Start Now or wait for Spring?

djf123 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

I have recently decided that I would like to learn to sail. I am in the Northwest and was wondering if I should sign up for a class now or wait for the winter to be over and take a class in the spring.

Will I be able to practice sailing in the winter in Portland, OR?

jackdale · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

You might consider taking a coastal navigation course.

johnshasteen · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Start now - you'll learn quite a bit that you can mull over during the winter and have a better idea of what else you need to learn in the spring.

cb32863 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I had the same questions for myself here in Minnesota but, I took the class and as jackdale is suggesting I am taking a coastal navigation class to get me through the winter. Possibly a weather and/or radar course this winter as well. I would take the class now just to get the experience though I have no idea about sailing in the winter there. I do know in MN it is a bit tough to sail in winter........

avenger79 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I've actually kicked this around for a few years now. seems when the time is right to go learn i end up talking myself out of it. this year I am committed to start the training in spring. most of the lessons here are all closed up and boats are coming off of the water.
I did take a few minor classes before over the winter season. marlinspiking and what not.
where would one go for a coastal nav course?

legarots · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I live in Minnesota. A few years ago, I took ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) in the fall. I knew I wanted to take ASA 103/104 (Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Chartering), but I didn't want to wait until the spring. I went south and took them in the winter, and am very happy I did. Of course, I couldn't sail once I got back to MN in the winter, but was more prepared come spring.

captbillc · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

the USPower Squadron has free boating classes. you pay for the materials only. then if you join, they have seamanship, piloting,advanced piloting junior navigator & senior navigator which are celestial navigation. also engine maintenance, weather, electronics, cruise planing,etc. i have taken them all & taught some of them. it gives you a good background. the duluth sail and power squadron has these classes every winter.

ottos · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by avenger79

I've actually kicked this around for a few years now. seems when the time is right to go learn i end up talking myself out of it. this year I am committed to start the training in spring. most of the lessons here are all closed up and boats are coming off of the water.
I did take a few minor classes before over the winter season. marlinspiking and what not.
where would one go for a coastal nav course?

You don't say where you're from. Try

Find a Sailing School - American Sailing Association

USPS Educational Department

avenger79 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

I'm from Wisconsin. I actually have the power squadron site for my area bookmarked. Haven't gotten down there to actually join yet. Maybe this is the perfect time to start getting my stuff in order.

Not sure why but I was thinking it would be better to have a boat before joining.

ottos · #10 (**permalink**) 10-15-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by avenger79

I'm from Wisconsin. I actually have the power squadron site for my area bookmarked. Haven't gotten down there to actually join yet. Maybe this is the perfect time to start getting my stuff in order.

Not sure why but I was thinking it would be better to have a boat before joining.

Just do it.

Taking lessons is a lot cheaper way to find out if you're going to like boating than buying a boat.

I'm biased to ASA schools:

Wisconsin

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Green Bay Explorer's Guide LLC http://www.explorersguidellc.com/ | Course, Online, Courses, Uscg, Application (800) 487-6029
Racine SailTime Milwaukee Fractional Sailing-SailTime Has Rewritten the Book on Sailing Clubs (262) 960-1470
Milwaukee Performance Yacht Services index (414) 788-0990
(800) 487-6029
green dot Racine SailTime Milwaukee Fractional Sailing-SailTime Has Rewritten the Book on Sailing Clubs (262) 960-1470
Milwaukee Performance Yacht Services index (414) 788-0990