GF and I are looking to learn more

guinsu · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2011

My girlfriend and I are really interested in learning more about sailing, I took a class about two years ago but she has no experience. I hadn't found much in the way of sailing clubs near me that seemed liked a good fit a while ago so we had kicked around the idea of offering to crew with someone for a few days this summer, sort of a learning/working vacation. I was just wondering if this was even seen as a good idea and if so how would we go about finding a boat? Since it would be vacation we can go pretty much anywhere on the East Coast

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2011

Wow.. your in philly and you don't know about philly sail? Suggestion.. get or let her get some lessons without you. It may save your relationship some stress you don't need LOL there's an actual sailing school down the Jersey shore too.
http://www.libertysailingschool.com/

http://nelsonsailingcenter.com/

Quite a few sailboat racing events are held at various yacht clubs all up and down the river too.
http://www.dryl.org/ East end, Riverton, come to mind. my club is home to many of the East End racing club members. I don't race though.

guinsu · #3 (**permalink**) 07-27-2011

I took my classes at Liberty Sailing, and I wasn't too pleased. One teacher wasn't that great and in fact was incredibly sexist to the female students, I don't want to put my gf through that.

Sublime · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2011

You should get your own boat.

night0wl · #5 (**permalink**) 07-27-2011

Definitely get your own boat. It may sound reckless to suggest this, but buying an older Catalina 22 or Catalina 25 or other good trailer sailer will immerse you right into sailing lifestyle and put some skin in the game. Yes, it may be a pricey hobby -but name a true passion or hobby that *ISNT* expensive.

Plus, you'll develop well needed mechanical skills when you start (not if, when) upgrading your boat. Eventually, you will outgrow the trailer sailor and get you first big boat...something in the 30 foot range I'd suggest.

deniseO30 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-27-2011

one teacher... and your girlfriend needs protecting because? Sailing is an incredibly sexist sport somebody needs to get over it. Unless she wants to come on my boat! Not much wind this time of year though. Good news, I've never tossed a man overboard! (yet) lol

I gave you allot of information thinking that was what your looking for. Suggest you watch some of the sailboats at phila marina when you see people on em ask if they need crew!

Harborless · #7 (**permalink**) 07-27-2011

Get your own boat man. Start small- 25' or less. Plenty of options available right now for anywhere from $500 to $50,000.
My boat was 2800 and in a few months she will be ready to sail the seven seas if I so chose. Have patience and keep your eyes open, thats how I found my lady luck.