I want to learn to sail!?

Question

I live in the northern Chicago suburbs. I want to learn to sail a sailboat. Eventually I'd like to work up to the point where I could sail from Chicago, out through the Great Lakes, and across to London, but thats in the long term.

I'm starting from square one. I've never been on a sailboat. I don't currently have access to a sailboat. I want to start small, sailing on local lakes or on Lake Michigan, but I don't know where to start.

How can a complete neophyte learn to sail? Are there sailboats for rent for a day or a month on Lake Michigan?

Answer 1

I am not that familiar with Chicago per se, but I would look up all the Yacht Clubs and send emails to them asking if they have a crew board you could sign up for (basically every yacht club will have farily non-competitive racing on one or more weeknights during the season and they are always in need of crew).

If you are completely new to sailing, it's great to learn from an experienced skipper or two or three...  Plus you may be able to crew on several different types of boat, which will help you in your eventual search for buying your first boat.  Yacht clubs in general are very friendly to newcomers - only very exclusive "country-club" type clubs may not be, but even then, sailors are a pretty helpful bunch and always happy to introduce new people to sailing.

A lot of clubs will offer adult learn-to-sail programs as well, which you'll probably want to sign up for next season (it's pretty late in the year now, but certainly inquire about them)

Your goal of being able to sail to England is a lofty one, but someday could be achievable.  I'd give yourself 10-20 years at least - you're going to need a big boat and a lot of know-how ;)

Answer 2

Visit the marinas in Lake M and find out which ones give sailing lessons. Or let your fingers do the walking in the Yellow pages. I'm sure there are quite a few places that will teach you by the day, or hour, and supply the boat. Good luck. It's a lot of fun.

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=sailing...

Answer 3

Check with both the American Sailing Association and Boat US for courses.   These are the largest two ceritificaton programs in the country.   For your desires, I'd start with the basic keelboat course.   Clubs, such as college clubs can be another option for learning affordably.    

After getting some instruction, crew for other people if you can.   Your decision as to when to buy your own boat will depend on your other options and priorities, but don't be in a rush.  The more instruction you get and the more you sail on other people's boats, the more you will know what you want.

Chicago and the great lakes are a good place to learn as well as a good cruising destination in their own right.

Answer 4

Hire Mr. Quint, ask Hooper to tie a knot with his "city hands", and have chief Brody's wife make a few sandwiches for the deck.