Newbie in NC Looking for a Mentor

[Timsh]

Hi, I am currently in Charlotte and I have had an interest in sailing for quite some time. I haven't been able to make time in the past but I've finally got my priorities straight. I would like to meet people who sail locally, within four hours of Charlotte, who would like to help me gain experience and in exchange I will be a very helpful student. Thanks for reading. Have a great day.

[James S]

Welcome to the forum Timsh.
Wow...no takers in the Charlotte area?

Persistance may be the name or this game.
Good luck.

[NotQuiteLost]

Wish I were in your neck of the woods. I'm about on the opposite side of the planet, though I know it's something you've already looked into, but try checking every marina in your area to see if there are local sailing clubs you could go to for networking. Lots of times it's mostly new sailors trying to learn the ropes, but often enough there will be someone there who just loves sailing and teaching it, and would gladly take you under their wing. Generally what they would like is a Daniel-san "wax on, wax off" type of exchange that requires a younger, stronger back than the one they currently sport

Sorry I can't be much more help than that. Good luck, though! If you ever find yourself in the Philippines, give another shout. I'll be within' spittin' distance then.

[DaleM]

The Charlotte area is mostly lake sailing. This is a cruisers forum so the people here are interested in long voyages and the NC people like that most likely have their boats near Oriental, which is fairly far from Charlotte.

If I were you, I'd go by lake Norman on a sunny Saturday and find some sailors to talk to. I'm sure there is a local racing club that could use crew. You could sail on my boat but it is near Oriental, NC and you wouldn't learn much. Most of the important stuff I learned was on boats less than 20 feet long. The things I've learned on a bigger boat have been: 1. how to fix stuff and keep it running, 2. how to get in and out of a slip, 3. how to anchor properly, everything else about sailing, like how to sail, I learned on those small boats.

Dale

[NotQuiteLost]

Originally Posted by DaleM

The Charlotte area is mostly lake sailing. This is a cruisers forum so the people here are interested in long voyages and the NC people like that most likely have their boats near Oriental, which is fairly far from Charlotte.
Dale

Hey, we all start somewhere. Lakes are just like a smaller, less salty version of the real thing, right?

Truthfully though, Dale is spot-on. The vast majority of what you can learn is best learned on smaller boats. You get a feel for how much strength everything has, including yourself, and you'll be able to appreciate all of that power if/when you move up to a bigger boat with bigger rigging, bigger sails, etc..

[boatman61]

Welcome..... where there's a will... there's always a way....
Plus Wot He Jus Said
Also try posting some thing on www.towndock.net Oriental's website..

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Timsh.

Would Wilmington, or either of the Beaufort(s) be within your travelling range?

[Timsh]

Wow! Great advice. Everyone on here is so cool. Just one of the reasons this sport/lifestyle interests me, better people. I will definitely look into learning on a small boat, that makes alot of sense to me. Eventually I would like to move up to passages and even circumnavigate but I have to start somewhere. You gotta crawl before you can walk right? Thanks to everyone.

Tim

[Timsh]

Hi Gord May,

I could get to Wilmington or Beaufort, SC easily enough for day trips. If you are talking about a few days or more I could go up to Beaufort NC. It seems you're heading south and I am interested in staying on for a little while if you have the room and want the help. My work is completely flexible and I can usually take a week or more off with a weeks notice.

Thank You, Tim

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Looks like you might hook up with a member here soon.
kind regards,