[otto_laryn]

Hello,

I've lurked on and off here for a while and thought I should say hi. I want to learn to sail and have spent the last few weeks trying to figure out the best way to do so. Since I don't know anyone with a sailboat I found some local schools that offered the basic classes and ASA certification thinking that must be the way to go. When I couldn't decide which of the two would be better I went to a sailboat dealer to see what someone with experience thought and was told I should just go down to a marina and start offering to crew for people. I see now that he wasn't kidding, but at the time I didn't really believe him. I don't have a problem talking to strangers but what he suggested, to me, seemed too much like hitchhiking especially since I don't know my way around a sailboat. As it turns out I know someone who belongs to a yacht club close to me and have been offered a chance to volunteer at an event there in the near future. I won't be sailing, but I'll be sure to meet some folks, see some different boats and maybe get a chance to sail some time soon.

I'm 32, and have only sailed as a passenger on a short charter. I hope to get some experience over the summer and if sailing is as enjoyable as I think I may start looking for a small boat in the fall.

I've had a great time reading through your posts and thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Best,