We all have unique stories about how we started in our beloved hobby. How did you get interested in sailing? Did you go out for a sail with a friend and get hooked? Did you take a flyer with a local sailing school and decide sailing was for you? Charter a crewed boat? Do you come from a family that sailed and owned boats? Or maybe you just drove by a marina full of wonderful looking boats and decided to learn how to sail them. What was it that made you turn the corner and take up sailing? Share your experiences here and then take the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the homepage. (Quiz by Warren Milberg)
- Status
Hard starting
I was at a party with a world class sailor friend when someone offered to give him a Cal20 they never used. Being an owner of a Santa Cruz 70 and a Cal 40, he said I have enough boats give it to my friend here. I said, what would I do with it, he quickly gave me a commercial on how great a Cal20 was and that I should take it he would teach me to sail. I took it, in 3 weeks I was sailing all over the Santa Monica Bay and out to Catalina by myself. I sailed over 300 days in 04. Needless to say I'm crazy about sailing now and can't believe I had never been interested before. I love my Cal20, but just acquired a Cal34.
I was at a party with a world class sailor friend when someone offered to give him a Cal20 they never used. Being an owner of a Santa Cruz 70 and a Cal 40, he said I have enough boats give it to my friend here. I said, what would I do with it, he quickly gave me a commercial on how great a Cal20 was and that I should take it he would teach me to sail. I took it, in 3 weeks I was sailing all over the Santa Monica Bay and out to Catalina by myself. I sailed over 300 days in 04. Needless to say I'm crazy about sailing now and can't believe I had never been interested before. I love my Cal20, but just acquired a Cal34.
freedom
We were out on the bike and stopped at the end of a peir the joined a marina in Melbourne{aust}. Looking at the boats it occured to me that if you owned one of them you could go anywhere, anytime. After checking the local market we decided buying one in USA would not only make financial sence but also force or hand to go sailing. We bought our boat and have had her equipped for the journey, which is now happening in june. We went for a sailing lesson on the bay, but there was no wind, looks like fun. Thats how i got interested and have bet a lot of money on staying interested.
We were out on the bike and stopped at the end of a peir the joined a marina in Melbourne{aust}. Looking at the boats it occured to me that if you owned one of them you could go anywhere, anytime. After checking the local market we decided buying one in USA would not only make financial sence but also force or hand to go sailing. We bought our boat and have had her equipped for the journey, which is now happening in june. We went for a sailing lesson on the bay, but there was no wind, looks like fun. Thats how i got interested and have bet a lot of money on staying interested.
Had Some Friends; Did a Charter
We had some friends that were into sailing. They invited us on a charter to the BVI's. We charterted again the following year and determined that we wanted to give sailing a try. I already owned a Sunfish, but we bought a Catalina 25. We sailed that for 4 years and then bought a Hunter Legend 37. The rest is history! We've been back to the BVI three more times since then. We have chartered a 32.5, 51 and a 38. Now we are looking at next year on a 452.
We had some friends that were into sailing. They invited us on a charter to the BVI's. We charterted again the following year and determined that we wanted to give sailing a try. I already owned a Sunfish, but we bought a Catalina 25. We sailed that for 4 years and then bought a Hunter Legend 37. The rest is history! We've been back to the BVI three more times since then. We have chartered a 32.5, 51 and a 38. Now we are looking at next year on a 452.
Like father - like son
I was with my father-in-law when he bought his first sailboat. Together we "learned the ropes" and had a ball! Three of us: a son and another son-in-law, eventually got their own boats. And now OUR sons are getting their own! Bill on STARGAZER
I was with my father-in-law when he bought his first sailboat. Together we "learned the ropes" and had a ball! Three of us: a son and another son-in-law, eventually got their own boats. And now OUR sons are getting their own! Bill on STARGAZER
As a Kid
When I was around 7 years old my cousin and I built out of wood a raft that we kept tied up at our Grandfathers house on the water....one day my Grandmother was throwing out an old tablecloth and I decided to make a sail for the raft. Wind took our raft all the way down the creek until my Dad came to the rescue....a few weeks later he came home with a Sunfish Sailboat and taught me how to sail- I was hooked eversince! I should have gone into Sailboat building as a career!
