Ways to keep sailing and improving without owning a boat?
Posted by Used-Influence-2343@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Hey all,
I’ve just finished a beginner sailing course here in South Australia and really enjoyed it. Keen to keep building skills and getting more time on the water, but I don’t own a boat and buying one isn’t an option right now.
I’m trying to work out the best way to stay involved and keep improving.
For those who started in a similar position, what did you actually do after your course?
I’m based in Australia but keen to hear any general advice or what worked for you.
Main goal is simple. Get more time on the water and actually improve, not just do another course.
Appreciate any advice. Thanks so much
vanalden@reddit
I had a similar start. For my wife and I, our very next step was onto our own, new boat (my wife's first step onto a boat ever!). In the meantime we learnt a lot from YouTube vids.
As an Aussie you've probably seen the movie, 'The Merger,' about a struggling, country AFL team. One of the players explains that he's pretty good at 'mime footy'. My wife and I did lots of 'mime sailing' in the family-room or kitchen, practicing the sequence of communication and actions for tacking, gybing, reefing, docking, etc.
The videos and mime sailing helped a lot, really. However, an aspect that can't be simulated well is how sensitive boats are to wind effects when docking, even in light winds. Focussing on this while training will pay off.
Used-Influence-2343@reddit (OP)
Thanks so much for your message mate, I really appreciate it.
Honestly I was feeling a bit lost with all of this. There is so much information out there, but at the same time no clear path. Too many courses, and no clear path...
The course I took it was a great experience and I’m glad I did it. It got me on the water and gave me a feel for things. But if I’m honest, it wasn’t the best in terms of actually learning properly or building real confidence...
Your point about mime sailing sounds really good.. It sounds simple but it actually makes a lot of sense. Running through the sequences, the communication, getting the order right. That is something I can start doing straight away.And yeah, the docking part is exactly what I’ve been thinking about. Looks easy until you realise how much the wind and boat movement affect everything. Definitely something I want to focus on early.
Also massive respect to you and your wife for just going for it and getting your own boat. That is inspiring.
Thanks again for taking the time to share this. It helped more than you think.
RobHealey222@reddit
As other have said, crew - think about it, even small boats have 2 crew and the owner/skipper, so the ratio is in your favour. Many yacht clubs have a weekly fun sail where the racing is less serious and the larger yachts take 5-10 people along. There's room to take it all in, see what is 'normal'. I would avoid passage/offshore racing until you know the people. You will find that the nice bloke ashore can become a tyrant with a tiller in his hand!
Good luck!
porscheaudi2@reddit
Crew
overthehillhat@reddit
Crafty - hardworking and a fast learner?
Get a job working on boats
iddereddi@reddit
How far away from the water (and what type of water) are you? How crafty are you?
overthehillhat@reddit
Yes--Crafty - hardworking and a fast learner
Get a job working on boats
ShrekNFionaVonSwamp@reddit
If you’re not on quest with Marineverse, you just found the answer. Check out the app… we’re currently racing in VR Beirut to Monaco. There’s tons of ad hoc racing and race leagues… the instructional content is excellent. Several different ways to participate…
IvorTheEngine@reddit
For a lot of people, dinghy sailing is the answer. Clubs have hire boats, but the boats are much cheaper to buy and maintain than yachts. And if you only have an occasional day or afternoon, they fit into your schedule better. And you can sail on a small lake or river.
murmurat1on@reddit
Find a local club and go racing! You'll learn loads.
Objective-Case-391@reddit
Yacht clubs always need crew. Volunteer to crew even on dinghy sailboats or locate your nearest club with a Sailability AUS group and volunteer to assist with the disabled sailors. They’ll welcome your help and will let you sail with them. Grow your skills, make new friends.
RandVanRed@reddit
Almost everywhere you find boats there's going to be racing happening, and getting on a crew is often just a matter of asking around.
The sailing club near my home has a small fleet of dinghies (420s) and they have "beer can races" every Thursday during the season. I showed up and asked who needed a hand, and went out every time. No one keeping score and everyone was happy to let you, ahem, learn the ropes.
After a course you know enough to be helpful, and can learn a lot by paying attention to what someone more experienced is doing. So in short, hang out with your local sailors wherever they gather.
kkmmlljj@reddit
Sometimes people give away old boats. But I would suggest signing up in a sailing club. Often the club will own a few sailing boats, that you can use whenever it is available.
btongeo@reddit
Yeah I think this is the answer TBH. Our yacht sailing club even does an introduction to racing course for new members which gives time on the water and also helps meet other members.
They have a full schedule of cruising and racing options and anyone keen and able can find a place on a crew without too much trouble.
I own my own boat but I'm still doing this to get more time on the water with capable people and to build my skills.