Learning to sail in central VA (USA)?

[djtopper]

It drives me crazy every summer living 3+ hours from the beach. I want desperately to learn to sail (properly) and own a boat someday soon. Ironically, the beach I am closest to is also home of the US Naval Base (Norfolk) so I'd imagine there are some knowledgeable folks out there. ;-)

But I thought I'd post here to see if anyone had some tips on how I might go about learning to sail (I know the basics on things like a sunfish) larger boats like 30'ers.

Thanks,

DT

[midlifesailor]

Originally Posted by djtopper

It drives me crazy every summer living 3+ hours from the beach. I want desperately to learn to sail (properly) and own a boat someday soon. Ironically, the beach I am closest to is also home of the US Naval Base (Norfolk) so I'd imagine there are some knowledgeable folks out there. ;-)

But I thought I'd post here to see if anyone had some tips on how I might go about learning to sail (I know the basics on things like a sunfish) larger boats like 30'ers.

Thanks,

DT

There are probably some places right there in Norfolk, but if not, there are several sailing schools in Deltaville just a ways up 17. Norton's Yacht Sales offers ASA classes on newer Hunters around 30' and The Virginia School of Sailing offers the same courses on a Tanzer 22. I recently took ASA101 with VSS and would probably give my business to Norton's next time.

Also, the Fishing Bay Yacht club has a space advertising opportunites to crew on weekend races so you might be able to get some sailingtime that way at no cost.

Good Luck and maybe we'll see you around Deltaville.

Bill and Jill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
Stingray Point, VA

[Nereus39]

IMHO the best way to learn is to just do it with a small centerboard sloop (something like a Vanguard 420 comes to mind...) on any body of water bigger than 200 acres.
There are a number of opportunities for sailing instruction on the Chesapeake I would think but sounds like you are too far away to enjoy the environs.(?) How far are you from Lake Moomaw (just sou'west of Lexington)? Great "little" lake, some breezes though the mountains make 'em flukey.

[pluscard]

DT,

I'm learning also... I'm in South Hill, VA - we call this area "Southside VA".

I've been to annapolis a few times, but I mostly go to Kerr Lake which is on the NC/VA border. Steele Creek Marina which is on the NC side is home to over 400 sailboats of all types.

I purchased a J/24 to learn on - what was I thinking? (c; They're inexpensive, but they have as many controls as the big A-cup boats - so, I've been working on simplifying it a bit, as well as learning to rig and launch it.

You might see how far you are from either Kerr Lake or Annapolis and start by showing up at one place or the other.

Plus