Best way to learn?

ChesaScott · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

I have grow up in the Annapolis, MD area and did a little sailing as a teenager... My wife suggesting getting a power boat which I have used a good bit as a crabber years ago but... I am from a sailing area and I have a desire to learn sailing. My wife says you can't get anywhere quick but I say sometimes it is the quality of getting there as we get into our midlife age.... Any suggestions on how to get started sailing in a way that my wife will enjoy it too????

JLBJR · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Try taking the Steve and Doris Colgate's off shore sailing course. My wife and I had a great time and learned a lot. They have several locations, we went to the one in St Pete FL. If you Google Sailing Schools you may find others in MD that suit you better.

Sailing Schools, Catamaran Sailing Schools, Sailing Vacations, Sailing Lessons

JLBJR

TheFrog · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Luckily my wife likes sailing too, even if her skills aren't there yet.

I think the best way would be to find a class to take together, if you are aiming a small boats maybe this would be a local class. If you have more auspicious goals, I would consider a charter with captain/instructor somewhere warm and sunny in the middle of winter. There are destination classes that will get you formal training or you can often find captains who are qualified to teach and will do so but not give you a certificate at the end.

ChesaScott · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Thanks for the replies. I am trying the class together. We have both done power boats but sailing seems like something we could enjoy together. We are signed up fopr an ASA 101 class out of Annapolis so I am hoping we we will both enjoy the class.

chucklesR · #5 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Try catamaran's. You get there quicker, and with less heel and more enjoyment.

Our catamaran is named Patience for a reason, our power boat (crownline 250cr) is named Impatience for the same reason.

I'm always available to take local folks out, in season and as non-paying i.e. quests. Friday nights June to Sept our local yacht club hosts friday night beer can (cruising boats, not serious racers) races on the Magothy. PM me if interested.

nolatom · #6 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Chuckles, you're a great and generous guy, but my bias (which I admit) is in favor of monohulls. they just tack so much better than multis, and it's the upwind sailing that teaches the quickest how to handle a boat, and how to trim sails. Anyone can sail on a reach or downwing (except for the intricacies of jibing), but not everyone can sail close-hauled and carry a boat through a tack, and get her moving on the new tack. The rest of off-wind sailing is more of a walk in the park.

So I'd vote for the ASA 101 class which ChesaScott has planned.

blakew1 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

You should check out the Herrington Harbour Sailing Association as well. They have a very active racing and cruising program and I know the racers are always looking for crew. They sail out of Herrington Harbour South (near you) and Herrington North.

chucklesR · #8 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolatom

Chuckles, you're a great and generous guy, but my bias (which I admit) is in favor of monohulls. they just tack so much better than multis, and it's the upwind sailing that teaches the quickest how to handle a boat, and how to trim sails. Anyone can sail on a reach or downwing (except for the intricacies of jibing), but not everyone can sail close-hauled and carry a boat through a tack, and get her moving on the new tack. The rest of off-wind sailing is more of a walk in the park.

So I'd vote for the ASA 101 class which ChesaScott has planned.

I point at 35 degrees off the wind, running typically at 2/3 the wind speed.
My sea trial when I bought the boat had only 6 knots of wind, I made 4 knts, jibed instead of tacking and luffed to 30, fell back to 35 degrees.

Asymmetrical boards and my screecher (code zero) on the bow is mounted on a traveler.
Not all multihulls are condo-cats, tho with a queen sized bed in the master cabin one would think mine is.

Not many cruising monohulls can come even close to that, and are stuck at hull speed, mines not - I've regularly topped 10 kts on a 33.5 ft hull.

The point he was making was more how to get his wife out there, less how to learn, IMHO.

donhaller · #9 (**permalink**) 01-06-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesaScott

I have grow up in the Annapolis, MD area and did a little sailing as a teenager... My wife suggesting getting a power boat which I have used a good bit as a crabber years ago but... I am from a sailing area and I have a desire to learn sailing. My wife says you can't get anywhere quick but I say sometimes it is the quality of getting there as we get into our midlife age.... Any suggestions on how to get started sailing in a way that my wife will enjoy it too????

I'm new to the forum here too. I live in Chesapeake Beach, MD also. We must practically be neighbors ( the town is not that big). I'm just across the street from Rolands', three blocks from the bay. I just bought a 25' C&C and it is kept down at Flag Harbor in St. Leonard. I am planning on taking classes through ANSA (Annapolis Naval Sailing Association) in the spring. Drop me a IM if you are interested in chating about it some more.

Cheers - Nice to see someone from the neighborhood here.

donhaller

dohenyboy · #10 (**permalink**) 01-09-2009

I would say, get her on a local boat with a women instructor