Just saying Hi but looking to learn (Seattle / Tacoma)

[sailorblue]

I'm brand spanking new to sailing. When I say new I mean the only experience I have is 4 years in the US Navy however, that's far from actually sailing.

Other than that I'm completely lost. So I'd like to say hello to everyone. I'm currently located in the Seattle / Tacoma area and looking to perhaps find someone who is looking for a helping hand and willing to teach me the ropes. I may be willing to fly out to where ever you are to learn.


With that out of the way.... Hello Everyone! and I hope I find the adventure I'm looking for.


-Will

[newhaul]

Welcome aboard

[JPA Cate]

Welcome aboard, sailor blue,

It can be quite an adventure! May you prosper.

Ann

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Will.

[Byrdman]

Although I have been around power boats most of my life, I just started in sailing and I am about 8 months ahead of you. Here is what I have done so far:

Started reading anything I could on sailing. Right now I am almost done with Sailing For Dummies. It is great and I picked a used copy on Amazon for about $5 delivered.

Watch a lot of YouTube videos on cruising, boat maintenance, basic sailing, etc.

Took a weekend basic sailing course at St Pete Yacht Club.

Found an old Hobie Cat 16 on Craigslist and have been sailing it, and fixing it, as much as possible. A Hobie Cat can be a handful in strong winds with a newbie, but I'm sure you can find a small cheap boat to get started.

More than likely, you have a lot of resources near you to get started you just have to get out there an look for them. Good Luck and have fun!!!

[msrcal36]

Check local yacht clubs for race info. Racers often looking for pick up crew, often just need "rail meat" (weight). Racing is a wonderful way to learn sailing. AND... your learning curve will be steep. I'm pretty sure your area has midwinter racing. Post willing to crew/help on yacht club and marina bulletin boards. Also check out free magazine 48North classified. You will learn faster than any other way.
Enjoy the journey!!

[SpiritBear]

The Seattle Sailing Club has lesson options and club boats from 22' and up to rent. https://seattlesailing.com

If you're closer to Tacoma, the Gig Harbor Sailing Club offers similar options: http://www.gigharborsailing.com

For classroom technical skill building check out local US Power Squadron classes.

Google is your friend here for other options. The Puget Sound from Olympia to Bellingham offers rich educational programs for sailors.

[Trekker]

Hi,

I'm in Snohomish and would love to get together to help out. Lifetime sailing industry professional, cruiser, liveaboard, builder, saailmaker, you name it.

Don't self promote (in public, anyway) and feel we might have a lot to discuss.

P.M. for FB page to learn more

Andrew

[Ken Z]

If you could get a small pram, sabot or.. it would teach you a lot. I got lessons when i was 6 1/2 from my dad. It was windy and we built a el toro 8' dink, made a oversized mast. He Pointed into the wind to hoist the sail. Started at a angle to the wind, showed me one tack, and never do this , a jibe, as we took 5" of water over the gunnel. As i bailed he sailed back to our anchored boat sailed to the ladder, got off and pushed me out. In two hours i was buzzing our anchored boat close hauled in 18" whitecaps, i never quit and figured out the rest. SO i had 5-8 minutes of lessons and times of puckering, never capsized nor jibed in windy weather. 61 years later and many boats still going strong, many miles.. a day in the life...I hope to be in the pensacola fl area in the spring, be glad to help you out. inch by inch its a cinch, yard by yard its hard...

[01kiwijohn]

No need to fly anywhere. I sent you a PM which should adequately satisfy your needs.
Enjoy

[Sand crab]

The OP is new so PMs might not work until there are a few posts. Is it 5?

I still have access and the use of my 34' Crowther tri which is in Port Orchard. I sold it last summer but still get to use it! Newhaul knows it well. I'm looking at a weather window Tuesday and might take her out. Call or text me if you like. four oh 6 4five one 45too7 Hope that throws the spambots off. I'm in Gig Harbor.

There are also Meetups for sailing and I started one for kayaking in this area.

Bobber

[amanoni]

Well the best way to learn is to do. Go find friends with boats, join a sailing club. Both Seattle and Tacoma have clubs, for a nominal fee you can takes lessons and get on the water. If inclined, use a club that also provides ASA certifications so that you can use your skills in the Med or Caribe, etc. So I am often looking for sailing friends to round out the crew on "friendlies" race day during the summer season and just to get on out for an evening sail. Drop a note on the side if that might be of interest. My wife and I keep the Vele Mare in Seattle.

[sailorblue]

I'm so grateful for everyones help. I've been doing the youtube and the just ordered the "sailing for dummies" book..

Thank you all soo much !

-Will

[Mrfish]

Welcome to the adventure.

You might look at some Meetup groups also. Lot's of sailors looking for crew and rides.

[Mithril Bham]

First learn dingy sailing. UofW if you have access or other suggestions above. Then crew in races.
Read Chapmans & Annapolis.