Sail boat Firsty

[syd]

Hi all

I've had motor/fishing boats, on and off for the past 26 years and have decided I would like to give sailing a try.
I live on Canvey Island and have sent e mails out to all local clubs to no avail. Never having stepped foot on a sail boat before, I'm a bit reluctant to sign up for a course which'll probably cost a few hundred quid only to find out its not for me.
I'm looking for someone who can take me along with them and give me an idea of what to expect. Would split any expenses of course and buy a few rounds of whats your pleasure.
The allure of venturing farther afield without looking for the next diesel stop, and being able to make way without the roar of the engines has me intrigued. Been without a boat for a year now and am missing the waves.

Hope one of you kind people can help.
Regards

Sid
Read more at http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?445620-Learning-to-sail#kiIxompEZhtl78me.99

 

[TangaraToo]

Cant help atm as boat is out of water. Due to launch mid-end March so if you're still looking to try sailing then I'm sure I could help you out.

 

[Concerto]

The vast majority of sailors do little sailing now until the weather warms up in the spring. My advice would be to wander down to the clubs on Canvey Island and chat to some boat owners. I feel sure you would be welcomed with open arms and offers to try sailing.

More as a general comment, what sort of sailing do you want to try? I am expecting a cruiser, but it could be a dinghy or racing cruiser. What sort of size boat are you expecting to sail on, something small in the low 20 feet size, 25 to 35 feet, or over 35 feet. There are large differences between how these boats feel on the water.

The advice given in the other thread is also good especially about the wind for a first sail. I took a 14 year old lad out sailing this summer for his first trip. The wind was 15 to 18 knots and I held full canvas, giving an exhilerating sail. His comment was I was a nutter and how did I manage to sail my 32ft boat singlehanded. To be honest there was nothing extreme on the day, but he could not cope with the healing in the gusts. Not sure if he will want another sail.

If you cannot find anyone local to you, then contact me and I will be happy to take you out on the Medway for a spin.

 

[johnalison]

I think you are right to save your money for the time being, as there is no mystery about sailing. Depending on how agile you are, a large dinghy like a Wayfarer could be a good introduction, with a chance to share the helming and other tasks. One the other hand, I'm sure you have enough feel for boats by now to enjoy a trip in a cruiser. There are some special skills to be acquired in cruisers, such as safe use of the winches, as well as the need to be tolerant of the boat heeling, which is a stumbling block for a few people used to horizontal craft. My boat is currently surrounded by concrete.

 

[MoodySabre]

I'm in Leigh and my boat stays in the water at Bradwell. I'd be happy to take you for a sail. This time of year it tends to be short day sails. The weather and moving house has deprived me of sailing for the past two months. I shall try and remember you. Are we talking weekends only? Roll on summer.