Where to start?

[Seajet]

White Horse,

I don't know the clubs in your area but at mine you wouldn't have to join initially to crew with other people, you just get signed in by a member; a case of strolling up to a likely club and asking a decent looking bod where you can find the secretary - this should lead to a chat explaining your situation, and an intro to the club, most clubs are keen to recruit - but you can usually be signed in by one member say 6 times before talk of membership.

This is definitely the way to go, don't buy a boat just yet.

 

[Robert Wilson]

I am out of touch with my old crowd in the area, but the advice above should be good start - although it'll be a while before you need navigation I imagine! Worthwhile, all the same, and good fun to attend courses with other people in "the same boat".
Hartlepool certainly is a good place to start, and I believe Sunderland have an active club.
Also there may be opportunities in the Lake District - Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston.

Good luck

 

[Avocet]

Apologies if someone else has already mentioned it, but although insurance isn't a legal requirement, most marinas and harbours will insist that you have at least 3rd Party insurance of £2 or 3 Million before they'll let you have a berth there. As has been said though, it's very cheap compared to a car. Another hidden cost is that if you're buying an older boat (it varies with each insurer but much over 20 years old and they might start asking) and you want more comprehensive insurance, most insurers will insist on a survey every 5-7 years or so. That will cost a few hundred quid (goes up with the size of boat) PLUS, of course, whatever work the surveyor ends up recommending.

 

[White_Horse]

Thanks for all the advice folks. I'll get over to Hartlepool as soon as I am able.