Starting from scratch..
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Beginner questions
Forum Discription: Advice for those who are new to sailing
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9431
Printed Date: 13 Aug 25 at 8:33pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Starting from scratch..
Posted By: Danny Boy
Subject: Starting from scratch..
Date 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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Replies:
Posted By: JimC
Date 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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Posted By: Max McCarthy
Date Posted: 27 May 12 at 5:50pm
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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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Vintage skol moth 3438
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Posted By: Danny Boy
Date 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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Posted By: Max McCarthy
Date 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.
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Vintage skol moth 3438
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Posted By: pondmonkey
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 9:54am
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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-
http://www.onboardsurfandsail.co.uk/ - http://www.onboardsurfandsail.co.uk/ |
Posted By: bferry
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 10:22am
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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)
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Bernard
Vareo 249
Miracle 2818
Malta
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Posted By: Danny Boy
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 1:50pm
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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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Posted By: pondmonkey
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 2:14pm
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Dan,
If you want really local...
http://www.earlswoodlakessc.co.uk/ - http://www.earlswoodlakessc.co.uk/
http://redditchsc.dyndns.org/home.html - http://redditchsc.dyndns.org/home.html
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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Posted By: Max McCarthy
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 2:15pm
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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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Vintage skol moth 3438
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Posted By: Danny Boy
Date Posted: 29 May 12 at 6:54pm
Yeah, Earlswood and Redditch SC are closer, I know about Redditch SC (But i never realised how many sailing clubs are so close!) I wouldn't mind travelling a bit further to find the right club, a better lake/resevoir, where the people are nice and welcoming...
In regards to the RYA level 1/2 courses.. what level does this put you at? Does this allow you the knowledge to become a member and get out there and perfect the skills?
At Bartley - the RYA level 1&2 course.. I am a little confused, is the stated cost per level, or is it for the levels 1&2 courses?
Dan.
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Posted By: yachtfrenzy
Date Posted: 03 Oct 12 at 12:47am
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"In regards to the RYA level 1/2 courses.. what level does this put you at? Does this allow you the knowledge to become a member and get out there and perfect the skills?"
Danny, did you get an answer to that question as I'm wondering the same thing?
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Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 05 Oct 12 at 7:31pm
Level one is the absolute basics and should be followed as closely as possible (time wise) by level 2. Level 2 is the recognised certificate of competence that will allow you to go to a commercial centre and hire a dinghy then manage it in reasonable wind strength. You can join a club without any knowledge at all and can also learn by crewing for more experienced sailors, plus many clubs run training courses which you can do once you are a member. The best bet is to visit plenty of clubs in your area, talk to the members, see what is on offer and then choose which you want to join. You don't have to do your course at a commercial centre; many smaller clubs offer quality tuition.
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the same, but different...
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