From small dinghy sailing on inland lakes and reservoirs to ocean sailing in multi-million pound yachts and modern three-masted tall ships, there is a whole world of sailing to experience.
Many people start learning to sail on small yachts based at a local marina. They will 'learn the ropes' under the watchful eye of a sailing instructor working for a sailing club or school. Let's assume that you intend to learn enough about sailing so that you can form part of the crew for a day's sailing and take part in sailing weekends on coastal waters.
As with most things in life it pays to do a little research before you part with your hard-earned money. Spend some time searching online for the sailing schools nearest to you and when you have created as shortlist pay them a visit and have a look around.
Ask yourself:
- Does the description on the website match what you see during your visit?
- Are the boats well kept and clean?
- Are the staff friendly, professional, and knowledgeable?
It's easier to choose a school if you know someone who sails and can give you the benefit of their advice but that's not always an option for everyone.
In the UK and other places around the world, there are sailing schools that are endorsed by the Royal Yachting Assocation (RYA). By learning to sail at one of these schools you can obtain RYA certification and qualifications. Having made your choice you'll need to book some time off work in which to embark on your first course.
Competent Crew
Your first objective will be to gain your Competent Crew certificate. This can be covered in three weekends but it can be more benefitical to taking a week off work and cover the course in five consecutive days to benefit from the continuity of the training. You might start the week not knowing one end of the boat from another successfully completing the course, you will be a useful, competent crew member!
Competent Crew courses usually take place on a 36 foot yacht with a skipper in charge of 4-6 people who are new to sailing. You might make new friends among these fellow crew members with whom you will later sail on other courses or on recreational voyages.
Having obtained Competent Crew certification you could join a sailing club and be offered opportunities to crew on all kinds of excursions (and in a variety of weather conditions!). It's important to gain as much varied experience as possible to broaden your skills and also make you a safer and more competent crew member.
Day Skipper
Following on from the Competent Crew certificate you could book a week long course to obtain a Day Skipper certificate. To qualify for this course, you will need to have completed five days, 100 miles and four night hours aboard a yacht, so the Competent Crew course is the ideal prerequisite.
The Day Skipper course will expand on your basic knowledge and will cover navigation, meteorology, pilotage, rules of the sea, engines, yachts under power, yachts under sail, and night cruising.
As with Competent Crew, this course will bring you into contact with other sailors and once completed you will be a safer and more skilled sailor who can then take advantage of more opportunities in your sailing club. You can crew with confidence and look forward to the day when you can wear a skipper's cap when you are in sole charge of a vessel and its crew and passengers.
Sailing is a hobby and a recreational pursuit that can last a lifetime. It's something that anyone can take up and really is open to everyone.
This article was originally published on 6 June 2010.
