I wanna learn to sail n about sailing, can anyone help?

Question

I'm a 14 yr old kid in highschool living in Fl. for roughly 3 yrs I've been interested in sailing, however I dont know much but a few basic boating terms, I know a few parts of the sailing rigs, I know alot about block n tackles, so I was wondering if anyone knows books I should read, where I can learn sailing technics, or even someone looking for a crew member, or where i can get sailing lessons.

I'm thinking with my capentry skills, and what I know about boat building I might even just make a skif, Does anyone have designs the recmend, I'd want it to be really small? still anything, even basic knowledge would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Sailing eh? Well if you want to start, maybe look for a camp in your area. (that's how I started..) I would start off learning on a basic boat (diredal, not sure how it's spelled)...

Answer 2

I live in Florida too. Like many answers you got - yacht clubs offer junior sailing programs at very affordable rates. You do not have to be a member - just contact a few. There are many all over Florida. You might visit ussailing.org and asa.com. Both of these sites offer a lot of information on terms and ussailing.org offers a online quiz as well as answers.

I learned on beach catamarans in Florida. I went to the beach and rented one and got instructions from the person renting them. I even talked them in to going out with me and giving me pointers.

I teach sailing on my yacht but, it is generally for adults and their family. I have had many students about your age and younger that have learned to sail quite easily. Actually, the younger you are the faster you pick up sailing. I think it is the "no bad habits yet" that make younger students much more responsive.  

Good luck and if I can help - just contact me.

Capt Bill

Answer 3

find a local yacht club and see if they offer a sail camp for the summer - most of them do.  sign up and take the camp.  OR hang out on the docks and get to know someone who has a sailboat - most people are looking for crew and more than willing to share their knowledge.  ASK MOM & DAD 1st!  Good luck!

Answer 4

Almost every marina that has a number of sailboats has a weekly regatta (often on Wednesday nights).  I was an adult when I started, but I learned to sail by hitching a ride on race night.  I got lucky and caught on with a crew that was both proficient and patient.  THE IDEAL WAY TO GO IS WITH THE SEA SCOUTS.  THERE WERE TWO SEA SCOUT BOATS IN THE RACING FLEET THAT I WAS PART OF IN CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS.  IT'S DESIGNED FOR KIDS YOUR AGE, ADULT SUPERVISED AND ESENTIALLY FREE.

FURTHER:

I like what the Ausie had to say.  If you call around to local yacht clubs or check out their web sites you can often get in touch with a person in charge of "youth sailing programs."  That person or some other helpful type can direct you to the resources that the club or any other organization in the area might be able make available to you.  Parks and Rec in a community around you may have some kind of sailing program...

Coast Gard certification is mandatory for young skippers of boats over a certain size and those with motors.

As far as building a boat is concerned, there are all kinds of plans and kits that you can buy and you can probably find some plans for free on the net; but if I were you, I'd look around for a used centerboard dingy of some kind; watch the local clasified ads, yard/moving sales.  There are Sunfish/Sailfish type boats and old Hobie Cats around all over the place that have been sittin in somebody's yard for a couple of years that you can pick up for less than

what it would cost you to build something.

Another way to get started (and maybe an end in itself) is with a sailboard (the ultimate in portability).  You won't learn much about mechanical parts or terminology, but you can develop a great feel for the wind with a sailboard.

In my experience, sailors are great people (sometimes you will find a skipper who is a screamer... don't put up with that, just say thank you and never come back) and are very willing to let you crew and help you learn about sailing, especially if you happen to be a young person.  At your age, if the scouts are not available, pick a coed crew and one that does not do a bunch of drinking; make sure your parents know what's up.

Answer 5

There are lots of yacht clubs in Florida that have sailing lessons for kids your age.  I am 12 and have been taking sailing lessons at my local yacht club since I was 6.  For someone 14 years old, I would recommend starting on a 420, a small 2 person boat.  You should learn basic sailing skills first, though, like the points of sail and stuff.  Or, if you want a one person boat, you could look into a Sunfish or a Laser (if you are heavy enough).  You'll have to learn lots of knots.  My yacht club offers a teen intro to sailing.  If they have that at your yacht club I would recommend doing that because it will help you know the basic sailnig terms and rules.  Hope this will help!

Answer 6

There are sailing schools at which you can take courses at least where  I live in Sydney.  There are several sailing schools that do school vacation courses here.  There probably are such schools in Florida.  

You could also join a sailing or yacht club.  Many of these do instruction.  You will then be able to move on as crew on someone else's boat and continue to learn.  Just wander down to a club on race day and ask around.  

I recommend a centreboard dinghy at your age.  More fun, wetter and you will learn much faster.

Good luck!  I started when I was about 10, and have had a lifetime of pleasure from sailing.  Fortunately for me my father owned a yacht, so I learned by osmosis to some extent.