When I was around 7 years old my cousin and I built out of wood a raft that we kept tied up at our Grandfathers house on the water....one day my Grandmother was throwing out an old tablecloth and I decided to make a sail for the raft. Wind took our raft all the way down the creek until my Dad came to the rescue....a few weeks later he came home with a Sunfish Sailboat and taught me how to sail- I was hooked eversince! I should have gone into Sailboat building as a career!
fascinated by sailing
I have always been fascinated by sailing. Wanted a sailboat for 25 or 30 years. Now I own two. Much has been made of how to get younger people involved in this sport. This past weekend, a friend of mine took two young airmen out on his Hunter 235. They were first timers. They spent about seven hours on St Joe Bay. When they came in you could tell by the looks on their faces they had a blast. I asked them if they had been bitten by the bug and got very enthusiastic responses. So that is how you get younger people interested, you have to get them out there.
I have always been fascinated by sailing. Wanted a sailboat for 25 or 30 years. Now I own two. Much has been made of how to get younger people involved in this sport. This past weekend, a friend of mine took two young airmen out on his Hunter 235. They were first timers. They spent about seven hours on St Joe Bay. When they came in you could tell by the looks on their faces they had a blast. I asked them if they had been bitten by the bug and got very enthusiastic responses. So that is how you get younger people interested, you have to get them out there.
Lost in the mists of antiquity
I can't remember now what started my fascination with sailboats. I do recall a childhood fascination with sailing ships; I guess that morphed into a love of sailing. I don't remember when or how, but except for a hiatus in high school and college (when all I remember is girls and beer), my fascination has stayed with me my whole life.
I can't remember now what started my fascination with sailboats. I do recall a childhood fascination with sailing ships; I guess that morphed into a love of sailing. I don't remember when or how, but except for a hiatus in high school and college (when all I remember is girls and beer), my fascination has stayed with me my whole life.
Chesapeak Bay and St. Helena Island
My ex father-in-law took care of the St Helena Island on the Severn River outside of Annapolis, MD. He owned a 40'Chris Craft wooden cruiser and would take me out to the Bay. I used to sit out on the island and watch sailboats circle the island and head back out to the bay. This was 1984. I fell in love with sailboats. They were sleek, quite, and one with the wind. I used to tell myself that it was the romance of sailing that was eating at me. I would walk around Smith's Marina and admire the boats on hard, old wooden sailboats and new. Well, dreams never die. My wife and I bought our first sailboat this past January and we have been out on the lake everyweekend since. And you know what? It was ans still is the romance that I fell in love with when the sailboat bug bit me. We are soaking up everything we can. Our plan is to keep out 1981 Catalina 22 for a couple of years and upgrade to something we can use on the coast between Texas and Florida. Who knows where we will end up. Would be nice to sail around St Helena Island.
My ex father-in-law took care of the St Helena Island on the Severn River outside of Annapolis, MD. He owned a 40'Chris Craft wooden cruiser and would take me out to the Bay. I used to sit out on the island and watch sailboats circle the island and head back out to the bay. This was 1984. I fell in love with sailboats. They were sleek, quite, and one with the wind. I used to tell myself that it was the romance of sailing that was eating at me. I would walk around Smith's Marina and admire the boats on hard, old wooden sailboats and new. Well, dreams never die. My wife and I bought our first sailboat this past January and we have been out on the lake everyweekend since. And you know what? It was ans still is the romance that I fell in love with when the sailboat bug bit me. We are soaking up everything we can. Our plan is to keep out 1981 Catalina 22 for a couple of years and upgrade to something we can use on the coast between Texas and Florida. Who knows where we will end up. Would be nice to sail around St Helena Island.
The start...
Was reading the paper one day about 30 years ago and saw an ad: "Will teach you to sail in four hours. $100." The first two hours were horrible. Lots of yelling at me using words I had never heard before. Instructor told me to go home and read some sailing books. I did. Came back for the final two hours and things clicked. Bought a small one-design day sailor two weeks later. Six boats later and I now own a Hunter 28.5. Love sailing just as much now as I did then....
Was reading the paper one day about 30 years ago and saw an ad: "Will teach you to sail in four hours. $100." The first two hours were horrible. Lots of yelling at me using words I had never heard before. Instructor told me to go home and read some sailing books. I did. Came back for the final two hours and things clicked. Bought a small one-design day sailor two weeks later. Six boats later and I now own a Hunter 28.5. Love sailing just as much now as I did then....
