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Welcome Gordon, must admit I came to sailing a bit later than some, but the best way I've found to learn anything isn't from books. Currently reading up for my day skipper exam but from what I've got through so far, I can't help thinking I picked this all up by going out with others and just doing it. The thought of dingy sailing doesn't appeal to either of us and I think if we had started off going that way, we would never have carried on. Plenty of people out there to get some sailing experience, keep an eye on here and the crewing forum for people looking for crew. If they want hands but not bothered about experience, jump in and get yourself known. Get involved here and you might even get some personal invites (check your notifications every now and then, top right) by PM
It happens, and usually by the nicest people you could hope to meet. You'll learn more that way than by freezing and getting soaked on a small dinghy, at least I think so
Best of luck and hope to see you out there soon


[edit]Posted late, so crossed over
 
I think dinghies do teach you a lot about wind sense and the basics of moving a boat around but Molly and I started in them when we were youngsters (around age 30!!) then moved to cruisers when the kids came along. We found dinghies really enjoyable, socially as well as from a sailing point of view, but around age 40 the cold wetsuits and smelly feet began to lose their appeal.

If we'd started later in life we probably would have gone to a larger dayboat/keelboat instead, which might be a compromise between a dinghy and a full-on cruiser. Something 16-18ft solidly built will teach you a lot without scaring you to death and tipping you in the water every gust.

But the night courses would be good because you will meet other people learning at the same time. Our experience of the winter day skipper courses was that you made friends quickly (common interest and enthusiasm) and then people buddied up and went on real sailing trips together. Likewise joining a sailing club, which is another great way to meet people and learn what it's all about. Just avoid the stuffy pompous ones...

You'll love it Gordon, just get out there and start enjoying it :)
 
Welcome

Hi and welcome to the forum

Lots of good advice given above.... I came to sailing later in life and went straight onto cruisers. Ian had sailed dingies for years. I would not want to start sailing dingies now as you can learn to sail straight onto bigger boats. A lot of the skills you require on a bigger boat you could not learn from dingies.

Our first 'bigger' boat was a 21' but we very quickly found it was too small for what we wanted. It was fine for a quick sail and back, but we wanted to go further and to stay for a few nights. So we bought a 32.3 Beneteau, which we love. We're taking her up to Ipswich Haven for the winter. You would be more than welcome to pop and see us and our boat, for a chat and a trip out. :cool:

Stephanie
 
LeonF said:
You would learn a lot more than doing competent crew (I am presuming you don't want to only crew for other people ).
Click to expand...

That's interesting...

When I did my competent crew course, we had a guy doing his coastal skipper exam so we learnt alot more than just 'crewing for someone'

Even without the Coastal Skipper element I think the competent crew course is an excellent course to take if you're new to sailing and want to sail cruising yachts.

Mooring a 36 Ft Bav under power and sail, Correct Rope techniques, Sailing at all points of sail, Weather helm etc, Night Sailing, Man Over Board both under power and sail, Picking up a mooring buoy under power and sail, hoisting / trimming sails etc etc

After the course I had more than enough knowledge to step on a Yacht and start sailing.

So personally speaking I think it's an excellent choice for that style of boat.
 
Thanks Stephanie for the reply, I have definitely got the fact that I am not to old which was my main problem, your offer for me to visit your boat is very welcome and maybe when I have sorted out what I am going to do I would be very grateful to take you up on your offer.
I think me to would be looking at something in the 21 foot range to start.

I have been looking at the courses on the web and there are plenty of places to go. Thanks fire99 for the tip the competent crew course sounds ideal.
And thanks everyone else you have all been great.
Gordon
 
Sixpence is a 21 ft'er, old Robert Tucker designed Debutante, and we've found her perfect for learning on, after we did all the work needed to make her seaworthy again after she had been neglected in the past. Good boats if you can find one, and end of season is a good time to buy too as prices are lower than when the season starts and people get the urge to have a go
Unfortunately we aren't selling, until spring next year ;)
Shh, don't tell anyone :D
 
Hi,
I would suggest you don't try a distance learning course. Doing a classroom based course (which is mainly basic navigation , safety weather etc) enables you to meet other people ,some of whom will be in a similiar position to you or have boats but need crew.

As for your age my view is that in reality this cruising lark nis best suited to those who are retired or otherwise don't have to work. I know many wont agree with me but I'm some of us have had the experience of knowing "we've got to get back by Sunday". The other side of this copin of course is that you can keep sailing well into old age. My Father aged 79 sails regularly and co-owns a boat with someone he was at school with and regularly sails to France (not from the east coast though!)

Regards
 
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