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Starting from scratch..
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Danny Boy View Drop Down
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    Posted: 27 May 12 at 4:10pm
Hi all,

I am a 22 year old from the midlands and it is fair to say that whilst growing up sailing never crossed my mind (i guess living near Birmingham doesn't really sell the wonders of the sea!). But 2 years ago myself and the family went on a holiday to Cowes - which happened to coincinde with Cowes week, and since then a serious urge to learn has never really passed!

At the time I was studying and working part time which meant that until now, I have never really been able to go and learn.. But now I am seriously considering where and how to begin and thought the help and advice of those with a passion for sailing is the best place to begin.

I have looked around the RYA website where there are the competant crew courses - Is this the best method? Upon completion of this course, what standard does this put me at, and where is the next logical step?

It is unrealistic that I am able to afford to buy and run my own boat at the moment - but in the future that is what I would like to achieve.

Any help and advice would be fantastic.

Kind Regards,

Dan.
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JimC View Drop Down
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Posts: 6660 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 May 12 at 4:39pm
Well, there are a bunch of approaches, and a lot depends on whether you want to get into big boats or sail dinghies. In general I'd say its best to start with small boats because you learn more and faster.

I don't know the clubs in the Birmingham area that well, but I bet there are a whole number of lakes and reservoirs with sailing clubs within a reasonable radius of you, and a good number of them probably run beginners courses to lesser and greater degrees of sophistication.

There will be options from intensive courses over a short period to longer sessions maybe on summer evenings, so pick what you fancy. When it comes to dinghy sailing locally pretty much anyone can afford to run a boat at some level, but gain an introduction to the game, and idea of the variety of approaches, and go from there.
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Max McCarthy View Drop Down
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Posts: 104 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Max McCarthy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 May 12 at 5:50pm
Bartley sailing club is pretty good, and not that far away from Birmingham, I think it is one of the biggest reservoirs around Birmingham, that you can sail on. Come and say hi one day, they are all very friendly there, speak to the people behind the bar if you want membership details, or there are some on the website - www.bartleysailingclub.com

I hope it helps!
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Danny Boy View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Danny Boy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 12 at 8:03pm
Originally posted by Max McCarthy

Bartley sailing club is pretty good, and not that far away from Birmingham, I think it is one of the biggest reservoirs around Birmingham, that you can sail on. Come and say hi one day, they are all very friendly there, speak to the people behind the bar if you want membership details, or there are some on the website - www.bartleysailingclub.com

I hope it helps!


That isn't too far away. Is it best to e-mail or phone and see if something can be organised with one of the members? I think i'd feel a little out of place turning up randomly.

Do you sail there yourself Max?
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Max McCarthy View Drop Down
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Posts: 104 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Max McCarthy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 May 12 at 8:25pm
I do sail there, anyway, I should be there tommorow at about 6:00 (PM), if you want to come and say hi.

Edited by Max McCarthy - 28 May 12 at 8:26pm
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pondmonkey View Drop Down
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Posts: 2202 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pondmonkey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 12 at 9:54am
Based in Redditch?  You could consider Draycote Water SC, between Rugby and Southam.  It's a lot 'closer' from South Warwickshire now Jnc 15 of the M40 has been sorted.  About 1/2 hr from Stratford.

It has a professionally run on site sailing school where adult learners seem to flourish (the last course converted 75% of the participants into new club members).

There also plenty of members who travel for big boat sailing, so this avenue could also open up:

Ask to speak with Max or Dave-



Edited by pondmonkey - 29 May 12 at 9:54am
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bferry View Drop Down
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Posts: 190 		Post Options Post Options   Quote bferry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 12 at 10:22am

Interesting topic.  Can someone set up a poll on  'how old were you when you started sailing' ? It world be interesting to see how many late starters there were and how many people start at a young age.

(spell checked)

Edited by bferry - 29 May 12 at 10:23am
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Danny Boy View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Danny Boy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 12 at 1:50pm
Southam isn't too far.. I work in the centre of Stratford.
 
Looking at the website for Bartley Sailing Club, I see they are offering RYA level 1 & 2 courses in September.. I was considering booking onto one of these - Could be a good starting point?
 
Sorry Max, I am unable to make it over there tonight. Perhaps if you are there one weekend I could pop over and say hello?
 
Dan.
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pondmonkey View Drop Down
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Posts: 2202 		Post Options Post Options   Quote pondmonkey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 12 at 2:14pm
Dan,

If you want really local...



Personally I prefer the bigger space offered by Draycote and I find some reassurance that when the water is open we have professional safety crew on permanent stand-by.  But this type of club isn't for everyone as it can be more expensive.  Space isn'tt  he most important factor unless you have a specific requirement- e.g. sailing faster boats / windsurfing etc.  But it would still be a fantastic place to get some introductory, professional sailing lessons.
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Max McCarthy View Drop Down
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Posts: 104 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Max McCarthy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 May 12 at 2:15pm
Yeah, I should be there this weekend at some point.

As far as the courses are concerned, you are right, they are a good starting point, and good to get you on your way,

Max
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