New to Yachting, What do i need to do

[David_Jersey]

For anyone thats interested, Cockpit deck is finished, i built it in a beautiful hardwood finished with satin international yacht varnish. foto's coming as soon as boat is scrubbed.

Building new door way boards today in marine ply....off i go got work to do...

Looking forward to the Photos

 

[aquaplane]

Looking forward to the Photos

I'm looking forward to sitting in it!

 

[ninky]

I learned to sail in Wellington New Zealand (competent crew equivalent - LOTS of wind) and crewed for two boats for two seasons of harbour races. Still didn't really know what I was doing as never got to helm but did learn about sail changes, reefing etc. Big gap back in UK then did a weekend dingy course (really improved my understanding of wind and sails) and my day skipper (theory and practical in one course) . The boat we had was furling headsail and main and don't think we changed the car position once so not sure how much I learnt about sailing on that but did learn more about mooring and the navigational stuff (tides currents fixes etc). Bought a boat and that really forces you to learn. I recommend it.

I suggest a competent crew course, maybe a dingy course and then crew for others for a season. Then buy your boat. You don't need to charter loads before buying - this is a bit like saying hire several cars before you buy one - plus charter companies favour certain types of boats that might not necessarily be what is right for you. But do read up on recommendations.

 

[ninky]

Coil rope and fix with ties - bung in washing machine at 40C and small amount of powder ... forget the pillow case advice .. ties keep rope easy to uncoil after. hang to dry naturally.

...

putting sheets (ropes) in a washing machine is a BAD idea, best way to shorten their life with all that floggin on spin cycle. in the bathtub with some washing powder and trample them like treading grapes is much kinder.

 

[cumbrian]

Unfortunately you can in this country. Think about it though....

thank god we can. Don't think about it just do it.

or on the other hand, maybe just pause, is it the right thing, er, maybe i should, erm, i wonder if, o no, its all too risky. best check with RYA about what to do...

i mean - can we keep some perspective!

 

[peter radclyffe]

It does not need five years, I agree with the dinghy sailing as a start, but all you need to do is find a club in the area that suits you, one with both dinghies and cruisers, join, consider family membership if you all want to get involved, let it be known that you want to sail. Everyone is looking for keen crew. Inside a season youshould know enough about it to work out the next step and will have met people you can trust to advise you.

if you have 20 grand you may be able to buy a dodgy 200 ton oh ar why ay skippers ticket in the med

 

[TQA]

Hi Jason

In your position I would do more or less exactly what you are planning to do. Get yourself to Windemere, and find someone to help you workout what bit of string to pull and how to hang the rags on the sticks. Get yourself a book and enjoy learning to sail. My thanks to Jim [ the schuss ]Anderson who did exactly that for me on the first day I launched my Jaguar 22 without much idea about rigging it.

This sailing lark is 99% common sense. One day or two at the most should give you enough confidence to go off on your own. You have driven your mobo around so you know how boats behave under power. If in doubt pull the sails down and motor in. You do not say what motor you have. If the Sonata has been raced you might have a tiddly 3.5 hp shorty with no reverse. It might be interesting to hear from a Sonata owner about having something more like a 8 hp longshaft with reverse.

Listen to weather forecasts and reduce sail THE FIRST TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT. You can always put it back up.

 

[JasonClark]

Hi Jason

In your position I would do more or less exactly what you are planning to do. Get yourself to Windemere, and find someone to help you workout what bit of string to pull and how to hang the rags on the sticks. Get yourself a book and enjoy learning to sail. My thanks to Jim [ the schuss ]Anderson who did exactly that for me on the first day I launched my Jaguar 22 without much idea about rigging it.

This sailing lark is 99% common sense. One day or two at the most should give you enough confidence to go off on your own. You have driven your mobo around so you know how boats behave under power. If in doubt pull the sails down and motor in. You do not say what motor you have. If the Sonata has been raced you might have a tiddly 3.5 hp shorty with no reverse. It might be interesting to hear from a Sonata owner about having something more like a 8 hp longshaft with reverse.

Listen to weather forecasts and reduce sail THE FIRST TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT. You can always put it back up.

Hi,
I didnt get that Sonata. To many people said to me on here its a pretty unstable boat for a first boat, plus ontop of that the marina would not accept my final offer price.

So i bought a Westerly Cirrus 22 Ft 'er instead. And the other Marina did accept my final offer price , plus ontop o that My westerly is in better shape than that Sonata was at less than a third of the price which makes me very happy bunny.

It has a Volvo MD1 Inboard diesel, approx 7 HP so i am told. and it seems to run well.

I'll try to use this thread as an ongoing Journal for anyone else to read that was or is in the same position as me. right from not knowing anything about sail boats and not owning a boat throught to doing it up and aquiring moorings to sailing her. It will be interesting reading for newbies thinks I.