Just finsihed some basic lessons. How do I get in th water now?

[Mr.Ritz]

I took some private lessons with someone on the cheap in a small dingy and am looking to keep sailing. I can't afford my own boat and the one place here wont let me take a boat out without getting a cert which costs about 300 from them. Another place is 350.00 a year and that doesn't sound bad but I would like other people to go with.. There is a club around here but they want 300ish just to join. Not sure what to do next.

[tomperanteau]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ritz

I took some private lessons with someone on the cheap in a small dingy and am looking to keep sailing. I can't afford my own boat and the one place here wont let me take a boat out without getting a cert which costs about 300 from them. Another place is 350.00 a year and that doesn't sound bad but I would like other people to go with.. There is a club around here but they want 300ish just to join. Not sure what to do next.

Good start. Work harder and save enough for a small boat. This is a great buyer's market and there are great deals to be had. Down here we see a lot of free sailboats that are going to head to the crusher of no one takes them.

[Ziaduck]

Yep; I don't know where you are, but I've seen some really great deals on smaller boats lately. Keep an eye on craigslist and marina message boards.

[Thestar]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ritz

I took some private lessons with someone on the cheap in a small dingy and am looking to keep sailing. I can't afford my own boat and the one place here wont let me take a boat out without getting a cert which costs about 300 from them. Another place is 350.00 a year and that doesn't sound bad but I would like other people to go with.. There is a club around here but they want 300ish just to join. Not sure what to do next.

Try crewing on others boats in your area to gain more experience and knowlage.
Many vessels take crew for mile building, sailing experience, company etc some offer free food with a cabin. Great way to learn more and save at the same time.

Hope this is of some help

Kindest Regards

Will

[Thestar]

Originally Posted by tomperanteau

Good start. Work harder and save enough for a small boat. This is a great buyer's market and there are great deals to be had. Down here we see a lot of free sailboats that are going to head to the crusher of no one takes them.

Wow boats going to get crushed...sinfull pleasae tell me more?
I enjoy renovating them so any project deemed crushable maybe rescued.

Kindest Regards

Will

[DRFerron]

Mr. Ritz,

You don't give your location but look for sail clubs and sailing associations as opposed to yacht clubs. Sail clubs typically are under $50/year (at least the ones I've come across) and are a great way to get into sailing without a boat of your own. Usually members with boats request other members to help crew for short cruises and local races.

[El malabarista]

I bought a small dinghy ( a minisail) found a book about sailing to get a rough idea and launched into the solent to work it all through. Once i had sailed round in circles a few times and found out that tides make a BIG difference i went to lepe beach and sailed to IOW. after hanging around outside sailing clubs looking pathetic for a while people started to ask me to crew. We all enjoyed the experience so much it led to a job crewing yacht deliveries.
So i reckon hanging around (sailing)clubs and NEVER saying no to any opportunity offered is the way forward. Oh and making people laugh whilst you tackle all the dirtiest jobs that no one else wants to do onboard.
Volunteering at your local sailing school to make up crew numbers is another way to get free sailing. People often drop out at the last minute and the trainee skippers need someone to shout at.
Good luck

[Faster]

Smaller local yachtclubs will often have casual racing programs on weekends or evenings - many of these boats typically sail with minimal crew.. It should be easy to sign on as volunteer crew in these situations. We've introduced many people to sailing in this manner.

The upside here is it's free, you may get to sail different boats, and you learn lots fast. It's important, though, to be eager and reliable. If you show up every time you say you will, likely you'll get more hands-on experience and 'move up' the crew ladder quickly.

[paul323]

Find a local marina, and ask about beer can racing. Beer can racing is a common pretty well every marina I know of in CA - and I am told it is silimar in other states - they have such races, and as they are informal they are generally open to "volunteer" crewmembers.

Regarding "free" boats, there is an old expressions - "There is nothing as expensive as a free boat"! I think it would be best to crew for a while, ask lots of questions, look around. I applaud your enthusiasm, but it would be a pity to get you saddled with a "free" boat too early in your sailing career which crushed your enthusiasm - and wallet! Personally, I think a small "free boat" is a great place to start, I just think a bit of experience will ensure it becomes a good start.

[Mr.Ritz]

Sorry I should have given my location. Tampa, FL/ clearwarter and St.Pete