Sailing - looks fun...I think!

[stevenjj71]

Hi folks!
I've never in my life sailed. In fact, I've only been on a boat a couple of times. I would like to give sailing a shot however.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to see if this is for me. I've unearthed a Coast Guard boat safety course, and also some 'ASA' training (I thought I might sign up for the first ASA class)

Any other suggestions for a total beginner?

[MtHopeBay]

fun doesn't even begin to describe it.

Where are you? Near water I hope. My wife and I are both 53 and never sailed before last year. Very little recreational boating (Navy wasn't recreational). We've always wanted to play on the water but were too poor and too busy. Last summer we started looking at sailboats and for sailing lessons. We took lessons in the fall on Lido 14's at the yacht club at the coast and then started looking for a boat that we could handle but more comfortable than a dingy.

We read and learned all we could over the winter and then bought one this spring. Joined the club and are learning more every time out. We found a great club that is full of people that love to sail.

To summarize: DO IT.
Mike

[stevenjj71]

I'm between Dallas and Fort worth. No Ocean, but plenty of lakes (and from what I see, plenty of sailing clubs)

[Mimsy]

Welcome stevenjj71 ! Sailing is a ton of fun and the nice thing is there is no way you will ever no everything so there is opportunity for constant learning.

I highly recommend the ASA courses but take some time doing the research on the various schools in your area- some schoold are better than others, some instructors are better as well. You should have good luck looking around Lake Texoma. CruisingDad sails out of Lake Texoma and I would think he would be able to direct you to a good school.

If you are willing to drive down to the Houston area, I can recommend a great school on Clear Lake/Galveston Bay. They have lots of weekend combo classes so you could make a mini vacation out of it.

[SecondWindNC]

Welcome, and have fun!

[jephotog]

Welcome to the board and the sport.

There is a lot of ways to get involved in the sport.

The coast guard class might be a good idea down the road for safety training, I doubt they will teach you to sail though. The Power Squadron is similar and also has some educational courses.

The ASA courses are good, from what I can tell. I took something like one a long time ago to get a coastal cruiser rating for a club I belonged to. It is a little like force feeding though. In 3 days I went from a summer of hobbie cats and a few hours of keel boat to a coastal cruising certificate. Try looking for a lesson program that goes on for weeks so you can maybe see a variety of winds and build your experience over the summer.

You can learn most of what you need to know from reading, books available from your library. It does help to have some basic knowledge to start. I know there is some sailing and racing on the lakes around Dallas. See if there are any classes offered at a college, junior college or community program. Maybe some yacht clubs will have some classes also.

I just joined the yacht club in Salt Lake City for $145 and have access to a number of dingy sailboats simply for the cost of membership. Most yacht clubs are not that inexpensive though.

Have fun getting on the water.

[stevenjj71]

Hi Mimsy,
A trip to Houston is not out of the question. Could you please tell me the name of the school you are referring to?

Thanks
Steven