Seven years to retirement, figured this would be a good place to start!

[NotASailorYet]

I just moved 18 miles from the sailing capitol of the US and I figured now would be the best time and place to try my hand at sailing. My goal right now is to take some classes and trade my open bow boat in for a sail boat. I would like to be a proficient sailor when my 20 is up and cruise the coast for a few years. Pleased to meet everyone and I look forward to gaining valuable knowledge from all the seasoned sailors out there.

[jrd22]

Welcome to SN. That sounds like a great plan, lot's of people here willing to answer questions.

[CaptainForce]

Welcome, The Chesapeake is a great place to coastal cruise and stretch out from Maine to the Bahamas. Keep us posted. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[NotASailorYet]

Thanks a lot!

[NotASailorYet]

Thanks, i am looking at schools right now. I was directed to the Annapolis Sailing School by a helpful gentleman at the Sail Yard. Any suggestions on schools?

[Yorksailor]

You might get more out of joining a sailing club with a teaching program. My own club in Miami encourages new members to join in the racing, rendezvous etc and several new members have become members of my crew. One such lady has sailed with my wife and I in Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, France and the UK...and that is a great resume after taking sailing 101 at the club.

If you are military the club will give you free lessons and sailing experience...I can even get you a boat to sleep on.

Military Outreach

Phil

[eryka]

Welcome! As you've already learned, Chesapeake is a great place to sail and learn. Your profile says you're military; you might check out the Pentagon Sailing Club. Depending on the mood of the Sup that day, you can also sometimes check out a boat for rec sailing from the Naval Academy in Annapolis.