finally took the first step

[avenger79]

I finally signed up for an ASA 101 sailing class. After years of reading and dreaming about sailing and wanting to and talking about it.......

I finally went and started. I can honestly say, sailing the boat was everything I had hoped. It is pure fun. gliding across the water, silently, (sort of) feeling the wind, heeled over slightly, the vibration of the tiller.

I'm in for life I think. I finish the class next weekend, then I'll do a few rentals until I find a boat that needs a new owner take it out for exercise. I'm sure the rough days will come as they do in any hobby/past time, but putting up with the bad to get to the good is what great stories are made of right?

All in all I wasn't entirely sure about spending that much coin on a class so short but I'm very glad I did.

[BubbleheadMd]

Congratulations.

You've picked a great time to take up sailing. There are soooooooo many boats out there, just waiting for someone like you to take them out.

Good luck.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Congrats!

I did ASA101 last year and a refresher last month. It's the best feeling being out on the water. I picked up a good boat recently too. There are so many out there. Take your time finding what's right for you.
Best of luck!

[Silvio]

Congratulations! Hope you have many years of sailing adventure ahead, glad you are starting. My wife and I took a 101 course together, we are glad we did. We have had several years of sailing together and not long ago purchased our first sailboat and have since enjoyed many wonderful family mini-cruises.
Cheers!

[cb32863]

Welcome to the Asylum!



PS: Don't forget 103, 104 & 105! Well 105 for sure as that is a navigation class, good stuff there.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by cb32863

Welcome to the Asylum!



PS: Don't forget 103, 104 & 105! Well 105 for sure as that is a navigation class, good stuff there.

105's a good one to do in the winter when you can't sail.

[avenger79]

Originally Posted by cb32863

Welcome to the Asylum!



PS: Don't forget 103, 104 & 105! Well 105 for sure as that is a navigation class, good stuff there.

yep they're in the plans. especially the nav class.

[Lou452]

Thank you for posting this I am looking at what people are saying. How long did it take you to come to a conclusion? Let me know how the boat purchase goes.

[avenger79]

Hey Lou, well how long is an interesting question. I became interested in learning to sail many years ago (10 at least), then life took a few turns and bumps. got laid off, focus changed, back to school etc. as you can tell by my join date here, even after getting things back heading in the right direction, I put it off. Seems I always found a reason why it wasn't a good time to do it. I think maybe I was nervous that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as I was hoping. Wasn't sure if such a short class was worth the investment they asked for.
Then I came up with a plan, if I could go to FLA and learn it would be a vacation and class all rolled into one. Well life throws curves, I wound getting a job opportunity in FL. While here, I still put it off for a bit, and then just said it's time. I love the water, always have. I kayak, canoe, fish, float whatever. If it's on water I like to do it.
Once I decided to do it, it got exciting waiting for the class.
I can say without hesitation, I am very glad I made the leap. yes it's pricey for what seems like just a few hours, but you are paying for someone's time, someone's boat, books and the learning. It opens a whole new world up to you. Plus where I am taking lessons they give a few free rental hours after the class to keep practicing

I will keep you up to date as the boat search begins.

[arknoah]

I took 101 and 103 together a couple of years ago, and it was a great experience. Once I do more actual cruising, I think I will go on for 104, though I agree that 105 would be good to take anytime -- maybe even during this season.