New to Sailing !

[papabear4761]

Hi - I'm new to this forum.... new to forums in general, and a friend recommended coming here after talking about what to look for in buying a boat. I have been interested in sailing for a few years now and it is my dream to go on a cruise after I retire. My friend had suggested starting now with something small and that this was a great place for information - so here i am!

[skipmac]

Hello Papabear,

Welcome to the forum. Great place to pursue the dream. So where are you and what kind of cruising do you want to do?

Skip

[papabear4761]

Thanks for the welcome! I'm currently in Idaho (blech!) but will be moving in about a year from now... probably back to the coast, but I'm not sure which one... I'm in the navy, and am not sure where my next duty station will take me, basically... As for the type of cruising I'm looking for... Not sure yet... probably something that will keep me close to whereever i'm at while i'm still in, and then I hope to find something that will take me on a nice long cruise... my first thoughts were a circumnavigation, but at this point in time I'd be happy with a shorter trip!

[skipmac]

Idaho? I think I've heard of that place. Isn't is kind of chilly up there about now? Also had not heard of any Navy bases up there but what do I know?

If you have the option of going east or west coast to starting a cruising career I would suggest east coast as offering more, easy options to start out. West coast generally has fewer ports and fewer places to anchor or dock a boat, higher costs and more demanding sailing conditions. East coast in general more options to start small and work your way up to bigger trips in easy steps. Also more options for less expensive marinas and probably more boats on the market.

Skip

[Pete7]

Papabear hi and welcome to CF. Not sure about the US Navy but the Royal Navy is very keen on getting the lads away on adventurous pursuits like sailing, diving and climbing etc.

You may find that your next posting has the facilities you are looking for, if so great. Use the time and the facilities to gain the experience at their cost. The opportunity to sail everything from a dinghy to a big yacht always counts.


Pete

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Thanks for your service. Most large Navy bases throughout the world have marina facilities and MWR classes that will teach you basic sailing. There in Idaho you might find a Coast Guard Auxiliary classroom course? Public libraries are a good place to get started. I recommend the book "Start Sailing Right!" and you can check the links after my signature.
Retired Navy here.
Kind regards,