First Sail

natlteam10 · #1 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

I'm taking my boat out for my first sail tomorrow. I've never sailed (or even been on a sailboat before.) All I have is "Sailing For Dummies" & another sailing how-to book to rely on. What should I do/work on/practice tomorrow? Anything specific I should not try?

Thanks

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

Just curious, what sailboat is it??? Is it a keel boat, a dinghy, a beach cat???

Just a few hints:

Keep the big stick pointed up
the black side down
don't hit anything hard
don't fall off if you can avoid it

If you say what boat it is, it would help with more detailed hints.

Hesper · #3 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

Bring a friend - preferably someone with some experience, but bring someone. An extra pair of hands can often keep you out of trouble or be a big help if you get into some anyway.

PontchatrainSailor · #4 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

My recommendation would be to find a local yacht club and tell them you want to be crew for a beer can race.

These are relatively low pressure races where you can learn a lot about sailing in a short time. You still need to read the books -- but seeing it in action makes the books make sense.

RealityCheck · #5 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

You did not indicate your location but many locations exist where it would be a very bad idea to get into a sail boat with out any knowledge at all.

DO Bring an able bodies friend, preferably someone with some sailing experience, even if your talking about a sunfish or dingy type of a boat if you're talking about any large body of water.

I 2nd the go to a club and sign on as crew. This is more important, even critical if your sailing on a real keel boat.

You didn't give a lot of info... what info you did give, gives many of us cold shivers with what could occur in some locations and with specific types of boats.

pthomasjr · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2009

You've never been out before? In another thread a couple of days ago I mentioned the winds. If you feel like it's too windy tomorrow don't go.

If you do go out wear a PFD and be sure to keep the pointy side up!

anthon · #7 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009

I have found the 'For Dummies' books horrendously bad.
What size yacht is it?

Good Luck!

onespd · #8 (**permalink**) 04-09-2009

I've found two 'For Dummies' books to be at least OK. UML for Dummies was mentioned by one of my MIT professors as a reference in his office and I use it, too. I think Sailing for Dummies presents the basic seamanship stuff at least as well as most sailing books.

It's too bad the yellow and black cover screams "newby" regardless of subject...