Hello - Californian, New to Sailing

[Azura Solana]

Hello all.

I am new to sailing. Jusy bought myself a used 1979 LIDO 14 and I am in the middle of fixing it up. It needs a lot of elbow grease and a new trailer. It's a mess, but I'm loving it! I plan on taking a class at the end of the month and hope to have the boat and myself ready to sail after that. Any suggestions for a beginner?

[Ocean Girl]

Have fun!
A Lido is a great boat to learn sailing skills.
Cheers,
Erika

[Ex-Calif]

Welcome aboard CF. You will have tons of fun with that boat.

Where in Calif are you planning to sail?

[Azura Solana]

Thanks!! I can't wait to start! I'm really liking the LIDO so I'm glad to hear it's a good boat to start with. I will probably start at Newport or Dana Point and then maybe San Diego after I get the hang of things.

[Beverly Stayart]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and Welcome aboard!
I had fun on Lidos when I was new to sailing in the San Diego Bay. Great little boats. Try to find a copy of "Start Sailing Right!" it really is a great book for beginners.
Good to have you here. The elbow grease should start with a good cleaning. Don't use bleach on lines (ropes) or sails. You can, however, use bleach on the the fiberglass but don't let it sit too long without rinsing.
Regards

[Azura Solana]

Thanks so much for all of the advice! I've got a copy of basic sailing so I'll have to check that one out too. I don't plan on using bleach, but do you think oxy clean will clean the sails? If not, what is the best way to clean up the sails? Thanks again! I start my sailing classes thus weekend!

[swagman]

Hi Matey,
Welcome also.
A mild bleach in solution with any form of soap will be fine to scrub the sails with - but be sure to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after. Getting down on youer knees with a scrubbing brush will also help.
Not sure what the equivilent is in the US but in Europe we find either Ciff or Jiff (same cream type kitchen cleansers over this side) do a good job in removing marks from glass before then polishing with a non slip product - and a fraction of the cost of marine brand cleaners.
Finally if you've got any rust marks on the hull or indeed any stainless parts, a mix of oxalic acid crystals (you can get from a swimming pool shop) with water (4 table spoons per gallon) and left on for fifteen minutes should see it all dissappear. Again - wear gloves and eye protection and rinse well with fresh water after.
Good luck
JOHN

[Azura Solana]

Thanks for the advice! I may have to give that a try too....

Everyone has been so helpful so far. I have a lot of work to do, but from what I do have done, it has already is showing a great improvement. I will have to post pictures of the progress.

Thanks again!

Do any of you recommend any other good websites/forums/blogs for people who are beginning?