I have had a lifelong ambition to sail, but am only recently in a financial position to do something about it. I have some ideas, but hope to get advice from the participants here as well. My idea of a first phase is spending some time with a serious school. Being in Atlanta, I do not have these very close by, but there is a sizeable lake about an hour away that may have a school worth getting started with. My idea for phase two is chartering on a school-at-sea yacht for some intensive experience and a real taste of ship-board life. I am at a particularly fun stage of things nautical because it is all facinating to me and my learning curve just zooms along. Also, I can freely drool over boat designs without being sobered by a more realistic knowledge of maintenance and seamanship challenges. With all of that in mind, I wanted to open communications here. Test the waters (pun intended). BTW, I confess that I fabricated the data about owning a Cheoy Lee. It is a boat I have admired, and I had to list something. If this forum is strictly for for owners only, I apologize for the intrusion. Marco
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Welcome Mark!
No, you don't need to own a boat to post here. Many folks just getting into sailing ask questions and get some good answers. I think your plan is perfect. When the time comes for your first 'solo' sail you'll be very comforted that you had professional instruction, and it will positively effect your boatkeeping habits for years to come.
No, you don't need to own a boat to post here. Many folks just getting into sailing ask questions and get some good answers. I think your plan is perfect. When the time comes for your first 'solo' sail you'll be very comforted that you had professional instruction, and it will positively effect your boatkeeping habits for years to come.
go hang out at a marina...
One of my favorite activities is to walk out on the dock at local marinas to look at boats. Often I run into boat owners who are glad to see someone showing interest in their boat and who will chat awhile. It is true that some folks are busy doing their thing and may not have the inclination to talk... but most folks do. Some marinas restrict access to their docks for security and liability reasons.
One of my favorite activities is to walk out on the dock at local marinas to look at boats. Often I run into boat owners who are glad to see someone showing interest in their boat and who will chat awhile. It is true that some folks are busy doing their thing and may not have the inclination to talk... but most folks do. Some marinas restrict access to their docks for security and liability reasons.
Play in a sailing Dinghy
I find sailing a powerful activity. It has everything from “just messing around in the water” to “trying to keep your mind focused while the whole world is coming apart”. From your post it looks like you like things planned and organized. This is a very good attribute for a sailor, but also is the ability to work the unplanned. So along with the plan you set out (a good plan) I would also add in the activity “go out and rent a sailing dinghy and mess around”. If you can do that and still have fun you’re a sailor at heart.
I find sailing a powerful activity. It has everything from “just messing around in the water” to “trying to keep your mind focused while the whole world is coming apart”. From your post it looks like you like things planned and organized. This is a very good attribute for a sailor, but also is the ability to work the unplanned. So along with the plan you set out (a good plan) I would also add in the activity “go out and rent a sailing dinghy and mess around”. If you can do that and still have fun you’re a sailor at heart.
Learning To Sail
In Atlanta you are not far from Lake Lanier where plenty of sailing goes on, water permitting. I suggest finding a way to meet some sailors and sign on to crew during a race series. You will learn a great deal from experienced people.
In Atlanta you are not far from Lake Lanier where plenty of sailing goes on, water permitting. I suggest finding a way to meet some sailors and sign on to crew during a race series. You will learn a great deal from experienced people.
Lanier
Mark, Lanier is right there, may be an hour or so away, but having sailed the lake for 3 seasons I can honestly say I had a blast. If you are looking at buying a boat drop me an email and I'll recommend someone to talk to. There is a sailing school, however the name slips me at the moment. I might recommend getting a small boat to start and move on up. Plenty of buyers and sellers in the area as well. There is also a place to rent sailboats as well, on the lake. Drop me a line and I'll help ya out anyway I can. CapnChuck@msn.net
Mark, Lanier is right there, may be an hour or so away, but having sailed the lake for 3 seasons I can honestly say I had a blast. If you are looking at buying a boat drop me an email and I'll recommend someone to talk to. There is a sailing school, however the name slips me at the moment. I might recommend getting a small boat to start and move on up. Plenty of buyers and sellers in the area as well. There is also a place to rent sailboats as well, on the lake. Drop me a line and I'll help ya out anyway I can. CapnChuck@msn.net
Lanier Sailing Academy
Has an excellent school on Lanier and either owns or is affiliated with another in the Caribbean. Give 'em call. Once you've learned the basics, there's a sailing club based at Holiday Marina that owns boats from sailing dinks to about 25-28' which members can reserve for a day...membership is very reasonable--a LOT less than the cost of owning a boat. And btw, fall and winter are the best sailing times on Lanier, so your timing is perfect. I had boats on Lanier for nearly 20 years.
Has an excellent school on Lanier and either owns or is affiliated with another in the Caribbean. Give 'em call. Once you've learned the basics, there's a sailing club based at Holiday Marina that owns boats from sailing dinks to about 25-28' which members can reserve for a day...membership is very reasonable--a LOT less than the cost of owning a boat. And btw, fall and winter are the best sailing times on Lanier, so your timing is perfect. I had boats on Lanier for nearly 20 years.
JUST DO IT
You sound like I did about 5 years ago. I read up on everything I could about sailing and read about every web site from tactics to terminology on the subject of sailing. Next (having never set foot on a sailboat in my life) I bought a 22ft pocket cruiser. I sailed it on a lake in NC till this past january. I then purchased my hunter 30. I bought this in Charleston, SC and then (having never sailed in coastal or salt water) sailed the sucker back up to Camp Lejeune, NC (about 150 miles). Don't spend so much time worrying about sailing schools, the guy that said hang around a marina gave you the best advice. Just ask alot of questions. REMEMBER: Life is not a dress rehersal, this is it, this is the big show! Just do it
You sound like I did about 5 years ago. I read up on everything I could about sailing and read about every web site from tactics to terminology on the subject of sailing. Next (having never set foot on a sailboat in my life) I bought a 22ft pocket cruiser. I sailed it on a lake in NC till this past january. I then purchased my hunter 30. I bought this in Charleston, SC and then (having never sailed in coastal or salt water) sailed the sucker back up to Camp Lejeune, NC (about 150 miles). Don't spend so much time worrying about sailing schools, the guy that said hang around a marina gave you the best advice. Just ask alot of questions. REMEMBER: Life is not a dress rehersal, this is it, this is the big show! Just do it
Always people willing to share
I find there are always people at the yacht clubs willing to talk and even take newbies out for a sail. My step-sister did a week sailing/class in the Caribbean. She got to do sailing and earn a charter certificate. I think that is one of the best ways to go if you are new. You get a lot of time to learn and practice, a nice vacation and time to see just what it's like to 'be' on the boat. I've done a lot of sailing on small boats before I moved up to the 29 footer I have today. Maybe in a couple of years I will move up to a bigger one (finances cooperating).
I find there are always people at the yacht clubs willing to talk and even take newbies out for a sail. My step-sister did a week sailing/class in the Caribbean. She got to do sailing and earn a charter certificate. I think that is one of the best ways to go if you are new. You get a lot of time to learn and practice, a nice vacation and time to see just what it's like to 'be' on the boat. I've done a lot of sailing on small boats before I moved up to the 29 footer I have today. Maybe in a couple of years I will move up to a bigger one (finances cooperating).
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