from camping and race cars to sailboats
Hello, When I was in high school (a LONG time ago) I did some sailing on friend's boats. I went to college, graduated, got a job, married, kids, etc. and forgot all about sailing. Over 10 years I bought a Porsche and went racing. The racing was fun, so I bought a RV to tow the race car with, and go camping with the family. Camping was fun, but I didn't use the RV very often, since it requires at least an entire weekend, and getting off Long Island NY on a friday night, and returning Sunday afternoon means lots of traffic. Two years ago, my wife said "We live on an island, we should get a boat." My initial reaction was "you're crazy, no way." Neither of us like power boats. I then remembered the fun times I went sailing in high school, so I did some research. With a sailboat, we don't need an entire weekend. You can go for an hour or two. I can be on the water in 30 minutes. And, sailing was a lot cheaper than I thought. To make a long story shorter, in July of 03 we bought a beautiful 1981 Catalina 22. We trailer sailed it a lot in 03. Moored it in Mt. Sinai NY for '04, sold it and bought a Newport 28' in June of 04. Now I don't want to race the Porsche anymore. I just want to go sailing. Sailing is addictive! Barry
Hello, When I was in high school (a LONG time ago) I did some sailing on friend's boats. I went to college, graduated, got a job, married, kids, etc. and forgot all about sailing. Over 10 years I bought a Porsche and went racing. The racing was fun, so I bought a RV to tow the race car with, and go camping with the family. Camping was fun, but I didn't use the RV very often, since it requires at least an entire weekend, and getting off Long Island NY on a friday night, and returning Sunday afternoon means lots of traffic. Two years ago, my wife said "We live on an island, we should get a boat." My initial reaction was "you're crazy, no way." Neither of us like power boats. I then remembered the fun times I went sailing in high school, so I did some research. With a sailboat, we don't need an entire weekend. You can go for an hour or two. I can be on the water in 30 minutes. And, sailing was a lot cheaper than I thought. To make a long story shorter, in July of 03 we bought a beautiful 1981 Catalina 22. We trailer sailed it a lot in 03. Moored it in Mt. Sinai NY for '04, sold it and bought a Newport 28' in June of 04. Now I don't want to race the Porsche anymore. I just want to go sailing. Sailing is addictive! Barry
sailing
While in the Coast Guard, stationed at Port Angles, Washington, I was part of a crew that took a sailboat into custody for drugs. It took us seven hours to get the boat back to port, because we were having so much fun sailing her. I could not get over how something so big could move so quietly. I knew after that I wanted to learn to sail and own my own boat. I talked my wife into buying a Macgregor 26D. That boat has been with us for 17 years now and has sailed both coasts, the Sea of Baha, the inside passage to Jueanu and all over Puget Sound. I have often thought of getting something bigger but this little Mac suits us just fine.
While in the Coast Guard, stationed at Port Angles, Washington, I was part of a crew that took a sailboat into custody for drugs. It took us seven hours to get the boat back to port, because we were having so much fun sailing her. I could not get over how something so big could move so quietly. I knew after that I wanted to learn to sail and own my own boat. I talked my wife into buying a Macgregor 26D. That boat has been with us for 17 years now and has sailed both coasts, the Sea of Baha, the inside passage to Jueanu and all over Puget Sound. I have often thought of getting something bigger but this little Mac suits us just fine.
First Sail
My father was in the Navy, stationed at Keflavik, Iceland, and decided to take us to Europe for 10 days for some R&R 41 years ago. We stayed several days at the resort at Lake Eibsee,near Garmisch, and one day I decided to pay 25 cents and check out a catboat for the day. It was old and pretty ragged, but I had an absolute blast and learned pretty quickly that working my way back upwind was much harder than going the other way. Cat rig and no keel make "pointing" sort of self contradictory. But what captured me was the constant problem-solving that sailing requires - I had to do more than aim and shoot. That aspect still holds me captive.
My father was in the Navy, stationed at Keflavik, Iceland, and decided to take us to Europe for 10 days for some R&R 41 years ago. We stayed several days at the resort at Lake Eibsee,near Garmisch, and one day I decided to pay 25 cents and check out a catboat for the day. It was old and pretty ragged, but I had an absolute blast and learned pretty quickly that working my way back upwind was much harder than going the other way. Cat rig and no keel make "pointing" sort of self contradictory. But what captured me was the constant problem-solving that sailing requires - I had to do more than aim and shoot. That aspect still holds me captive.
Uncle George
My Uncle George, born and raised in south Florida, was a giant of a man. When he held a beer in his hand it looked like one of those little cans of V8 in a normal person's hand. He was well known around the sailboat racing crowd because he was so good and so strong, and he was actively courted by top racing teams. When I was six years old he taught me to sail a little single-sail wooden pram, and then took me sailing on his hand-build Flying Dutchman. I was petrified because that Dutchman went so fast, but I secretly loved it. Over the years he fueled my love for sailing by taking me for overnighters in Biscayne Bay and later in the Forida Keys. I grew to cherish the peace and quiet, the self-sufficiency, and the ability to just pick up and move your "hotel" to another location when you were ready. He's gone now but his legacy, which I have now passed to my two children, lives on. God bless Uncle George.
