How and where to learn?

[srmatto]

Hi,

Matt here from Colorado. I'm near Melbourne, Florida right now trying to find a place where I can learn to sail, ideally for free or on the cheap. I had read something about being 'rail meat' on a racing team? I don't have any experience sailing whatsoever but I'm clever and young. I'm completely free, no obligations and no debts. Not tied to anyone or anything. I am willing to work to learn too. I just don't know where to start...



Any help much appreciated,
Matt

[skipmac]

Hi Matt,

While a lucky few grew up in families that sailed, most of us had to start cold like yourself. If you don't have any friends with a boat to take you out then you are on the right track. If you are willing to work and have a flexible schedule, even with no experience you should be able to find unpaid crew positions on racing or cruising boats. Lots of cruisers look for an extra hand to help on long passages and plenty of racers need someone with a strong back to crank winches. Either option will put you in a position to learn if you put out the effort.

Look on this web site, also www.sailnet.com and www.sailinganarchy.com to find captainns looking for crew.

Good luck,

Skip

[srmatto]

Thanks Skipmac!

Someone also told me Yacht clubs are a good place to go to learn, is this true?

[skipmac]

Could not offer much advise on yacht clubs. I never graduated beyond the boat bum class and don't spend much time around such rarified atmosphere.

You might also try around marinas. Many have bulletin boards where local boats advertise for crew positions.

Skip

[Schuyler]

I suggest what was said above. I recently joined as crew for racing. It's been going great, my skipper is awesome, and everyone else at the club have been extremely friendly.. . Where I'm at it's considered a "yacht club", but crew members are not required to pay any fees. My friendly skipper has even offered to pay for ASA lessons in the Keelboat off-season, as he is competitive and strives for improvement. Yet it's not uptight to the point we can't enjoy a few cold ones in between races. It's a great learning environment.