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Old 24-04-2019, 11:29   #1
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Total newbie

After a life in the horse world, I’ve made a ten year plan to get into sailing (the one and only thing I know about sailing is that nothing happens quickly). I’m on year two of my ten year plan to becoming a proficient sailor, and just bought my little 20’ cruiser. It’s seaworthy according to my knowledgeable friends, but needs a complete restoration. I’m handy, for a gal, good-ish with tools, work in construction, not afraid of hard work, and fairly realistic about the long road that is ahead of me. That said, I have literally NEVER sailed and really know nothing.

Anyone have recommendations of where to begin? I plan to ask lots of questions and read lots of threads and articles to find way way through the restoration and have registered for sailing classes this summer at the local maritime school, but any recommendations of reading materials or resources to begin my education? Sailing for Dummies type of thing, resources on restoring a sailboat, fiction or nonfiction books that will introduce me to the wonderful world of sailing. Currently reading “Swell” by Captain Liz Clark and can’t put it down, but as I am literally just learning where port, bow, starboard and stern are, I could probably use some guidance! If it is of any import, I am located on the south coast of Massachusetts.
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Old 24-04-2019, 15:39   #2
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Re: Total newbie

Was where you are in a previous millennia. Sail the boat every chance you get, read a lot from a variety of sources from sailing magazines to cruising logs. Ask questions when you need help. Oh and if I didn't mention it, sail the hell out of the boat. Nothing beats OJT to learn. A 20' boat is small enough to quickly see the consequences of your inputs but large enough to do a bit of venturing.
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Old 24-04-2019, 16:28   #3
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Re: Total newbie

Sailing for Dummies isn't a bad choice, although I know you said it as a joke.

YouTube is good for renovation -- binge watch Sail Life from the start to see restoration jobs. You will find plenty more.

Find people to go out on your boat with as much as you can. That's the best way to learn.
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Old 24-04-2019, 16:32   #4
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Re: Total newbie

“Sail Life” is on YouTube? I signed up at the local Maritime School for a sailing course this summer, but not sure when they start up. Awaiting further info from them. I have knowledgeable sailing friends, but while they pledge a great deal of support, they have their own lives and presently, I find myself in this solitaire. Which is totally fine. I am sure I will make friends along the way.
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Old 24-04-2019, 16:42   #5
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Re: Total newbie

Quote:
Originally Posted by roverhi View Post
Was where you are in a previous millennia. Sail the boat every chance you get, read a lot from a variety of sources from sailing magazines to cruising logs. Ask questions when you need help. Oh and if I didn't mention it, sail the hell out of the boat. Nothing beats OJT to learn. A 20' boat is small enough to quickly see the consequences of your inputs but large enough to do a bit of venturing.
I plan to “sail the hell out of the boat”. For better or for worse... As for being from a “previous millienia,” not sure what that refers to, but my best answer is “perhaps”! I certainly don’t find this millennia a particularly good fit for me.

At any rate, I think I’m a good six weeks from the water, with the fact that I have demoed the rub rail off the boat and am currently engaged in scraping and sanding the hull. Need to gather the data necessary to properly restore the hull (fiberglass, in good shape, just in need of fresh paint), install a new rub rail, and then, I think, we can get wet.
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Old 24-04-2019, 16:46   #6
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Re: Total newbie

“Sailing for Dummies” is on order!
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Old 24-04-2019, 18:09   #7
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Re: Total newbie

The amount of sailing information available online is mind boggling. It’s never been easier to get things sorted out. It seems like there is a YouTube video for every sailing or boat related question.

You have a good size boat to learn on. Once you start sailing, you will quickly learn the ropes

If “situational awareness “ comes easy to you, your sailing life will be easier. It will keep you from making unnecessary mistakes.
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Old 25-04-2019, 04:04   #8
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Re: Total newbie

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Unicorn.
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Old 25-04-2019, 05:15   #9
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Re: Total newbie

So I am just starting with a Hunter 170.

Had a siton ski in the 90's. The one thing I was taught was how to read the waves looking for shallows. That helps keep from grounding.
When I did a 2 hour lesson the guy pointed out how to read the waves for the wind. It was surprising how there would be dead spots that your are in and you could see another breeze heading your way by looking at the water.

Since those 2 lessons I found I am always watching the water and seeing those patterns. Kind of simple stuff, but I think they are two things that will keep me out of troubles.

Good luck and have fun.
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Old 25-04-2019, 05:21   #10
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Re: Total newbie

Just like in the horse world you are bound to get bucked off once or twice. But get back out there and keep learning. I have scared the pants of myself more times than I can count on the water, but I still keep sailing.
Cheers
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Old 25-04-2019, 06:10   #11
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Re: Total newbie

Welcome,

Gary Jobson has a "Sailing Fundamentals" book you might find helpful now.

ASA is another source for training. They have a nicely developed curriculum that can take you from newbie to Charter level and to offshore sailing depending how deep you'd like ot go.

US Sailing also has courses and is very supportive of racing if that interests you.

As you progress, Chapman's Piloting and The Annapolis Book of Seamaship will be something you might want to read from cover to cover and then keep on board.

Good luck
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Old 25-04-2019, 06:23   #12
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Re: Total newbie

You state “(the one and only thing I know about sailing is that nothing happens quickly). ”.

You can forget about the “one” thing you know about sailing. There are a multitude of “things” that happen with incredible speed on a sailboat. A horizontal wind sheer will make you a believer in lightning fast. An accidental gybe can cause you to change your shorts...
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Old 25-04-2019, 06:31   #13
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Re: Total newbie

I would also suggest that you find a slot to crew on a race boat. You can learn quite a bit about sail trim, navigation strategies, wind angles etc.....but most importantly, you'll learn what a sailboat can actually handle. Many times, the boat can take more than the people sailing it! just make sure the captain is tolerant of a newbie and not a Captain Bligh, some can be real A-Holes.

Welcome aboard as well! Looks like a Westerly sailboat?
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Old 25-04-2019, 06:38   #14
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Re: Total newbie

If you haven't already seen it, you may want to look into the book "This Old Boat" by Don Casey, it's full of all sorts of information about re-habbing an old boat.

https://www.amazon.com/This-Old-Boat...gateway&sr=8-1
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Old 26-04-2019, 17:44   #15
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Re: Total newbie

Tonight, studied and took the ASA “Your First Sail” course. Purchased “Sailing for Dummies”. Last night, watched “Maidentrip”.
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