almorris
New member
Hello, Looking ahead over a period of 10 years, what courses / experience would you recommend to becoming confident at sailing single handed in coastal waters? Base level from zero.
Take care
Take care
Planning ahead
- Thread starter almorris
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Tranona
Well-known member
Welcome to the forum
RYA courses provide a ladder and sailing schools theory and practical courses starting at competent crew and upwards to Yachtmaster. You can do all of that without ever owning a boat as once you get going various opportunities come up for crewing to gain experience.
On the other hand you can do what many have done and just buy a boat and maybe a few books and theory courses. In between options include joining a club and getting experience crewing and maybe dinghy sailing to see what you like before buying a boat.
So, no one way, but probably important you find out first whether you like the reality rather than the image of sailing on a smallish yacht before taking the plunge with your own boat.
RYA courses provide a ladder and sailing schools theory and practical courses starting at competent crew and upwards to Yachtmaster. You can do all of that without ever owning a boat as once you get going various opportunities come up for crewing to gain experience.
On the other hand you can do what many have done and just buy a boat and maybe a few books and theory courses. In between options include joining a club and getting experience crewing and maybe dinghy sailing to see what you like before buying a boat.
So, no one way, but probably important you find out first whether you like the reality rather than the image of sailing on a smallish yacht before taking the plunge with your own boat.
almorris
New member
Thank you.
dunedin
Well-known member
Great advice from Tranona as ever. Hence doing a couple of courses such as Competent Crew and Day Skipper will allow you to both learn the basics and find out the realities of boating (sometimes cold, wet and bumpy!)
Perhaps then consider a flotilla charter somewhere warm, if budget permit.
Graham376
Well-known member
Starting from zero knowledge about boats, I did a competent crew course to see whether I liked sailing, then bought a boat and got some on board instruction, as well as doing day skipper theory at night school over winter.