Late Starter Fast Learner

[WDSTRAND]

Hello: After a long career in the airline business ,I'm finally retiring. For many years 'Ive been interested in all things nautical. I now have the time to become active, in pursuing this full time. I hope to begin by doing some chartering with the hope of getting certified for bareboat rental. I would appreciate any advice on where and how to do this, and any other suggestions of how to get involved. This forum has been a great source of info so far

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by WDSTRAND

Hello: After a long career in the airline business ,I'm finally retiring. For many years 'Ive been interested in all things nautical. I now have the time to become active, in pursuing this full time. I hope to begin by doing some chartering with the hope of getting certified for bareboat rental. I would appreciate any advice on where and how to do this, and any other suggestions of how to get involved. This forum has been a great source of info so far

Welcome aboard.

If you let us know where you are located, there is likely to be someone who can point you in the right direction.

[SaucySailoress]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy surfing the site, and if there's anything specific, just ask!

[WDSTRAND]

I currently live in Minneasota, however, I am able to travel almost anywhere. I'm leaning towards an on board sailing school to begin with, than possibly signing on as crew for some blue water expierence, in the atlantic, or pacific. any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Bill

[jerrycd36]

If you are a true beginner the 3 -7 day courses given by Steve Colgate or the Annapolis Sailing School would be perfect to start. They have locations as varied as New York, Maryland,Florida and the BVI. They teach the basics of sailing with hands on experience and some with more advanced programs with overnight cruises which get into anchoring, navigation and route planning.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome aboard and enjoy CF.

[muskoka]

Well, you've got a real head start in figuring out weather. And you know navigation - perhaps not ground level navigation markers, but the real fundamentals of that aspect of getting around.

So, you've got nailed a large part of piloting a boat.

What you've got to learn is the fundamentals of sailing (or powerboating). And that is where the fun starts!

If you're looking to be a sailor, I strongly suggest getting into dinghy sailing. I think that's the best building block for moving up to yachts. It'll give you a visceral sense of what you're doing. Which, I can only guess at, is like suggesting a pilot learns to fly a small aeroplane prior to trying out a big one. As a sailor, you really need that 'seat of the pants' sense of what your boat's doing.

Fair winds & welcome.

[mbalka]

Welcome to the world of maritime pursuits, WD.

I too work in the aerospace industry for a large air carrier in the midwest. I started sailing at the bright young age of 35. Not having lived or raised around blue water, it was simply a passion I didn't know I was missing out on.

I agree with JerryCD. That is exactly how I got started, although through a different school; I took the ASA 101-103-104-114 courses and then started chartering from Horizon in the BVI's. They were very gracious and understanding of my limitations, but were also very trusting of a new sailor. And their destinations were pretty amazing, too. So far we have sailed the BVI's and the Grenadines, traveled the Florida Panhandle, the Aruba-Curacao-Bonaire circuit, and hope to see some of Croatia in the near future. If you have a strong grasp of navigation, the skills to sail can be taught rather easily (just look at me!) and you will soon be on your own........

After all, the aeronautical industry was born in the nautical one!

Mike B

S/V No Cents

[imagine2frolic]

My only advice is take the lessons some where warm enough to live in a swim suit, and get in the water anytime of day.....BEST WISHES.....i2f

[Mark1977]

Welcome aboard

[WDSTRAND]

Thankyou everyone... I did start sailing young, 15years, on inland lakes racing c-scows and even now own a 17' buccaneer. while our season is short in Minneasota i do get out there as often as I can with the small boat. I am planning to arrange for lessons down in the BWI's in may or jun on larger boats. The weather and navigation is familiar, how ever the larger equipment, and rigging will be new.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. Hope you can escape MN soon.
kind regards,

[Lancerbye]

Welcome aboard. Being a fast learner always helps.

[SV.Maverick]

Welcome better late then never!

[James Baines]

Hi, and welcome:
Since you are closer to the Great Lakes than “True Blue” waters, I’m wondering if contacting a bunch of marina’s up there might be worthwhile, offer to be a general dogsbody and offer to pay for weekend sailing experiences and see what comes up.
That would give you a more local and less costly introduction to bigger boats and would also be a great learning experience. Or, if that does not appeal, I like your idea of going south…
Good luck with whatever you decide to do, James