would invite you but am in greece..the bb here tends to give personal opinions rather than generalise..(Sorry for spel mistks)..good luck ...bill

 

[Jeremy_W]

Racing as crew will give you experience, but probably the wrong sort: Remember as a new crew you won't touch the helm; trim the mainsheet; or even see the chart table for about half a season.
As these are precisely the skills you want to develop for owning your own boat I think it's the wrong route to developing your skills. Try to find somewhere that sails small keelboats like Squibs. They won't capsize like a dinghy, but they'll refresh your helming skills very quickly.

 

[lezgar]

I think that your wife don't want to buy a boat. If you have DS and your wife CC is enough for beginning to sail in your own boat. People charter boats without titulation and with less experience that you and usuallly they haven't accidents.

Like other post say crewing other boats and don't paying for intruction you only will work without learn about helm or navigation.

Don't wait more, buy your own boat and enjoy.

 

[tomboy352]

Re: shipping out with strangers

Sounds like you and the xw have enough technical knowledge but just have to break the ice , gain a little confidence, and get started. I tried race crew for a season but only learnt how to be race crew. A handful of hours dingy sailing taught me an understanding of the wind. After that ,we bought a boat, taking an experienced skipper out the first time. You will learn quickly enough by learning from your mistakes. Dont put yourself into situations that youre not ready for but keep nibbling at the experience barrior. You might consider a bareboat charter on the Broads, Lakes, or Caledonian canal to gain hands on where you cant come to much harm. Or even try a flotilla. Even if you sail as crew or sail with a School, you will still have to face having your own boat and the first few sailing errors we all make. Good luck