What is the best way to learn to sail?

Question

I live in Florida, and am interested in learning to sail, what is the best way to learn, and how much are lessons typically? Thanks

Answer 1

There are a lot of good deals on small sailboats.  Just be careful of what you buy.  I would recommend going on a charter (pay to go sailing for a few hours) and chat up the captain.  You need to start with the right boat and knowing a bit about the art of sailing.  Prices for lessons vary greatly depending on what you're looking for.  I have a good friend who does sailing charters and instructs.  He might teach one person storm sailing on his 36' boat or teach another one the basics.  Or he might start small with a 23 foot boat.  It depends on what you want to do with what size boat.  Talk to some sailing charter captains in your area for starters, or even just chat with an instructor.

Answer 2

Get a small sailboat fully equiped with sails and in decent condition.   Get me a place to stay for free in February and I'll teach you for free.   My boat will be in the front yard covered in snow then, so a chance to get out on the warm waters of Florida wouldn't be turned down.    Or, check out craigslist- someone on there might be willing to teach you too just for the privilage of getting out on the water once in awhile.

Answer 3

The learn is most important in our life. This is How can we learn that is when we are born that time we are learned up to we are seeking the job, the learning process is very difficulty that is, what we will planing the future life we choosen the education, that is most important because one man are planned has been engineer, doctor, scientist, etc., so this is the educational steps.

Answer 4

As a former sailing instructor, I recommend that you find a sailing program through the community or a yacht club. There are literally thousands of them in Florida, and it will probably cost you around $200 for a basic course.

The reason I suggest this over the popular notion of finding someone to crew with is that a skipper, especially when racing, generally does not have the time to properly instruct a new sailor. Races also tend to be stressful and may not give a novice a clear understanding of sailing. Also, buying a boat and learning as you go makes you a hazard to yourself and other boaters if you've never done it before.

The most responsible way is to take a structured class. For very little money, you'll find out a)whether you actually like sailing, b) the common language that most sailors use to communicate, and c) just how much work is involved in owning and maintaining a boat - even a small one. You'll also learn basic boating safety and rules of the road, which will come in handy when and if you *do* buy your own boat.

Answer 5

Join a local yacht club and volunteer to crew for someone on a race or for a day sail.  Most yacht clubs also offer sailing lessons through out the year.  Find someone who you know who owns a sailboat and ask them to take you out sailing.  Good luck!

Answer 6

I would say get a small sailboat. Start learning.

There are places that teach. I not sure what they would charge.

I give you a link, it not great. You can see some free videos help you know a few things. But, the actual learning, in my opinion, is getting in a sailboat and learn.

In this link, some videos may have a short advertisement. On the right are more videos. Some of these people are in Florida.

http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/...