Here to learn

[Salty Craig]

Hello everybody. I'm in Virginia and boat the Chesapeake Bay. I have only sailed a few times and never on my own boat. There is so much that I need to learn. I bought a sailboat 2 days ago, and after some cleaning will have it splashed. Its located a 2 day sail from where I will berth her, so a cruise is in my near future. Any words of wisdom? Thanks

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Salty Craig.

[boatman61]

Yeah.. make sure all the valves below the w/line are shut when you launch..
Welcome to CF..

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Yeah.. make sure all the valves below the w/line are shut when you launch..
Welcome to CF..

And before you splash it be sure they can be reopened.

[OldFrog75]

Welcome to CF...

If your experience is as limited as your OP implies then:

1. Make sure you are familiar with the "rules of the road"
2. Study the nav charts for your area
3. Have confidence in your alternative power source (engine)

Other than that, congratulations and have fun.

[rwidman]

Buy this book:



And study it.


If possible, have an experienced boater go along for the trip.

[Tayana42]

The Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful place to sail and to learn. Pick a good weather window. Remember that driving a boat is not the same as driving a car. Think about safety all the time. Learn the basic rules of the road and then keep learning. You'll be fine. Have fun on your adventure.


S/V B'Shert

[Salty Craig]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and words of wisdom. To be clear, I have 17 years of boating experience and have taken safety course twice. Sailing experience is what I lack. I have been reading a lot online and working on the boat every Saturday to clean it up and familiarize myself with the systems. Yes, close all sea cocks!! My brother is a mechanic, so he's going along to be the engineer. My other brother is a professional firefighter, so we shouldn't burn it down. I'm planning to sail only in good weather toward the end of this month. Going from Deale Maryland to Lancaster VA on Rappahannock River. We are so excited that we're about crapping our pants. Keep the ideas coming. I need to hear all the little "darn I should have thought of thats"
Thanks!!!

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