Sailing lessons?

Question

I've just discoved water sports. I would like to learn how to sail. Any suggestions or experiences with sailing schools?

Thanks

Answer 1

Sailing schools are great!

If you're in the UK make sure you go to a RYA certified center.

If you want to start sailing then i should try a 1 day fun course to start with to see how you like it.

Answer 2

I decided that I wanted to learn to sail a couple of years ago so I tried to recall all of the people who knew how to sail that I had met and asked them to take me sailing. One was a close personal friend who hadn't sailed in years but knew how.  I bought a really stable great learning boat Lido 14 by W.D. Schock, and mostly learned once I bought the boat. Used sailboats are very cheap. $850 in my case. What a great cheap wholesome family entertainment.

Answer 3

Sailing schools are great for first timers, they teach the fundamentals and theories of sailing which gets you out there pretty quickly and efficiently. After the beginner classes they get you racing which to me was very boring. I always got kicked out of my experienced classes for sneaking away behind larger vessels during races and dissapearing from the horizon. If you want to race fine, take lots of classes. Just want to cruise? Then just a few days in a beginners class will do.

Answer 4

I taught myself in a little Sunfish type thing , once you get the feel of it it's like riding a bike. Rented a Hobie next and handled it well,  I  didn't get it to do anything exciting but it went everywhere I wanted it too. I'm thinking about building a small boat this winter ( almost definite since the gas price increases)

Take a look at the Mini- Cup at the link, the plans are free and old and have been improved on by other people over the years at other sites. Starting to ramble :)  Good luck and safe sailing!