Signing up for sailing lessons
Posted by MadVillain877@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 39 comments
Adult sailing lessons on a J22. The price is $450 each and gives us the opportunity to purchase seasonal access after testing out of the course. Does this sound like a good deal? Any advice?
SuedJche@reddit
Damn, here i am thinking about paying double or more for a 5 day RYA course...Am I getting ripped off?
HarlemPaul@reddit
No. Rya for five days is great.
SuedJche@reddit
Nice, thanks. I'm already looking forward to it
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
I don’t get any formal certification from my course just the ability for boat access
ThorsFather@reddit
What does the lesson entail? You have given us no information whatsoever.
That being said. It had better be a full day of sailing with a nice lunch included to be 450 dollars
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
It’s 4 separate day lessons. I emailed them for more details. My main motivation is the seasonal access to get out on the water as much as possible this year.
ThorsFather@reddit
That sounds pretty good actually. Starting with some lessons is a very smart move and 4 lessons is a good start. I'd say go for it
Naive_Adeptness6895@reddit
Go! Do it!
Infamous-Adeptness71@reddit
Yes
Intelligent-Salt-362@reddit
I’ve spent that much time rent a Hobie Getaway for the day with no instruction (luckily I know how to sail). That being said I’d be most interested in what credentials this gives you. I got my ASA 101 in a similar class, but I can take that anywhere and show that I have some experience. It was even enough to let me teach for 1 summer (longer and you need more credentials). So my question would be what credentials does this provide (101, 102, etc) and through which group (ASA, US Sailing, etc). That is where the value justifies the cost the most. If it is a credentialed class then that is a really sweet deal. Otherwise, it sounds like good experience but isn’t transferable other than your word.
VicsKid@reddit
OP noted 3 hours ago that there are no associated accreditations.
Intelligent-Salt-362@reddit
Still a decent rate for the time, but lack of accreditation is a strike against.
the-montser@reddit
I live near the College of Charleston, which has a similar situation. It’s an amazing deal and by far the cheapest way to get sailing regularly on a keelboat without relying on other people.
You should do it.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
I’m in Utah so this program is in Park City. We’re planning a move to the east coast next summer though so just planning for that future
Fantastic-Hamster-21@reddit
Where on the east coast? You can look for a program /club there too. That's how I got started out here.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
NC, after the move we’re trying to find a liveaboard.
the-montser@reddit
As a guy who owns a boat: the only reason I don’t sell my boat tomorrow and join the membership program is because I like to race my boat and they don’t let you do that. I’ve spent more on my boat in the past two weeks than the entire annual membership cost.
Programs like this are a great deal for the average sailor. I would really encourage you to do it.
petron5000@reddit
That’s a good program. I would totally take them up on it. It’s a big big jump from a J 22 to a live board boat but a J 22 is a great boat. I own one.
New_World_Native@reddit
Sounds like a good deal. Have you looked into race fleets in your area? Crewing is a great way to learn and only costs beer and time.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
I have. It’s done out of the same club so it’s definitely something I’ll pursue as I gain experience.
SuppaKittyNinja@reddit
My local sailing club is quoting 3k for private lessons on a 40’ beneteau and im hesitating to do it because i can find some older smaller sailboats for that price range. Its ASA 101-103 if im not mistaken. For that price id do it man
Vast_Worldliness_328@reddit
What accreditation do you get? In the US, the ASA and USSailing can qualify you for chartering a boat. ASA103/104. These also imply a well qualified instructor. That said, classes with an option for seasonal access sounds good.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
No accreditation, it’s mostly just for the boat access.
Stormin_333@reddit
Meh. Accreditation is way overrated. Id loan my boat to someone with experience, but plenty with ASA certificates I wouldn't let tie me off to the dock.
Nothing wrong with getting the certs to gain confidence or have some fun, but there's no substitute for time at the helm
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
Agreed. I’ll get them someday but experience is worth more than a piece of paper
Stormin_333@reddit
100% you'll have a blast, meet cool people, get a tan. No downside.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
My thoughts exactly lol
gulielmusdeinsula@reddit
How many lessons? How convenient to your house (how often will you really use it)?
J22s are good boats to learn on and renting is usually more cost effective than buying.
Nothing in boats generally or sailing specifically is going to be a “good deal,” but if you’ll use it it seems like a good entry point.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
4 lessons. The seasonal access is $900. It’s about an hour away so we’ll hopefully use it weekly. We’re making moves to relocate next summer to NC and considering transitioning to a live aboard.
Stormin_333@reddit
That's a bargain if you'll use it.
Potential-Elephant73@reddit
Depends on a lot of factors. My local sailing club charges $400ish per season and it comes with unlimited free boat rentals and unlimited free classes in two locations at small lakes. A major club on the ocean can range into the thousands.
TPWPNY16@reddit
See if it offers ASA certification or similar.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately it does not. I’m in Utah so it’s all I really have available at the moment
K_rey@reddit
I paid that much for a J24 course that was 5 classes, 4 or 5 hours each. It was definitely worth it and a ton of fun.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
I have some horrible financial decisions planned for the future ⛵️ so I need to start learning now
ceciltech@reddit
At least you are going into it with open eyes and realize you will need an open wallet : ) Joining a community sailing program is a great way to get started without the huge cash outlay. I think the $450 for 4 classes sounds reasonable.
Lee426@reddit
I did a two day class last year for about the same price. We sailed a J22 and a Catalina 22. The class was just enough for me to feel comfortable taking my Cat 22 out for the first time. I think it was worth the money and was a good way to spend a couple days.
MadVillain877@reddit (OP)
That’s what I’m hoping to gain from it. I live in a townhouse so I can’t store my own dinghy so the seasonal access is big.
primeight1@reddit
How long is the course?