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Pri · 12-12-2013, 23:16

Hi,

I'm interested in learning to sail and would like some advice on whether I should do an RYA course or if I sign up for a normal learn to sail course at my local yacht club will that be good enough?

Many Thanks,

Pri

chuckr · 13-12-2013, 01:16

pri -- in what country are you -- that may affect the answer

**GordMay** · 13-12-2013, 03:47

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Pri.

kmason · 13-12-2013, 04:01

There are lots of sailing schools out there that are very good. I'd recommend taking a course that suits you and gets you some certifications while you're at it.

What are you wanting to do? Daysail... coastal cruising... bluewater? There are courses and introductory sailing classes to fit everyone's desires out there.

OldFrog75 · 13-12-2013, 06:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckr

pri -- in what country are you -- that may affect the answer

SkiprJohn · 13-12-2013, 10:59

While sailing classes at clubs are usually pretty cheap or free to club members unless they are taught by certified instructors and there is certification following the class there is no standardization and you are not guaranteed that you will come away with the required knowledge. I know that's a long sentence. Sorry.
Our club has a free introductory course for anyone who shows up. You don't learn much but you have a good time for a few hours at our expense.
kind regards,

Prairie Chicken · 13-12-2013, 11:23

Some countries require proof of proficiency, or a 'licence' to operate a vessel of over a given size. Will your club training provide that?

Also, if you are thinking of owning in future, insurance requirements may be a factor.

Pri · 13-12-2013, 14:09

Thanks a lot everyone for the replies.
I am in New Zealand at the moment and was looking at doing a level 1 course, i think its something like 12h in the water. I have never sailed before and wanted to make sure that I'm not just wasting money on courses that wont give me any recognised certification.
I will enquire if the club will give me a certification at the end.
Not very likely I will own a boat but someday who knows! I would mainly like to learn the basics for now and maybe join some boats as crew in future.

@SkiprJohn - I will be in Hawaii in about 3 months time, where can I find more info on learning to sail there?

Thanks again!

Pri

**boatman61** · 13-12-2013, 14:37

12 hours in the water... Brrrrrrrrrrrrr..
To crew you don't need quals.. just energy.. and a few $$'s to hand to offer to pay your way helps more.. get some experience under your belt there's plenty out there looking for crew to pay there own way and the price of a ticket from NZ to Hawaii would likely get you a ride on a boat to there..

SkiprJohn · 13-12-2013, 15:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pri

Thanks a lot everyone for the replies.
I am in New Zealand at the moment and was looking at doing a level 1 course, i think its something like 12h in the water. I have never sailed before and wanted to make sure that I'm not just wasting money on courses that wont give me any recognised certification.
I will enquire if the club will give me a certification at the end.
Not very likely I will own a boat but someday who knows! I would mainly like to learn the basics for now and maybe join some boats as crew in future.

@SkiprJohn - I will be in Hawaii in about 3 months time, where can I find more info on learning to sail there?

Thanks again!

Pri

Aloha Pri,

If you tell me where you might be visiting, i.e. Honolulu, Kona or Hilo I can help direct you a little bit.

kindest regards,

jeremiason · 13-12-2013, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pri

I have never sailed before and wanted to make sure that I'm not just wasting money on courses that wont give me any recognised certification.

Pri

Take the 12 hour course and see if you enjoy sailing first.

After that if you like sailing...

Most local Yacht Clubs hold "Beer Can" races and the boat owners are always looking for crew. You might even get a free lunch out of it.

You probably have several local sailing magazines down there. Check for people looking for crew.

After you have some experience and time on the water you can decide if you want to take more advanced classes.

If you are more adventurous and want some blue water time. you could probably find people heading back into the South Pacific in the Spring looking for crew from NZ to New Caledonia or points beyond.

Good luck!!!

S/V Alchemy · 13-12-2013, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pri

Thanks a lot everyone for the replies.
I am in New Zealand at the moment and was looking at doing a level 1 course, i think its something like 12h in the water. I have never sailed before and wanted to make sure that I'm not just wasting money on courses that wont give me any recognised certification.
I will enquire if the club will give me a certification at the end.
Not very likely I will own a boat but someday who knows! I would mainly like to learn the basics for now and maybe join some boats as crew in future.

@SkiprJohn - I will be in Hawaii in about 3 months time, where can I find more info on learning to sail there?

Thanks again!
Pri

Hmm. I would simply sign up as crew in a club that does a bit of club-level racing. It's the skipper's job to train you in the basics, and it beats falling out of an Opti or a 420 or whatever is used to sail train adults.

Race crew is a steep learning curve, but is the most "real" in my view. If the skipper's a bit of an arse, you can easily switch to a better boat with a better skipper. Rotate through the positions and read a few "how to sail" books and books on weather and safety prep. After a season or two of this, you'll find you get a lot more from an RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper course than if you just went in cold.

OldFrog75 · 14-12-2013, 05:21

I agree the 12 hour class if reasonably priced makes a lot of sense. Might make a difference if it's 2 six hour days vs. 6 two hour days since retention might be a problem if they throw too much at you in too short a time, but either way I'm sure you'll learn something, even if it's just whether you like sailing.

You'll also most likely meet other new sailors which can be the beginning of a network providing for the exchange of ideas, opportunities, and alternatives for learning more about sailing.

goboatingnow · 14-12-2013, 05:49

If you are going to do a proper " course" do a RYA one. Check to see of your yacht club course is RYA certified. , many are.

I would suggest doing a course ( or several ) before going racing , you learn little racing as often you just yet assigned a single job. Cruising is a better way to learn the ropes. Racing is secular to learn more about sail trim and race tactics etc.

Of you do race ,try to get onto a smaller boat say like 8m with 3-4 crew , you'll generally get more experience then a larger boat.

Dave