New to sailing

jimi

jimi

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Some time over the next 7 days I will start sailing in the sea of the South Coast of England. I have sailed albeit a long time ago, what sort of things should I do, should I go far or just have a wee sleep to acclimatise? (note no z)!

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A guy i know is going to the med n back>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>in 3 weeks????????? at 7 knots.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.jersey-harbours.com
 
good idea, where's he starting from? I was think more of learning a few knots and working out how the loo works but hey might go for it .. now in light winds how many sails can I get up on a bermuda rig?

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I shouldn't rush things if i were you. To do this "sailing" thing you need a boat, in the water, with simple functioning systems, such as, err, oh I dunno, steering?

I understand that the Royal Posh Yachting Association do a thing called "Boat Master" or some such. Maybe you should find out what that is all about before going out on the water. Besides, I think you need a licence or something..

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Ooh that sounds complicated .. might start with cleaning the bilges .. can you recommend anything?

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Oh for goodness sake. If unsure, buy a motor boat. You can point and steer just like a car, and none of that silly string pulling stuff. Sweeping past raggies at close quarters with the autopilot on will ensure you get time for lots of zzzz's

If you choose well, it will have a holding tank, but no rudder, hence saving you a lot of time and distress


<hr width=100% size=1>Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabris, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam.
 
the first thing you need to do is buy a handheld vhf radio and then have a listen in on ch 16 and anywhere else it may take you. I'm sure you'll change your mind and take up another interest.
I play a little gentle golf - when the sun is shining - we do 9 holes after afternoon tea then retire to the bar for a few drinks having had a shower and got changed. Its rather civilised really. What are you doing on Friday at 3?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>regards
Claymore<font color=purple>
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Oooh err .. will I be able to radio checks with a hh just like real sailors? If so I don't really need a boat at all then ..

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Yes! Of course you will, but wait until you hear the bloke who refers to himself as MRSC or something like that talking about the Mayday Bank Holiday, he will then be delighted to confirm your radio is working OK.

<hr width=100% size=1>When God invented time he didn't give me enough of it.
 
Ooh .. Is that Lance? Cos the last time at that Bank Holiday somebody broadcast on Ch 16 .. Mayday .. see Lance .. so I just had to radio in for a radio check to see if it worked before enquiring who and where Lance was, and why I should go and see him. Eventually I elicited that Lance was somewhere called Feenie.. but I could'nt find that on my AA road atlas (sorry AA no aspersions intended) so I just went too the pub ..

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You don't need to limit it to radio checks.

Try Channel 16. Since this is by far the most interactive channel, the radio makers have even fitted a red button, just like on cable TV, although I've not yet heard a request to vote.

Once you're on 16 you can join in a radio chatroom with all sorts of nice people. There's even a bit of drama from time to time, but I've never found it listed in the papers radio guide.



<hr width=100% size=1>my opinion is complete rubbish, probably.
 
Shopping list

Dear beginner.

You must not, absolutely not, go sailing without obtaining some special items of kit. These will make you an expert and you need never worry again about nonsense like Yachtwaster exams. You need:

1. Oakley sunglasses.
2. Dubarry Seaboots
3. £1000 worth of breathable ocean quality oilskins. These should be either from Musto or Henri Lloyd and bear some discreet branding such as Volvo Ocean Race or Kingfisher.
4. A top quality lifejacket and harness, sized to fit you. BUT on no account is this to be worn. Hang it somewhere conspicuous inside the hatchway, and then, no matter how gruelling the conditions, say from time to time "Not bad enough for the old Mae West yet lads."
5. A blue ensign
6. The codes to the toilets and shower blocks of every marina between Poole and Chichester.
7. A considerable quantity of courtesy ensigns. Ignore France and Holland, everyone has those and what's more they are easily confused. It's better to obtain a job lot from a retired memeber of the RCC. If it includes Panama, Chile and the Northern Celebes, so much the better.
8. A platinum credit card
9. A quantity of tee or polo shirts branded with things like:
• Rolex Swan Regatta, San Francisco, 1988
• Antigua Race Week, 1976
• Fastnet Survivor, 1979
• Cape Town - Rio - Reykjavik Triangle Millennium Race
• Lake Titicaca Laser Championships, 2002
• Sydney Olympics, Finn Finalist
• Antibes Classics Regatta, 2001
• Mirabella V Tuning Crew
(such shirts can usually be bought for a song from any one of dozens of blond tanned guys who are making a half of bitter last all night in the King & Queen, Hamble)

Avoid anything saying Cowes Week, no matter what year, or Scuttlebutt Cherbourg Cruise 2003, or Beneteau Owner's Association Rally.

You are now ready to sail the arse off anything bigger than a Mirror dinghy. No experience necessary.

PS - Never sail wearing socks.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>
 
Re: Shopping list

oohhhh dearrie me..

Can't I wear what all the sailors wear
pm_CH-BJA.jpg




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Re: Shopping list

And most important, the hat with the gold braid on the peak!

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by ScoutLeader on 10/06/2004 22:48 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Re: Shopping list

I find it useful to take SWMBO along, shouting loudly at her when I miss the pontoon boosts my confidence and ensures all spectators know that it wasn't my fault.

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