My family and I have just completed ASA 103 & ASA 104. We are buying a Hunter 34. Wife and twin sons 19. It was an incredible adventure and we are looking forward to the a marvelous future of sailing. Any suggestions as to how to go forward and learn?
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Conventional Wisdom
Says go spend some time in the tiniest boat you can find. I learned on a sunfish at about age 8. You will get a better feel for sailing in a very small boat than you will in a 34 footer. Two goals in a very small boat are 1) sail it without capsizing in almost any conditions, and 2) capsize and right it without getting wet. Good luck.
Says go spend some time in the tiniest boat you can find. I learned on a sunfish at about age 8. You will get a better feel for sailing in a very small boat than you will in a 34 footer. Two goals in a very small boat are 1) sail it without capsizing in almost any conditions, and 2) capsize and right it without getting wet. Good luck.
learn to navigate
The problem with the ASA series through the levels you've taken is that there's been very little instruction about navigation provided at this point. So keep up with the lessons until you've gone through ASA 106, which you should do as a family on your own boat. Otherwise, reef early and invest in oversized ground tackle.
The problem with the ASA series through the levels you've taken is that there's been very little instruction about navigation provided at this point. So keep up with the lessons until you've gone through ASA 106, which you should do as a family on your own boat. Otherwise, reef early and invest in oversized ground tackle.
Go to Antigua for a week of sailing ...
small boats. My wife and I had a fantastic week there this spring at the Sunsails Resort (Colonna). They have a multitude of boats including Lasers, Hobie Cats, windsurfing equipment, and sport boats for everybody from beginner to expert. If the Caribbean is not for you, they have resorts in the Mediterranean that I hear are also very good (Turkey and Greece). They are all-inclusive in the price and you simply go down to the beach and tell the attendants what you want to sail. Everything is rigged for you and ready to go. You never have to wait for a boat to sail and they can give you instruction and they hold small, informal races for fun if you wish to try your hand. The friendly, easy-going atmosphere was great. They are geared for families and their accomodations are great for bringing your two sons. They are a great value for the money. I agree with Drew that it is necessary to REALLY learn about sailing in small boats. The Colonna Resort we went to couldn't be a better way to pack in a week or two of great experience in a multitude of small boats.
small boats. My wife and I had a fantastic week there this spring at the Sunsails Resort (Colonna). They have a multitude of boats including Lasers, Hobie Cats, windsurfing equipment, and sport boats for everybody from beginner to expert. If the Caribbean is not for you, they have resorts in the Mediterranean that I hear are also very good (Turkey and Greece). They are all-inclusive in the price and you simply go down to the beach and tell the attendants what you want to sail. Everything is rigged for you and ready to go. You never have to wait for a boat to sail and they can give you instruction and they hold small, informal races for fun if you wish to try your hand. The friendly, easy-going atmosphere was great. They are geared for families and their accomodations are great for bringing your two sons. They are a great value for the money. I agree with Drew that it is necessary to REALLY learn about sailing in small boats. The Colonna Resort we went to couldn't be a better way to pack in a week or two of great experience in a multitude of small boats.
welcome to the wonderful world of sailing
Ed -- you are on the right track - i did as you did - took the asa course through 104 and then chartered a few times - i agree with john on the 106 if you can do not a lot of nav as it is vital - one of teh places i charted required me to take and after a couple of apologized as he said i could teach the course -- see i was one of the top mountain search and rescue people on the east coast and was part of one of the top teams in the west and studied nav a lot and actually taught nav in the mountains - but beyond that it is critical - as reference i was in the bahamas when i got a lightening strike and blew out all my electronics - with a small hand held gps and paper maps i got home safey after a two day trip and hit my home port dead on -- then charter a few times and get the fell of not only a hunter but other boats as they are all different - i do disagree with drew in that i have never sailed anything less than a 35' and i currently own a 40' that i sail to the bahamas and east coast of fla and actually brought her down from annapolis - but you do need to sail and try things out -
Ed -- you are on the right track - i did as you did - took the asa course through 104 and then chartered a few times - i agree with john on the 106 if you can do not a lot of nav as it is vital - one of teh places i charted required me to take and after a couple of apologized as he said i could teach the course -- see i was one of the top mountain search and rescue people on the east coast and was part of one of the top teams in the west and studied nav a lot and actually taught nav in the mountains - but beyond that it is critical - as reference i was in the bahamas when i got a lightening strike and blew out all my electronics - with a small hand held gps and paper maps i got home safey after a two day trip and hit my home port dead on -- then charter a few times and get the fell of not only a hunter but other boats as they are all different - i do disagree with drew in that i have never sailed anything less than a 35' and i currently own a 40' that i sail to the bahamas and east coast of fla and actually brought her down from annapolis - but you do need to sail and try things out -
Ed, You might want to look into joining the Stingray Habour Yacht Club. We have many activities all year round and have a very active crusing schedule. Our members are always will to help new members and those new to sailing. Go to the marina and check out the information on the bulletin boards or ask Norton's about us. Welcome to sailing and to Deltaville.
Thanks to everyone
I am an multi-engine instumented rated pilot so I appreciate the navigation, planning, management, etc. This activity is similar to flying except a little slower paced. We are planning to get the 104, 105, and 106. The Antigua suggestion is great. We were at Stingray Harbour, beautiful and will certainly check it out. We are thinking about a small one for a lake near us in WV. Thanks everyone.
I am an multi-engine instumented rated pilot so I appreciate the navigation, planning, management, etc. This activity is similar to flying except a little slower paced. We are planning to get the 104, 105, and 106. The Antigua suggestion is great. We were at Stingray Harbour, beautiful and will certainly check it out. We are thinking about a small one for a lake near us in WV. Thanks everyone.
My experience
I took the ASA classes (six I believe), and think highly of them. I agree with the thought of getting small boat experience, but rather then just tool around in them (which is hard to do, when you have a 34 cruiser calling you to sea), I would try to find a local racing club. In Oyster Bay, Long Island, we have a tuesday night informal racing activity (followed by beer and BBQ), that takes beginners all the time. It gives you a wonderful chance to really learn what makes the boat move in a bunch of varied conditions.
I took the ASA classes (six I believe), and think highly of them. I agree with the thought of getting small boat experience, but rather then just tool around in them (which is hard to do, when you have a 34 cruiser calling you to sea), I would try to find a local racing club. In Oyster Bay, Long Island, we have a tuesday night informal racing activity (followed by beer and BBQ), that takes beginners all the time. It gives you a wonderful chance to really learn what makes the boat move in a bunch of varied conditions.
b393capt..
Got any more info on this Tues. night sailing club? cause just today a friend I do business with asked about where he can learn about sailing and he lives in Locust Valley, I offered to take him out on the Great South Bay on my boat to show him basic stuff but this sounds like the perfect way to learn.
Got any more info on this Tues. night sailing club? cause just today a friend I do business with asked about where he can learn about sailing and he lives in Locust Valley, I offered to take him out on the Great South Bay on my boat to show him basic stuff but this sounds like the perfect way to learn.
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