How Old is Too Old to Learn to Sail ?

[boatgirl]

I grew up on a charter fishing boat. I really love the water and yearn for sleeping aboard a boat with the water near my cheek.

I have been dreaming of sailing since my first sail in 2005. I am 35 and my husband is 40. I don't think we would be in a position to get our own boat for another few years, but I wonder if this is 'too old' to even begin such a venture. I feel there is alot to learn, and maybe I am sound like a wimp here, lol... But never have sailed ourselves before, how difficult is it to learn as adults if one has not been around actual sailing? We both grew up on the water and on boats, but never sailboats. Our dream is to have a boat large enough to spend long amounts of time on..and maybe even sail around the world a time or two.

As you can tell, we are rather new to this culture.

Thanks for any advice or tips!

Peaceful waters and exciting adventures, Brandi

[impi]

My suggestion to you would be to do an 'Ocean crossing' with someone ... do some local water sailing first ....
I am 48 years old and LOVING IT !!!!

[Mr B]

Your not even middle aged yet and your worrying about being old,

Come back and ask the question in another 20 years time,

Im 63 and just done a single handed crossing of 3 oceans,

Im just learning to sail.

[David_Old_Jersey]

I was expecting OP to be something like 106 or summit!

Sailing is as easy to learn as riding a bicycle - but same as sailing, best if first adventure was not the equivalent of cycling down the side of a mountain.............

........and lots to learn if don't want to end up as roadkill!

But easy enough to do by learning to walk before running.

[SV Scooter AK]

My 4 year experience. I never had an interest in sailing until I started to pick up magazines of tropical paradises when living at the opposite climates of the earth, 4 years ago when I was 40. My wife gave me a birthday present of Basic Keelboat and Coastal Cruising sailing lessons at an ASA (American Sailing Assoc.) certified sailing school. The class was 4 days of learning and it was an unforgettable experience. I was hooked, and my wife took lessons the following summer. Age 42, bought a 30' Islander and learned to sail on our own on weekends and 1 week trips per year. Starting next year we plan to sail 4 months each year heading towards those tropical climates, I'll be 45 and my wife will be 40. It's a perfect time for you two to have another thing in common! Start off by looking for sailing lessons near you and have a ball, you won't regret it!

[goboatingnow]

Death tends to be the limiting factor, though only somewhat. !

Dave

[maytrix]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Death tends to be the limiting factor, though only somewhat. !

Dave

Yeah, when your 6' under, your too old.

Otherwise, as long as one is capable enough (physicall and mentally) to handle the boat, your not too old.

[tamicatana]

You never quit learning how to sail. I learn something every time I go out.

I'd suggest starting out in dinghies. There is likely a local YC or sailing organization who offers lessons. It is my observation, dinghy sailing will teach you how to react instinctively and also teaches better sail handling (than starting out in big boats).

Nevertheless, get out there however you can.

[rtbates]

Certainly not too old to learn or start, never.. I'm 64, now with 34 years experience starting at 30 with zip, zero, nada for boating experience..

have FUN

[denverd0n]

It's really quite simple. If you believe that you are "too old" then you ARE too old. If you believe that you are not "too old" then you are NOT too old.

People who are far older than either of you have learned to sail.

[Amapola]

Follow your dream, you are not too old.

[Hudson Force]

If you can still move about, you're not too old. The best learning is done with a sailing dinghy, pram or very small boat as the actions of the boat are an immediate response to your behavior.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Death tends to be the limiting factor, though only somewhat. !

Dave

Yup.... but..!!
If you've got that gold earring... you just bought another trip...

[Swede57]

You are never too old to learn, it usually just takes a little bit longer.
Go for it!

[Notpopeye]

35? 40? man 0 man, I rub my lamp every single day wishing I was that old. I sailed a leeeetle bit in the mid 1980's. Nothing special, mostly a mile or two off shore on the Gulf Coast. Ok, once I chartered a boat out of Ft Lauderdale and sailed on over to Bimini and back but that does not really count as I motored most of it.
My boat sunk during a Hurricane and I have not sailed since. I am now 61, just finished ASA 101, 103 and 104 and still have no friggin idea how to sail but undaunted I am feverishly looking to buy a boat and once I get my sweetheart, I am taking her south to the Caribbean to cruise around the Caribbean and maybe the Bahamas before I head on to Micronesia in the South Pacific.
And, did I mention I am doing it solo?
Too old? Are you kidding? Would you rather sit in a recliner and read a book in front of the TV or actually see and live life? Our days are precious, they can never and will never be recouped once lost. If you want to sail, then by all means, Sail.
Stay in shape, eat right and enjoy the gift of life.
Best wishes for fare winds and safe passages.