What is the best sailing course to do?

Question

I've wanted to learn to sail for years. I'm finally determined to take it up, possibly looking to take it to a professional level. Where should I start?

Answer 1

RYSA

Answer 2

try lookingt in at your local boat/yacht club, they will be able to give you expert advice and possibly even let you do some sort of course there.

Answer 3

If you are in England and some European countries I highly recommend the RYA schemes, they are very comprehensive and they give you a nice gradual introduction to it.

Look for a recognised RYA center and ask what courses they do, always look for a recognised center because you can be sure they at least offer a fairly good quality of instruction and operate safely.

Answer 4

With a Laser.

Answer 5

Presuming you are based in Ireland or the UK; then sailing is one of the easiest sports to take up.

There are a lot of "junior" clubs who focus mainly on dinghy sailing. There are also "adult" clubs which focus on yacht sailing. So depending on whether you want to sail fast, dynamic, smaller boats(dinghy) or larger, more powerful, team orientated(yacht) then you need to find the club that is suited to you.

The reason sailing is so easy to get into is that courses are run every summer and during the winter in a lot of clubs too. The set up they have is to levels depending on what standard you are at. There are usually as many beginers as experienced sailors on each course too so you will be in the majority.

Also the club format means that most people who get into saling will do so not only for the pleasure of being on the water. It's to do with the club atmosphere and getting involved in making sure the club can continue to grow.

I started 12 years ago by going to my local club for a 3 week course. I did it for 5 years before i became an instructor. I have also been to South Africa, Sweden, Holland and the UK as well as all over Ireland competing every year.

The only thing I would say is that money is a big part of it, especially when racing. I've probably spent about £20,000 on it since I started and most of that time I was either in school or college so it was hard work.......but well worth it. There's no better feeling than looking behind you in a race and seeing 100 of the best sailors in your conutry and nobody in front!