First Post Want To Learn!

[coolsailor]

Hello sailors, I am writing from Kansas and am very new to sailing. I've been on the ocean plenty but have never learned to sail save the time my dad thought we knew what we were doing in a Sunfish.

So I guess first questions first. Where do I start learning to sail? Do I need to get certified? I want to sail around the world someday, can anyone tell me what is involved with entering foreign ports?

Thanks!

[St Anna]

Welcome to Sailnet and to the world of sailing.

You have asked a few questions, SOmeone near you can help answer them.

Dont ever forget your plan to go sailing.

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...tanna/a004.jpg

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...uencies109.jpg

[Greenmantle]

Hi Coolsailor,

I got into sailing by joining a sailing club: that allowed me to meet other sailors and by sharing costs with like minded people, learn at a reasonable pace.

The club I belong to in London, UK sails dinghies, cruises yachts in various locations and races yachts on inshore/offshore races: you might be able to find something similar where you are?

Best of luck, and as St Anna says, never forget your plan to go sailing!

Greenmantle

[cb32863]

Finding a boat club where you can crew for racing is a great way to start. Also, look up sailing schools in your area. ASA has one listed for Meriden, not sure how close you are to there. Link Before the whole sail around the world starts, learn to sail and be sure you realy do enjoy it. You have a lot to learn and experience first. Search this site and the web for information, there is a lot out there. Take a basic class to get started.

[imagine2frolic]

Lessons are the most direct route to learning. When you have some basics racing will sharpen your skills.......i2f

[FishSticks]

You are in an advantageous location equidistant between two major oceans, so when you have the urge to sail just start driving to the left or the right.

[Minnewaska]

Originally Posted by coolsailor

Hello sailors, I am writing from Kansas and am very new to sailing. I've been on the ocean plenty but have never learned to sail save the time my dad thought we knew what we were doing in a Sunfish.

Welcome aboard !

So I guess first questions first. Where do I start learning to sail?

Local clubs, if there are any in Kansas. Base on your follow up questions, I would go to the ocean and start taking courses at a school. You will find several recommended within this forum. You can quickly progress up through ocean passage if you have the time and money.

Do I need to get certified?

Technically, no. However, you will need experience, which can be fast forwarded with certifications, in order to charter or get insurance.

I want to sail around the world someday, can anyone tell me what is involved with entering foreign ports?

Whoa. Slow down, my friend. Learn to get the boat there first. Clearing customs and immigration is a little different by country. For some, you just show up unannounced at a designated port of entry with their required documents. In others, you need a visa or permit.

[CalypsoP35]

Sailing skills are sailing skills, don't think you have to start with big boats just because your goal is to cross oceans. Hopefully you have lakes nearby that have sailing clubs where you can take lessons and race with knowledgeable sailors. The skills you learn on smaller boats are transferable to larger boats.

[WanderingStar]

I went the other route, read a "learn to sail" book and built a dinghy. Whichever you choose, learning sailing is like anything else: study and practice.

[cb32863]

One other thing is that most folks have said that learning on a smaller boat is much better than on a big boat. Work your way up, you will be a better sailor for it.