Where are all the newbie sailors?

[Uturn]

Very much a newbie here. A year ago I was living in DFW TX and wanted to learn to sail. I signed up for ASA 101 and completed the first day. Due to weather, the second day was cancelled. A string of illnesses and family things popped up and I was unable to reschedule.


I moved to Raleigh NC in January. I found an ASA 110 class in June, but the second day was cancelled due to no wind. The instructor offered to certify me in 110 and 101 for just a bit more $. I am working on the third reschedule of that due to lack of wind. We are targeting Nov 10-11, hopefully this happens.


I have now decided to buy my first boat. I am looking for a 27-30ft in the Pamlico Sound area, around $7-10k. My plan is to use it as a trainer for the next 2-3 years, then start looking for the retirement cruiser.

[Mare Nostrum]

Hello Dory,
I´m sure that by now you have received many helpful replies. And certainly on your way to new training and certificates. Very good stuff.


BUT: I would submit that in reality, we are ALL mostly newbie sailors...even after many years...that is the beauty of the sea---every day is new and unique...as the old saying goes:


"I only know that...I know nothng!"


Fair Skies!!!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, KandP, & Uturn.

[ScubaTyke]

Also a newbie, also working hard to change that :-)

[femurphy77]

Originally Posted by 2savage

So master mariners with sixty years of experience have to sit in a classroom with acne faced PWC wannabe's just to keep doing what they already do?

It IS California!

[mrmagoo777]

Originally Posted by Dory

I'm a new sailor (and a brand new member here) and I'm looking for a place in this forum that is dedicated to those of us who are beginners at this. It would be really useful to have a place to chat to those who are currently doing their RYA Day Skipper course, for example. I can't find a single community online that is for this purpose. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thank you!

In the same boat. Flying to Malta to look and buy a boat. Great deal 33 Nauticat 1990... less than half price of same boat 7 years older. Back to Canada to start courses as well. Stephen.

[mrmagoo777]

Not sure if you got my reply. In the same boat. Will start courses in May. Toronto.

[mrmagoo777]

Apply to EU? What is need ed there?

[JohnC65]

I’m a newbie too. Bought an Islander 36 last summer. Good to see activity on this forum!

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by mrmagoo777

Not sure if you got my reply. In the same boat. Will start courses in May. Toronto.

If you end up buying the boat stay in Malta living on board and use these guys.. the saving on airfares will likely pay for the course.

RYA Day Skipper Practical – Sail – Malta Sailing Academy

If you have zero experience/knowledge you would be advised to do the Competent Crew course first to teach you the basics.

[mrmagoo777]

Fying from Thailand to Malta. April 1st to Toronto.Things to do. Get house ready for sale etc... So not sure of the future. Fly to boat in Malta summer. But get in to courses. How long till i can sail it out of Malta? Courses complete plus so many hours sailing??

[mrmagoo777]

Originally Posted by JohnC65

I’m a newbie too. Bought an Islander 36 last summer. Good to see activity on this forum!

Bought where. Year? How much $$$??

[mrmagoo777]

Bought where? You in Toronto? Cost of boat? Year?

[JohnC65]

Year 1976, purchased in Pt. Clinton, OH. $24,000. Reside in Chicago, IL.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by mrmagoo777

Fying from Thailand to Malta. April 1st to Toronto.Things to do. Get house ready for sale etc... So not sure of the future. Fly to boat in Malta summer. But get in to courses. How long till i can sail it out of Malta? Courses complete plus so many hours sailing??

You have one of two choices the way I see it..
Once you've bought the boat and insured it sail for the Caribe as soon after as you can with a skipper and pick up skills and sea time along the way. Spend the Hurricane season in Grenada and take a day skipper or coastal skipper course while there which after 5000nm at sea should be no biggie for you having gained some seamanship skills and basic nav as you go.

The other is.. stay in Malta and do the courses, take your time getting ducks in a row then some short hops East.. Malta to Sicily 80nm.. coast hop Sicily then on to Sardinia 180nm.. Sardinia to Menorca 200nm open water.. island hop from there to mainland Spain and on to Gib to get out of Schengen.
Then hire a skipper for the Transat in Nov/Dec when the hurricane season is over.
Chew that over..