I want to join the sailing club at my school?

Question

I'm sixteen years old, and I have a passion for the water and sailing. I read many books about boats, knots, everything there is to know. Now, I live on the east coast in a very nice area of Virginia. I told my dad that in the Summer I would like to take Sailing lessons or join the sailing club at school?

My dad said that...well, it hurt me actually. He said that it would be a bunch of rich kids with their own boats and I'd look ridiculous. I can work for it, I'll pay for it. This is my dream you guys. If I save my money, how much would sailing lessons be? And is this really true?

Answer 1

The myth of only the rich sail comes from one of the robber barons (I can't remember which) say, "If you have how much yachting cost you cannot afford it." Owning a sailboat may well be your ONLY hobby or might be a lifestyle but there are many ways to learn and many boat owners look for crew for racing, daysailing, and cruises. (Choose wisely!). As others have pointed out, egos are everywhere but I think you will find a overwhelming number of sailors are good people and if you are serious about sailing you will be very welcome. Try to talk your dad into going down to marinas, sailing schools, and such, with you. I think he will change his opinion.

Answer 2

Wow! This hard to answer.

In a way, your dad may be correct. It really depends on the other students. Most people I have known on boats have a different attitude. They are happy, friendly and helpful people. I guess some Teenagers may have an Ego problem, part of being young and wanting to be the center of attention. I would hope they all be good people that just want to have fun and learn to sail. I guess if it were myself, I would join the club after I learned to sail. There many places in your area to learn. I not live there, but, my Nephew does. I found you a link for some Sailing Schools in your area (I hope). They not give prices, but, there some phone numbers. Call around and ask a few. Write each down on paper with their number. Then as you talking make notes. Ask things like; "Do I have to rent a boat or does the school furnish this"? "How long does this take or how often are the classes"? "When does a new class start"? "What about my age, do I need parental consent"? Have a lot of your questions written down so you not forget to ask.

If, you could learn and stay cool about it, then maybe one day at school you may meet someone in the club and just be talking. In the conversation you may mention you love to sail and know how. They may invite you to join the club.

Answer 3

GO FOR IT!  If you are passionate about sailing, you will get along with the other 'sailors'.  There are snobs everywhere, don't let them get in your way of your life!  Good luck!

Answer 4

I think you should join the sailing club.  Even if it is a bunch of snobs on their own boats, who cares.  There are a lot of down to earth people like you that just want to learn and enjoy sailing.  Your goal should be to get educated in sailing and boating.  In order to do that you should try to get a little something you can from books, classes and being around people who do what you want to do.  Usually sailing clubs are relatively cheap to join.  Another suggestion is to find a local Power Squadron or US Coast Guard Auxiliary and sign up for their basic safety and seamanship course.  It doesn't cost very much and is a great start.  I believe you can enroll in the course at 16 years old and when you graduate you will have a nice certificate which will allow you to get a boating license in many states.  Not only that you will learn a bunch of important boating stuff from them.  I'm 51 years old and have been boating for years but didn't start until I was in my thirties.  Don't let your Dad steal your passion.  Boating can be a really fun sport but it can also become a career if you really like it.  Good luck.