My Uncle George, born and raised in south Florida, was a giant of a man. When he held a beer in his hand it looked like one of those little cans of V8 in a normal person's hand. He was well known around the sailboat racing crowd because he was so good and so strong, and he was actively courted by top racing teams. When I was six years old he taught me to sail a little single-sail wooden pram, and then took me sailing on his hand-build Flying Dutchman. I was petrified because that Dutchman went so fast, but I secretly loved it. Over the years he fueled my love for sailing by taking me for overnighters in Biscayne Bay and later in the Forida Keys. I grew to cherish the peace and quiet, the self-sufficiency, and the ability to just pick up and move your "hotel" to another location when you were ready. He's gone now but his legacy, which I have now passed to my two children, lives on. God bless Uncle George.
Sea Scouts set my sail
When I was a freshman in High School, a sophomore in my 1st year Spanish class invited me to go a Sea Scout meeting. Ship 825 out of Houston was a very active ship. We chartered sail boats every summer in the Bahamas. My senior year we bought 5 Dolphin Srs and a ski boat with money we earned from a Christmas Tree sale. With a total of 6 Dolphins we had a mini regatta almost every weekend. It was an absolute blast. Anybody out there from Ship 825 or anyone who remembers Bill Minto or Barry Overbaugh drop me a line at mmcwill2@columbus.rr.com
When I was a freshman in High School, a sophomore in my 1st year Spanish class invited me to go a Sea Scout meeting. Ship 825 out of Houston was a very active ship. We chartered sail boats every summer in the Bahamas. My senior year we bought 5 Dolphin Srs and a ski boat with money we earned from a Christmas Tree sale. With a total of 6 Dolphins we had a mini regatta almost every weekend. It was an absolute blast. Anybody out there from Ship 825 or anyone who remembers Bill Minto or Barry Overbaugh drop me a line at mmcwill2@columbus.rr.com
Scared to death the boat would tip over
At age 6, Dad took me sailing just off Annapolis. Huge winds I am sure, and the boat seemed to almost tip over. Scared to death, yellled "take me home" and saw Dad laugh! Hid down inside the Hampton 19'er. Finally held on, folowed orders, saw our summer place on the beach, took the tiller, and pretended to like it. When docked, ran home! But told everybody Isailed the boat, etc. Dad is still laughing!
At age 6, Dad took me sailing just off Annapolis. Huge winds I am sure, and the boat seemed to almost tip over. Scared to death, yellled "take me home" and saw Dad laugh! Hid down inside the Hampton 19'er. Finally held on, folowed orders, saw our summer place on the beach, took the tiller, and pretended to like it. When docked, ran home! But told everybody Isailed the boat, etc. Dad is still laughing!
Lifestyle change...
My wife (Kath) and I talked to Sunfish owners while visiting a lake near our home in Allentown, PA about 6 years ago. We had always been interested in learning to sail so we decided to purchase a Sunfish. For our maiden voyage, we launched it on a crowded lake (Beltzville Lake) which allows unlimited powerboats... on the 4th of July. It was an interesting and an illuminating day. Over the few brief years since then, we got better. We've gotten more knowledgable about the sport, more experience with larger boats and neither of us has gotten to the point of pushing the other into the drink yet (although, it's been very close a few times). So... what did we decide to do about our hum-drum existance in Allentown? We sold our house this past September, moved to an apartment near Jabins Yacht Yard in Annapolis and bought a Hunter 41 (Odyssey) with the intent to "live-aboard" next year. Our friends think we're a bit crazy... we think they're "missing the boat". JD
My wife (Kath) and I talked to Sunfish owners while visiting a lake near our home in Allentown, PA about 6 years ago. We had always been interested in learning to sail so we decided to purchase a Sunfish. For our maiden voyage, we launched it on a crowded lake (Beltzville Lake) which allows unlimited powerboats... on the 4th of July. It was an interesting and an illuminating day. Over the few brief years since then, we got better. We've gotten more knowledgable about the sport, more experience with larger boats and neither of us has gotten to the point of pushing the other into the drink yet (although, it's been very close a few times). So... what did we decide to do about our hum-drum existance in Allentown? We sold our house this past September, moved to an apartment near Jabins Yacht Yard in Annapolis and bought a Hunter 41 (Odyssey) with the intent to "live-aboard" next year. Our friends think we're a bit crazy... we think they're "missing the boat". JD
An interesting meeting
I always had an interest in the sea, even at the ripe old age of 13. The starting point for my interest in sailing was a meeting with a famous seaman from WWI. While in the Sea Scouts, I had the very good fortune to meet and converse with Count Felix Von Luckner, the Sea Devil. His exploits during WWI and his skill at ship handling as well as his presence as one of the last warriors who fought but didn't kill was impressive to a youngster. This meeting was followed by a chance meeting with Capt Irv Johnson and his wife at Block Island when they put into Great Salt Pond with their brigantine. These meetings cemented what was an interest into a lifelong passion that has lasted 57 years.
