Start Now or wait for Spring?

[jackdale]

I would agree with the ASA bias.

Avenger should be looking at courses that have a practical, on-the-water component. I am know that the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons do only classroom based teaching. Not sure about the USPS.

[avenger79]

I've looked at Milwaukee sailing club, sailboat inc (up in bayfield) as well as the power squadron.

I'm printing off the info for the two power squadrons closest to me. Have to get in touch with them and decide which would work best. I live near Madison but work in Milwaukee, would depend on class scheduling and what not as to which would be better.
I'm very interested in taking their marine elec courses. could be very beneficial for me as I currently work in elec design field.

[djf123]

Thanks for everyones help. Sounds like I should just get started ASAP with an ASA class. I was also thinking of joining a local sailing club so I could meet people, have access to boats if the weather is ok and not have the full investment of buying a boat...any advice on whether a sailing club is the way to go?

[ottos]

Clubs can vary a great deal - some good, some not so good. I would certainly explore the possibility!

[doubleeboy]

Hello djf123,

Talk to the boat dealer in Portland, Sailing Life. I believe they do ASA classes or could surely clue you in to the local sailing scene. There is sailing all year round on the Columbia. If you can't find what you want there, classes are available in Seattle at Shilshole Marina from ASA and USSailing Schools.

michael

michael

[djf123]

Thanks for the advice Michael, I have actually looked at their website. I was thinking of joining Island Sailing Club - so I would have access to boats without having to buy one. Have you ever heard of them? Do you think it would be worthwhile - I think they are in Kirkland and Olympia too.

Again, thanks for the help!

Dan

[TxLnghrn]

Although not a substitute for on the water training, I met the owner of this company a while back and he has an interesting approach to sail training. Might help you get through the cold winter months.
(I am in no way affiliated with the company).
Learn to sail with online sailing lessons. Your online sailing school.

Michael

[Waltthesalt]

I live on Puget Sound. We can sail all year round unless polar air comes down. It may be more severe however in Portland with cold inland weather coming down the Columbia River. That's usually during Jan and Feb. Here water temp isn't much different summer or winter. Summer can have really light winds on Puget Sound but I think you have relaibly good wind down there. It depends more on how you feel about going out in raw and possibly windy weather. If there are classes available then it's likely the instructors feel comfortable with the weather that time of year. As the saying gows there's no bad weather only bad cloths. For a course this time of year or in the spring you'll need a good set of foul weather gear and boots. I second the recommendations for classes run by the power squadrons or similar groups. They're usually abundant in the winter.