Getting Started - Sailing

Living in the United Kingdom we are in the unique situation where none of us are ever that far away from the costs or the mass of inland lakes and rivers.  So why not take advantage of this and experience the adventure and exploration that sailing offers.

One of the great things about sailing is that anyone can do, from children as young as five to people enjoying their retirement.  The opportunities are there if you want to help crew a yacht or learn to skipper your own.  On a smaller scale dinghies are a great way to get into the sport and with an abundant of lakes, lochs and reservoirs in the United Kingdom you are certain to be able to sail all year.

People of all strengths and fitness are able to take up sailing, only moderate fitness is required.  Women have proven that they are just as capable of sitting at the helm of a yacht.  People who are less able, wheelchair bound or blind can still participate on a wide range of craft but need to be more careful in their selection.  If you are willing you should give it a try, you’ll be surprised how well you’ll do.

People who are thinking of starting to sail are often put off by the many myths surrounding sailing.  For example that you need to know all the knots and nautical terms and that it is very expensive.  Don’t worry, after a couple of times out you will learn the most commonly used knots and terminology.  As for money you can learn for relatively little.  Of course you can spend millions if you have the money and inclination!

What you do need is:

• A bit of courage
  
• Enthusiasm
  
• The ability to listen to and act on instructions given
  
• The ability to swim 50m
  

The gear you need to start with is:

• A good quality pair of sailing shoes or boots, costing from about £20. 
  
• Maybe a windproof/waterproof jacket.
  

Learn to Sail

There are two main ways that you can learn to sail:

1) Crewing

Visit your local sailing clubs and offer yourself as novice crew.  Make sure you inform them of your level of ability.

Or if you are fortunate enough you could ask a yacht owner friend or relative if you could crew for them.  If you go down this route make sure you have some ground rules between you and them.  It is very easy to fall out with people close to you when things go wrong!

2) Courses

Visit the section ‘sailing’ under the category 'training' on this site.  You will find many schools throughout the United Kingdom offering first class tuition.  Many starter courses are conducted over a weekend and provide you with a good grounding on which to build on.