Off-Shore sailing school any thoughts?

[Ed]

I posted a question about charter in the BVI, but have decided to possibly go a differnt route. I had a 326, and have traded it for a 426. My wife and I will sail this alone most of the summer - a larger boat than we have sailed short handed prior, but not worried about it. However, I saw that Off-Shore Sailing school has a one week course on a Hunter 466 in the Keys or on a 46 foot Beneatu in BVI called a "private live aboard crusing course" It involves a week on the boat with just the two of us and an instructor. Has anyone done this? Has anyone gone to one of their live aboard courses? Was it educational? Fun? or just a rehash of what you already knew. I went to one of their schools in '93 a basic sailing couse to learn to sail keel boats on a 26 foot boat in FL. Think that having some instruction on a 46 with just my wife and I would be a good way to get some experience in docking/anchoring a larger boat etc. Any thoughts appreciated. Ed

 

[Bruce Grant]

I thought about the same thing....

before I went and chartered in the BVI's.I sail a 320 and we were planning on having some family join us so I rented an Island Packet 420 for the 6 of us.Long and short of it was that 4 people canceled and my SO and I had to sail the 420.The first day was tough due to not being used to a cutter rig and high winds.We had not real problems sailing it, nor mooring it.As the 10 day's progressed, it felt as natural as sailing my 320.Docking was not that big of an issue nor was picking up any of the moorings (1st time we ever had to do that).So depending on what you are looking to get out of the school will really determine if it is worth taking the class or not.IMHO, if you are just concerned about being able to charter and sail down in the BVI's, go for it, the sailing is pretty easy and the charter companies are in business to charter, not turn people away. If you know what you are doing, they will see that pretty quickly during the checkout, if your not capable, they will know and get you to use a charter captain.If you have concerns about your ability to handle the charter boat, rent a captain for a day or two until you are comfortable with the boat.Regards.BruceNeon Moon

 

[Wayne]

Bigger may be better

Last year we upgraded from a H336 to a H410. The whole time it was being commision I kept wondering... How will I ever get this "giant" boat in the slip. I have actually found the 410 to be a much more responsive than the 336. In pretty much every area I have found the 410 to be an easier boat the sail, handle and dock.good luck,-wayne