I always had an interest in the sea, even at the ripe old age of 13. The starting point for my interest in sailing was a meeting with a famous seaman from WWI. While in the Sea Scouts, I had the very good fortune to meet and converse with Count Felix Von Luckner, the Sea Devil. His exploits during WWI and his skill at ship handling as well as his presence as one of the last warriors who fought but didn't kill was impressive to a youngster. This meeting was followed by a chance meeting with Capt Irv Johnson and his wife at Block Island when they put into Great Salt Pond with their brigantine. These meetings cemented what was an interest into a lifelong passion that has lasted 57 years.
Getting Started
My wife got me started. She said I needed a hobby, we have a remodeling business and she thought I needed a diversion.I had wanted to learn to sail since I was about 7 years old and saw some on a lake with my grandparents. One boat came in and the couple told me about how it worked. Fast forward about 30 years and my wife bought me a 14' catalina. (We had a power boat for a couple of years but not the same.) We sailed it for half a season and I was hooked. She didn't like being that close to the water and suggested we get a bigger boat. I took some classes and got certified for keel boats. Got a Catalina 22 sailed her for two seasons. Got a Catalina 25 sailed it for half a season and it wasn't quite what we wanted. Looked at a H23 and both the admiral and I liked it. Made some upgrades etc and now have had it for three seasons. Whenever she says anything about the sailboat fund or boating I blame it on her and tell her she got me my first boat. I am glad she got me started in that direction. Rob Morton.
My wife got me started. She said I needed a hobby, we have a remodeling business and she thought I needed a diversion.I had wanted to learn to sail since I was about 7 years old and saw some on a lake with my grandparents. One boat came in and the couple told me about how it worked. Fast forward about 30 years and my wife bought me a 14' catalina. (We had a power boat for a couple of years but not the same.) We sailed it for half a season and I was hooked. She didn't like being that close to the water and suggested we get a bigger boat. I took some classes and got certified for keel boats. Got a Catalina 22 sailed her for two seasons. Got a Catalina 25 sailed it for half a season and it wasn't quite what we wanted. Looked at a H23 and both the admiral and I liked it. Made some upgrades etc and now have had it for three seasons. Whenever she says anything about the sailboat fund or boating I blame it on her and tell her she got me my first boat. I am glad she got me started in that direction. Rob Morton.
Sunflower then Windsurfing then sailing
We had a small Sunflower that we used with our kids from the mid-70's. It was fun but not that intriguing. For my 40th birthday my wife gave me a Windsurfer and I was hooked on boardsailing--addicted actually. Six boards later, a mountain bike for my 50th and three major accidents later we wanted something for my 60th and our 35th Anniversary. We went on our friend's MacGregor 26 in the Thousand Islands. My Wife and I were both hooked because we saw how we could enjoyably sail and not break the bank. We really believed that "if you have to ask the price you can't afford it" and visits to boating shows and chandleries seemed to prove it. Well our trailor sailor has been to Georgian Bay twice, the Rideau and Trent Canal systems and or course the Thousand Islands. The longest time we have spent on it is over 30 days at a time and we have enjoyed this sport greatly. If you see us on Georgian Bay this June near the Bustard Islands and Killarney say hi. Mike and Diane Purdy Jedaro
We had a small Sunflower that we used with our kids from the mid-70's. It was fun but not that intriguing. For my 40th birthday my wife gave me a Windsurfer and I was hooked on boardsailing--addicted actually. Six boards later, a mountain bike for my 50th and three major accidents later we wanted something for my 60th and our 35th Anniversary. We went on our friend's MacGregor 26 in the Thousand Islands. My Wife and I were both hooked because we saw how we could enjoyably sail and not break the bank. We really believed that "if you have to ask the price you can't afford it" and visits to boating shows and chandleries seemed to prove it. Well our trailor sailor has been to Georgian Bay twice, the Rideau and Trent Canal systems and or course the Thousand Islands. The longest time we have spent on it is over 30 days at a time and we have enjoyed this sport greatly. If you see us on Georgian Bay this June near the Bustard Islands and Killarney say hi. Mike and Diane Purdy Jedaro
- Status