Learning How to Sail
Kerry S. Mason
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
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/
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