WHERE TO BEGIN??

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm 25 years old and have decided to go for it..... I've just quit my job so I have the time available to do the RYA courses that I need to do, to hopefully end up having a career in the sailing industry.

I've booked myself onto the first Competent Crew course and (as winter is on its way) I am planning to book myself onto the Day Skipper followed by the Coastal Skipper course in the Canaries with Sunsail.

As I'm on my own and a girl, and even though I'm really excited about it all, it all feels a bit daunting at the moment. So to get to know other people and keep myself informed as to what is going on in the sailing world and hopefully to go sailing sometimes with other people... I want to find a good/friendly yacht club to become a member of...Any idea's?? (I live in Hampshire)

Any help/advice on where to begin will be gratefully recieved.

Many Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Congratulations, you have just done what we all dream of but dare not !

In the UK you have this excellent training system designed by the RYA. But sometimes I wonder whether you all are brainwashed into believing that the only way to learn to sail is to do all the RYA courses, at great expense. And is it obvious that you actually learn everything on the courses ? What about "real-life" experience ?

I did the RYA YM Offshore in the UK, without doing any other RYA course beforehand. I submitted my CV, which included 30.000 miles sailed. I was accepted and passed the exam. So I saved all the money of all the other courses ! You should be aware that in most countries there is no culture of "doing courses" - people simply go out and learn by doing. Also the RYA courses, as far as I know, have no legal status outside the UK, so if you want to serve in the industry you may have a problem when serving on a non-UK registered vessel.

What I would do in your position: I would do the competent crew and then I would find myself a boat to sail on during weekends etc (most racing boats are in need of a crew occasionally - go to the local yacht club and meet people). Learn to sail and then think about whether you want/need all those courses.

And if you are really, really serious about working in the industry: why not apply to a training facility for commercial mariners. At least here in Finland you get a commercial unlimited ship captain's licence in 2 - 3 years (full time studies) at a cost less than the sum of the RYA courses. And that licence will be valid worldwide on virtually any ship.

Good luck anyway
Andreas


Andreas

 

[Twister_Ken]

Hampshire clubs

In my early days, when Ted Heath was still in the Admiral's Cup team, I just answered small ads in the back of Yachts & Yachting, and got all the sailing I could handle. Don't know whether that's still the market place?

You probably don't have to actually join a club yet. Pick some that have an active racing and crusing reputation, give them a call, and ask if a) they have a crew-wanted list that you could pop in and have a look at and b) if you could pin up a crew-available postcard on their premises. Top-of-head, clubs I'd suggest include Royal Southern, Hamble River, Royal Southampton, Royal Lymington, Lymington Town, Marchwood, Hayling Island, Island (Cowes) and Cowes Corinthian. No doubt there are plently of others including those in and around Chichester and Poole if you don't mind schlepping that far. In addition the Cruising Association run a crew matching service (usually for longer trips).

 

[Guest]

For crewing opportunities

also try posting a message in the crewing section of http://www.co32.org/PORTAL.HTM

 

[jollyjacktar]

Just do it!

I am told that in the greatest little yachting nation in the world (New Zealand) they have not heard of the RYA and any such courses, nor do they have any equivalent. NZ holds the America Cup, by the way, and have done very well in round the world races and rowing the Atlantic, so something must work.

Best experience is experience. Do some elementry training so that you are not a burden (too much anyway) and go to it.

Many yachties and clubs are very keen to show novices the ropes. Think about what you are doing, ask questions, help with the practical things maintenance and such like, read about things and enjoy the experience.

These pages are littered by experts "who have done the courses" but are unable to understand the simplest practical maintenance problem such like, connecting a gas line or reading the label on an antifouling paint tin, without calling in a land lubber expert and paying a fortune for the work done.

Go to it girl. Save your course fees. Enjoy the experience.

 

[Guest]

Just a quick note to all of you that replied to me....

Many thanks for all your tips/help. I think like all of you said...the main thing is to get out there and get the experience....I definitely need to join a club and get to know people....I think its just that first step of going on my own I need to get over!!

A friend of mine is sailing in the America's cup jubilee this week, so I'm gonna go over Friday and hopefully meet more people/contacts.....you never know!!

Thanks again guys....Happy sailing......

B..