Sailing lessons/gaining experience on own boat on the Medway (Hooness)

[Charlandjaci]

Hi,

New to the forum and sailing as well.
I have recently (6 months ago) bought a 21ft fixed keel
I've had a couple of days out with experienced skippers giving me some lessons but unfortunately no one is available at the moment.
Looking for any one that might be able to give me/us (wife) some practical lessons if possible?
I have the boat which is on a swinging mooring outside Chatham Marina (hooness yacht club side) tender to get to and from as well as facility's for coffee and sandwiches etc.
If there is anyone that is keen, please do not hesitate to get a hold of me.
Happy to come to some arrangement in return, really just want to get someone with the experience so we can build up our experience and confidence.

Thanks for reading

 

[Marmalade]

Welcome to ECF - sorry you've not had any replies - normally things round here work a bit quicker but I suspect everyone's off making the most of the last good weekend...(if that's what it turns out to be).

You may need to re-frame your request, however. Only a certified and insured instructor could give you lessons in return for compensation - so that suggestion, however casual and well meaning probably rules many people out. I also suspect many forumites would shy away from the idea of formally teaching someone.

A simple request to go sailing, however, is often met more receptively; and you'd be amazed at how much you can learn just by going sailing with someone. There are many forumites down your way (can't speak for them, obviously) but you may find skippers who need crew sometimes, for example.

 

[Cheesey69]

I'm moored a little way upriver from you at thunderbolt pier and your story sounds like mine.
Don't fear going out on your own to learn by trial and error.
Once past the old power station pier the medway is wide and forgiving just keep an eye on your depth sounder.
Still learning and I guess I always will be but I think it adds to the experience, although learning my anchor winch needed servicing when trying to drop the hook, maintain something close to position while a spring tide was ebbing was interesting.
I find if I make a mistake, forget the wind direction and get stuck in irons, try to put the main up with the wind in it or just mess up no one laughs.
Plus you can always start your engine.
Sorry if I appear patronising but thanks to forums like this, books and someone everything seems to go smooth.
After I got the basics well sussed I will be having further education.

 

[johnalison]

I'm going to give the same advice I always give to questions like this - join a club. There will always be someone willing to do what you want. Other than posh clubs, all you need to do is just contact them, or turn up on an open day, often Sunday lunchtime. Many clubs will want you to turn up in person anyway, just to make sure you are not joining for cheap drinks.

The Medway is sheltered enough for you to learn on your own, but if you intend going further, just check out where the SS Montgomery is first.

 

[shortjohnsilver]

As suggested, get yourself into a club.

HNYC is ideal and is full of members, some with a vast amount of experience, who sail as often as they can and others who 'dabble' who generally manage to get out onto the river aboard other members boats. It's a very social club with approachable members.
There are often 'social' cruising day sails down to Queenborough, meal, a couple of beers and a good sail back. Fantastic day's.
There are plenty who will be happy to accompany you on such days and, I can assure you, you will be welcomed by all and learn a great deal.

It's there, just come along.

 

[Cantata]

I second that advice. HNYC is a smashing club, I have always enjoyed visits there.