Found my sailing school

krozet · #1 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

Hello everyone;

I would call myself a newbie, I am not sure what the appropriate term would be in sailing. I have been doing a lot of research over the last couple months and I think I have finally decided on where I will take my first steps onto the ocean. I decided on going with Fairwind Sailing school out of the virgin islands. Most schools offered similar courses and costs but there were a couple things that pushed me towards my chosen school. First was that they were the only school I could find that offered actual sailing into a port of another country to learn clearing customs in a foreign country, sailing from the American virgin islands to the British virgin islands. The other thing is probably more personal but I found their website a lot easier to navigate and user friendly. I couldn't find any people that had negative experiences but I think that people doing this enjoy what they do and having a bad experience is pretty limited when the teacher enjoys what they are doing. Honestly I couldn't find too much negative about any sailing school.

SO I am scared out of my mind right now but just as excited. I am looking at going on May 16th and this will not only be my first time on a sail boat but my first flight and the farthest south I have ever been... Can anyone give me a heads up on what I am in for? The Fairwind site gives me a pretty extensive view of what I should and should not take.

6 weeks to go, about 20 things to get ready. Wish me luck.

davidpm · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

I went a few years ago and the only thing I really messed up was to use the pay phones. I figured a dollar or two a minute. I was way low.

imagine2frolic · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

I think your only worry should be.....having the fear you may not want to come back.......BEST WISHES in a succesful time.......i2f

merlin2375 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

What a blast, so many firsts

! Have a great time and let us know how it goes.

If I had any advice to give, it would be to READ, READ, READ for the next 6 weeks on anything you can get your hands on relating to sailing. Familiarize (memorize?) yourself with the basic terminology, basics of wind direction/boat heading, and basic knots. I think that will help you get the most out of your trip!

jackdale · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2009

The Virgin's will be a great place to learn: easy navigation and constant winds. And warm.

Some suggestions

1) Do some reading. There are many good intro sailing books.

2) Learn the ropes (knots):
bowline clove hitch figure eight
sheet bend reef knot Round turn & two half hitches

A good site: 42nd Brighton (Saltdean) Scout Group, UK

3) Your gear: some good sailing shoes (break them in around the house - do not wear them outside) and some sailing gloves.

4) Relax and have a good time. And while you are in the BVI's have a Painkiller for me.

If you have any other questions or concerns, let me know. I also responded to your other post.

Jack

jtheile · #6 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009

Please report back with your experience of Fairwinds, I am interested in taking their course on Lake Erie probably next year.

The flight will be a piece of cake.

Have fun.

merlin2375 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtheile

Please report back with your experience of Fairwinds, I am interested in taking their course on Lake Erie probably next year.

The flight will be a piece of cake.

Have fun.

I don't believe the major airlines are serving cake any longer

CalebD · #8 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009

I am not sure where you are located but one thing to be careful of is the strong sunlight down there. Your best bet is to bring appropriate clothing that will protect you as sun screens can be oily and get on the rigging and lines which can annoy the instructors. A bad sunburn will not add to your enjoyment of this. I would also suggest getting a pair of sailing gloves so you can handle the lines without getting blisters.
Candied ginger is also a decent motion sickness deterrent.
Enjoy!

jackdale · #9 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalebD

Your best bet is to bring appropriate clothing that will protect you as sun screens can be oily and get on the rigging and lines which can annoy the instructors. A bad sunburn will not add to your enjoyment of this.

Candied ginger is also a decent motion sickness deterrent.
Enjoy!

As a Canadian you have access to Ombrelle - great sun screen that oaks right into the skin. It is waterproof as well.

A good hat, perhaps a Tilley (another great Canadian product), and sunglasses are also recommended

Disclaimer - no shares in Ombrelle or Tilley.

Motion sickness is seldom an issue in the BVIs - at least on my crews.

Jack

dongreerps · #10 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009

The suggestions for a hat and sailing gloves are excellent. Sunburn on the scalp is a real pain. Buying a small series of sessions in a tanning salon will make a significant improvement in your tolerance to the Virgin Island sun. Twice a week for three weeks before you go is time well spent. Remember to pack in a duffle bag, not a hard sided suitcase. croakies for your sunglasses. A disposable underwater camera. Do NOT check baggage if at all possible. It will get lost. If you pack more than will fit in a carry on, you have brought along too much.