Learning More-Marina Del Rey

gofishy · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2006

Hello,

I am in MDR and looking for people who enjoy
teaching others to sail.
My schedule doesn't permit me to take classes just yet.
I am very comfortable on board and was living on a sailboat recently.
Very eager to learn/enjoy more sailing.

If you are into positive verbal communication and not looking to get lucky,
please reply.

Thanks

nolatom · #2 (**permalink**) 04-12-2006

You could try a weekend class with a school like ASA (American Sailing Ass'n). I googled them and there are several in Marina Del Rey.

It's not "classes" really, except for a brief chalk-talk, then 2 days of sailing for the basic keelboat class. I've taught these on occasion here in New Orleans, and think you'd find it to be fun, informative, and not that expensive, considering they're supplying the boat as well as the teacher. I suppose I'm way biased here.

Here's a link if you're interested:

http://www.asa.com/learn/schools_california.html

But in the interest of giving "both sides", here's a link to U.S. Sailing Ass'n, who offers a similar course:

http://www.asa.com/learn/schools_california.html

In general, ASA's more cruising-oriented while USSA's more racing-oriented.

Take one of these if you're interested (it's just 6 hours on a Sat, and same again on Sunday), then ask around for a ride or maybe a crewing spot on a race with a local club, and your next "lessons" are free. Racers are always looking for crew.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006

Ummm... aren't those the exact same link...

nolatom · #4 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Ummm... aren't those the exact same link...

My bad--let's try again:

http://www.ussailing.org/community/wts/results.asp

Anyway, my point was, they're not really "classes" at a desk, at least not if they're done right. Almost anything that can be taught at a desk can be taught better out on the boat.

Now, if you're looking for something more informal, I can't help as I have no local knowledge of Marina Del Rey. If you want to learn in New Orleans, we have some interesting obstructions right now to navigate around..

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 04-14-2006

I'd agree that you need to have some time on the water, on a boat, if you really want to learn how to sail.

As for New Orleans, probably have a lot of moving/floating hazards too. At least, you can't sail around the city streets anymore.

paulmcquillan · #6 (**permalink**) 04-20-2006

In California, I'd suggest talking to some of the skippers on this crew website:

http://www.yrrc.com/home.html

The volunteers call it Yacht Racer Resource Center, and I know for sure that a number of the boats in both MDR and Channel Is-Ventura are intersted in taking new people to grow the sport.

It's a good way to learn.

gofishy · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006

Paul,

I will not assume and ask if
yrrc.com is mostly for people who want to race?

I have friends that race...and when we are just having
a fun day sail....they are still yelling/racing/stressed.
Sorry...I'm sure not all racers are like this...
And my feeling is if it is not fun/enjoyable then why do it.

We have so many things in life that can't always be fun that
we have to do....
so in my free time I want all those things chosen to be as fun as
possible.

Thanks for the advice.

gofishy · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006

Sailingdog,

I would prefer something slightly more informal.
As I work some long hrs.

I hope to be doing some location work soon and
a few jobs have come up in New Orleans.
So, I just might get that opportunity to navigate
those historical obstacles.

fgcraggs@hotmail.com

nolatom · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006

If you're going to be in New Orleans, check the ASA website to find the local ASA affiliate and their web site. I'm one of their occasional instructors. They've just bought some new Beneteau First 7.5s which should be a good lively 25' boat to teach and to learn on. I enjoy teaching, but after Katrina, they need students, as the locals are occupied with other things and the visitor numbers are down.

This is a non-objective opinion, since I'm plugging them, and me.

Tom

Chompy · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2006

I took classes in MDR, but on the weekends I often sailed with this lot. You have to be single to sail with them (or fake it), but it's a great time and they're very laid back and fun to sail with.

They don't race much, but they do go out every two weeks and it's easy to score a seat with them. Some of them have very nice boats.