Learning How to Sail

When it comes to sailing, there are all kinds of things to learn how to do. How you go about learning will depend on your particular style. For example, I am not patient enough to take classes, and have always relied more on the written word and on-the-water trial and error than on more formal modes of instruction. Here are examples of ways you can acquire the skills you feel you need:

Take courses.

Community colleges, marine chandleries, Coast Guard Auxiliary, boat shows, and a number of other enterprises offer seminars, workshops, and courses on a variety of topics related to cruising. If you learn best in a classroom or group environment, check out resources in your area.

Get one-on-one instruction.

Hire a sailing instructor. Look over the shoulder of a diesel mechanic. Talk to a sail maker. If you learn best through individual instruction and consultation, there should be any number of experts available that you can hire, exchange services with, or otherwise remunerate in return for instruction on a particular topic. Read everything you can get your hands on. Some people learn best through the written word. There are scads of books out there about every topic pertinent to cruising, so if you enjoy learning by reading, there is plenty of resource material available. Check out FineSailing.com for endless sources of information.

Learn on the water.

There are those who learn best by doing. Boat handling skills in particular are probably best mastered in situations. Which leads me to the next 'preparing to prepare' topic.

Getting Out on the Water

Find ways to get yourself and your partner onto the water, either separately or together. No matter how much you learn from books and courses, on-the-water experience is a great way to really solidify your skills. This will also help you decide if being on the water is worthy trying as a lifestyle.

Go with friends.

If you have friends with boats, go out with them. If you don't have a boat yourself, this will give you time on the water. If you do have a boat, this will expose you to different boat characteristics and equipment.

Charter a boat in your home waters.

If you are within easy reach of a body of water, charter a boat of the type or types that you are considering cruising. Vary the amount of time, the kind of boat, and the nature of the weather that you go out in. Charter a boat in faraway waters. Consider taking boating vacations in other parts of the world. Besides exposing you to different types of boats, this will put you into different environments and weather patterns.

Participate on a racing crew.

If you live in an area with an active racing community, either or both of you can join a crew (I question whether you and your spouse would want to be on the same crew, but that's up to you!).

Many coastal cities and town have 'Beer Can' races during the season that are a little bit more laid back and convivial than the mainstream racing events; these are best to participate in if you don't want to be a blood-n-guts racing competitor.

Copyright (c) 2004 Kerry S. Mason

About The Author

Kerry S. Mason is the webmaster for FineSailing.com, the Internet's #1 resource for sailors, boaters, fishermen and anyone who enjoys the water. Be sure to visit his entire archive of articles at... http://www.finesailing.com/articles/.

---

Alaska - Easy Cruise Guide

WHAT TO SEE: Legendary beautiful scenery of Alaska- magnificent coastal... Read More

Dining Out At Sea

If eating fine food is your pleasure, a cruise vacation... Read More

Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations

Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the... Read More

The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner

Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the... Read More

Exploring New Englands Shore By Sailboat

Of the six states that comprise our country's quaint New... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take... Read More

Alaska By Ship

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend... Read More

Carribean Cruise

Caribbean Cruises are among the most demanded cruise vacations in... Read More

Want a Dream Career? Get a Job on a Yacht!

If you're the "outdoorsy" type, prefer to work on a... Read More

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither... Read More

Cleaning Sails

Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with... Read More

A Land Divided - A World United - The Panama Canal

It has been called "the big ditch", "the bridge between... Read More

Stocking up Your Boat

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and... Read More

Australia Cruise Expert Guide

Australia is a country of amazing diversity and awe- inspiring... Read More

The Nile Cruise

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that... Read More

Dock and Deck Cleaning Business

A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will... Read More

Cleaning Canvas Tops on Boats

Cleaning boat canvas covers is difficult unless you know the... Read More

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted... Read More

First Time Cruisers

If you are a first time cruiser you are in... Read More

Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing

It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a... Read More

Exploring the Exotic - Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica is one of the great unexplored areas of the... Read More

Yacht Winterization Service Business

If you own a boat maintenance business you need to... Read More

Boat Hull Cleaning; Equipment Needed

How do you clean the hull on a boat when... Read More

Atlantic Ocean at Great Depths

The Atlantic Ocean is Earth's second-largest ocean. It covers approximately... Read More

River Cruises Can be Such a Rich Experience

Exploring Europe can be such a unique experience with a... Read More

Sailing Hints & Tips

I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek... Read More

Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils

The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and... Read More

Yacht and Ship Registration in the Isle of Man

The maritime history of the Isle of Man dates from... Read More

Wanted! Adventurous Guests Looking For a New Experience on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Wanted! Adventurous guests looking for a new experience on a... Read More

Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide

At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of... Read More

How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to... Read More

Robotic Boat Cleaning is Here, Soon it will be Affordable

Robotic Underwater ship cleaning robotic unit, the M3500 Robotic System... Read More