Learn to sail?

[JC3]

OK guys, take it easy on this old man. I want to learn to sail. I am feeling pretty good, walking and getting back in shape. Still have a ways to go but doing lots better. I want to learn to sail because I WANT TO GO to the Caribbean. May not happen but I want to try even if i have to motor it the whole way. LOL! I have been all through the Bahamas several times so I have experience powerboating just not sailing. Looking at something like a Pearson 32 or Alberg 30. Something small. What are the thoughts of the CSR brain trust on this dream? Remember, take it easy on the old guy. JC

 

[yobub]

Go for it! There are many organizations that can teach you to sail. A bareboat certification course would be a good start, because it could teach you the systems and handling of a boat of that size. Depending on where you are located you might find a course locally, or you could travel for a weekend course.

I would strongly recommend finding a course rather than just hiring a captain to teach you. While you could learn to sail from a captain, and certification course would have a more comprehensive curriculum. Also, look for instructors that are certified by the ASA.

 

[sbw1]

Sailing is not at all difficult to learn. You could buy a small Sunfish and learn the basics on any small inland lake near where you live. I went from sailing Sunfishes on Lake Michigan, to Hobe Cats on Lake Michigan. Then a Morgan 28 to a C and C 30. Except for the catamaran, they all sailed pretty much the same. Cats do not come about as easily as monohulls and they are easier to jibe when changing tacks. Once you you learn on a small boat, the bigger vessels you mentioned will be very easy to learn with an experienced teacher.

 

[Lazy Daze]

There's no reason it can't happen. The only reason for it NOT happening would be you! Those of you who know the Warren Miller's movies, may know one of his famous lines... "If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do."

The size boat you've got in mind is just fine. After I was right out of college, my uncle informed he was looking at an older 29' Pearson. It was for sale through Boat Angel and it was located in the old Brooklyn Navy yard. We went to look at it together and everything was "ship shape". The goal was to get it to our cottages in Friendhsip, ME. So, next, he says "It doesn't have a trailer. I can buy a trailer or we can sail it up." We both cracked up laughing at the same time... as if it was even a consideration to buy a trailer! Cool trip.

You should definitely do it!

Quick story about a cat... Again, with my uncle, this time already up in Maine. First time for both of us on a cat - a Hobie 16. So, on a normal sailboat, we don't really worry about lobster traps and their lines as they pretty much just slide right off the keel. Might slow you down a bit, but that's about it. Well, when you're "flying a hull" and grab a pot... IT'S NOT QUITE THE SAME EXPERIENCE! How we didn't pitch pole, I don't know - especially as the front, port bow dug into the water. But we certainly learned REAL QUICK something not to do again! Avoid lobster traps when on a cat.

 

[sbw1]

Here is the boat I learned to sail on. The beach is in Evanston, Illinois just north of Chicago. Two friends had similar boats and we sailed them almost to Michigan City one day from this beach. We got cold feet about 18 miles into the trip and turned around and headed back home.

 

[BillK2632]

I learned to sail on the exact boat- same color and all.