I Want To Cross The Atlantic

[Fdegetau]

Which is the best way to jump start on sailing (I know the basics)??

Which is the best school??

And how long will it take me to get the skills for doing a transatlantic trip??

PS: sorry for my English, I'm a little rusty

[dlymn]

Lyn and Larry Pardey tell interesting stories about water sailing">blue water sailing, as do many who have crossed the ditch. I struggle with the thought of an overnighter. I would try to crew on a boat that is doing some long cruises to get a taste of long distance cruising. It can be a long and lonely journey with basically a point of ,no return about 100 miles off your departure coast.
PS your height and hair colour won't influence how people will reply to you.

[Fdegetau]

Originally Posted by dlymn

Lyn and Larry Pardey tell interesting stories about blue water sailing, as do many who have crossed the ditch. I struggle with the thought of an overnighter. I would try to crew on a boat that is doing some long cruises to get a taste of long distance cruising. It can be a long and lonely journey with basically a point of ,no return about 100 miles off your departure coast.
PS your height and hair colour won't influence how people will reply to you.

Oh! Some friends and my brothers are joining me, so It won't be lonely. But it if I'm going to this I want to be full prepared( it's a big responsibility)

[Jacknast]

Get a boat or rent one or ask to ride with someone else.

Closer to, it's your boat, the more $ and time it will take.

[Fdegetau]

Originally Posted by Jacknast

Get a boat or rent one or ask to ride with someone else.

Closer to, it's your boat, the more $ and time it will take.

Well I want to get the boat after I have learned all I have to learn, it will be easier to know what I want by then.

First I want to know which is the best way to prepare myself for that, I heard good things about the offshore sailing school.

[Rocketman]

The question of what should I do if I want to cross the Atlantic is a little like asking what should I do if I want to be a heart surgeon? Everyone is different, no answer you will get from this forum will answer your question. You will get answers from, you are crazy to you are crazy if you don't do it. My answer to you is start sailing take some small trips, then longer ones, after a while you will be able to answer your question for yourself.

[dlymn]

Have a look at the RYA offshore skipper and crew courses. They will give you and your crew an insight into the complexities of safe blue water sailing.

[On The Water]

school??
Just go!

[Jacknast]

Then ASA 101-104 would get you started good. When I took it we sailed 35, 40 and 45 footers and did an overnight in the 45. Learned all the basics.

Prior to and after
crewed on flying scots at the local sail club
and crewed for a couple of people moving their boats (long weekend sails)

You could also look at a local chapter of the US power squadron
They have good navigation and other courses for cheap.

[dlymn]

Just go?....? Ah the fictional romantic view of blue water sailing. Oh, I need a 12 mm spanner to repair that item that might lead to my death. Never mind, I'll pick one up when (if) I get to the other side. You must think that Captain Ron is real.

[Fdegetau]

Originally Posted by Rocketman

The question of what should I do if I want to cross the Atlantic is a little like asking what should I do if I want to be a heart surgeon? Everyone is different, no answer you will get from this forum will answer your question. You will get answers from, you are crazy to you are crazy if you don't do it. My answer to you is start sailing take some small trips, then longer ones, after a while you will be able to answer your question for yourself.

It makes sense, any advice on how to choose a sailing school?

[Fdegetau]

Originally Posted by dlymn

Have a look at the RYA offshore skipper and crew courses. They will give you and your crew an insight into the complexities of safe blue water sailing.

Thanks! I will do that!

[Fdegetau]

Originally Posted by Jacknast

Then ASA 101-104 would get you started good. When I took it we sailed 35, 40 and 45 footers and did an overnight in the 45. Learned all the basics.

Prior to and after
crewed on flying scots at the local sail club
and crewed for a couple of people moving their boats (long weekend sails)

You could also look at a local chapter of the US power squadron
They have good navigation and other courses for cheap.

I'm going to take a look at that. I was thinking to move to ft Myers for a few months to get started, but I'm open for other suggestions, if there is a more suitable place to get started let me know

[barnakiel]

I think it may take from a season to infinity. There were people who did without - this is NOT recommended.

Much depends on how much of a natural you are and how much time on the water you can get.

I would start with getting 100% competent and comfortable with any small dinghy (or a small keelboat, but I personally recommend an open dinghy like a Laser, a Mirror or anything else that can capsize) in any wetaher (sure, start at the light wind end!).

Basically, if you can deliver a small open boat across a big rough lake on a very windy day, it is time to learn basic navigation (easy) and then try to get some sea miles prior to going across. There IS a major step up as you go from the lake to the ocean - the WAVES are much bigger, much more dangerous here. Never underestimate the impact of waves on sailing across any big open water.

So, to sum up, I think given natural talent, dedication and devotion it is not less that one year project.

Cheers,
b.

[barnakiel]

Originally Posted by Fdegetau

It makes sense, any advice on how to choose a sailing school?

RYA associated schools seeem to offer everything from basics to offshore.

It takes from 4 to 7 seasons to get full skills this way plus as much sailing time as you can get in between. Most websites recommend a minimum of 10000 hours to master any skill.

b.