New to Miami and Sailing!

[absentreferent]

Hey y'all!
So I just moved to Miami (from Portland, OR) to pursue my dream of learning the art and science of sailing a boat. I don't know the first thing about sailing so it is sure to be an arduous, yet exciting and rigorous journey.
My first step is finding someone(s) who will have me aboard their vessel and teach me the ways of the sea. My goal is to trade labor for lessons.
I am a bit worried that this will be hard to do, but I figure the marinas are a good place to start.
Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself.

I hope to be active on the forums.
Best,
Philip

[waverider]

Welcome Aboard Philip! I am sure if you hit the bar at the Marina at Happy Hour, that you will find a willing sailor to take you out and get your experience. Look at sailing clubs as well.

Cheers

Todd

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Philip,
I think local inexpensive sailing clubs or yacht clubs are a bit better for finding good skippers than bars. Some skippers can pass on bad habits as well as good habits so get a feel for what the skipper is about before signing on as crew. Safety is a big thing.
Your idea about marinas are good too and they generally have bulletin boards where you can post notes about trading labor for lessons.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[pete33458]

Tell me what your sailing preferences (daysailing or cruising) and availability are. My boat's in Coconut Grove, and my biggest limitation is finding willing and able crew...

[s/v Moondancer]

Try Coconut Grove SAiling Club www.CGSC.org

[Sea Wolf]

Phillip,
Welcome to the forum and to Miami. The Coconut Grove Boat Club is a great place to start. Really, really nice people. Just run on over and talk to the people there. Many people at the club are looking for crew so it's a great way to meet and learn. Just go with your biggest smile and a friendly manner and I'm sure someone will take you under their wing. There are also a number of informal groups that go out on the bay. Most are smaller boats and they go for day sails or overnighters... sometimes 2 or 3 days. I can hook you up with one of the members, if you'd like.

Be sure to go to the boat show next week. You'll be able to make a lot of connections there. That's about it. Again, Welcome!

Loree
Aboard SeaWolf
cruiserslife.com

[waverider]

Philip

You might want to try "sailmonster dot com" as well. It is a sailing website but most of the members are all in florida. I know the members there are alway planning sailing trips and cruises that would be benefical to you.


Todd

[absentreferent]

pm sent to pete33458

thanks for all the great info!