Eager to Learn More About Sailing

[Lucid Reverie]

Greetings!!

I am originally from Tallahassee Florida, but I am recently deployed overseas. Upon redeploying, I plan to move to Tampa.

I grew up on the beach, fishing and diving off of powerboats. I have recently sparked an interest in sailing and cannot get enough! I have not been able to read enough or get enough information.

I am looking for a sailboat when I get back home. I am very patient, and will know exactly what I want, before I make a purchase.

I am looking for input of any kind. What is a good boat to learn on? Where is a good place to learn? Should I try and find a sailing school? Also, any input on how to navigate around this site properly will help; I want to be able to take full advantage of this amazing resource.

Thank you for all of your help.

-Lucid Reverie

[boatman61]

Hi Lucid...
Any sailboats good to learn to sail on.. the more you try the more you'll learn.. dinghy's to keelboats.. it'll help you make a wiser choice when you buy.. how can you know what to buy if you dont know how to sail.. its not that simple..
Bit like the site.. explore, don't wait for help.. lol

[Herbseesmoore]

We learned to sail on a Catalina 22, very affordable and located everywhere, good support.

That's my 2 cents.

[virginia boy]

I took a basic sailing class and continue to learn on a 19' Flying Scott in anticipation of my purchase of a Westsail 32 and a new life, cruising the world. The Flying Scott has been fun and easy to sail but it's all I've sailed thus far so what do I know. lol

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by virginia boy

I took a basic sailing class and continue to learn on a 19' Flying Scott in anticipation of my purchase of a Westsail 32 and a new life, cruising the world. The Flying Scott has been fun and easy to sail but it's all I've sailed thus far so what do I know. lol

More than you did this time last year...

[Misiu]

Starting with small centerboards could enhance appreciation of proper trim. Other than that, as Boatman says, any boat is good. It would be nice if you have somebody to answer your questions.

[Ocean Girl]

First off THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE! oops did I yell that?
I learned on a 23 Ranger and she was a great boat to teach me the ins and outs of sailing. Tons of boats out there that will serve your needs. For florida I'd look at a centerboard or a shallow draft vessel, that way you can explore the keys and then if you want on to the bahamas.
Cheers and make it home safe!! ( I will say a prayer for your speedy homecoming)
Erika

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Yes, a sailing course is a good thing to build your skills on. There are so many boats on the market which will be good platforms to learn aboard. I like to see what the sailing schools are using and what boat the local sailing clubs use for racing then pick and choose from what seems available for not very much money.
Good luck and thanks for serving.
regards,

[Captin_Kirk]

I am doing the same thing... kinda.

I just bought a boat in Feb and worked on it for a few months and put it in the water in May. I was terrified to sail it. It is huge. I already took a couple courses in the small dinghies, but it was only kinda related. I also took the power and sail squadron course.

What helped the most for me was joining the local racing club and crewing on boats twice a week for the sail races. My confidence grows daily. I take what I learn and put it to use on my boat. Great experience and I would recommend to anyone just getting into sailing.

[s/v Moondancer]

Welcome, if you are military visit Miami and get free lessons at Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

Military Outreach

If you go I will find you a boat to stay on while you are there.

[BubbleHeadMd]

Although any boat is good to learn on, when it comes time to drop your hard-earned dimes on a boat, you should ask yourself what kind of sailing you intend to do. What is the purpose of the boat? Answering these questions will help you choose the right boat.

Local racing? Blue water cruising? Floating condo/liveaboard? Coastal cruising? How many people will typically be aboard? Spouse or Significant Other? Is she adverse to the boat heeling over? Mono or Cat?

All of these can influence the boat you choose. That's not even taking budgetary restrictions into consideration.

Anyway, glad to hear that you enjoy it.