I'm interested in sailing

[darxus]

Any suggestions on how to pursue this?

I have a fond childhood memory of laying on the edge of mom's small sailboat as that edge was dipping into the water, leaned well over, going as fast as that thing could go. It seemed dangerous, but my mom was awesome, and I was wearing a life vest, and knew how to swim.

Building a pocket yacht seems like a good long term goal, but I'm unsure of a good path. If somebody wants to teach me, that would probably be ideal. I'd also be happy to just give it a try without any teaching if I can get my hands on a boat, without crazy fees. I have a trailer hitch to put on my car.

Pretty picture.

Update: I'd also eventually like to sail on the ocean.

Update 2: I'd also be happy to try being an extra hand in a race.

Comments

[entrochan.livejournal.com]

Learning to sail: Community Boating on the Charles for a cheap, casual option (a lot of informal teaching going on, I think it's less than $200 for a membership for the summer). Courageous Sailing in Charlestown, or there are a couple on the Boston Harbor starting from downtown if you want something on the ocean.

Building a boat: Wooden Boat School in Maine.

If you get your hands on a boat, I'd be happy to show you some stuff. I'm far from an expert sailor, but I can get by on a small boat in relatively calm water.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

second on Community Boating Inc

it's right on the charles, it's relatively easy to get to, esp if you work there, and you can sale for the 6 months of the year, learn a variety of craft, and graduate to bigger boats outside the locks.

super fun time.

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[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

also this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Start-Sailing-Right-National-Instruction/dp/1882502485

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[sensesurfer.livejournal.com]

Boston Harbor Sailing has a memberships that let you take solings out on the Harbor. IMO far more interesting sailing than community boating on the river.

http://www.bostonharborsailing.com/bhsonar.html

After doing that for a year if you are still interested, I'd look at used boats and find a place to get a mooring. If you want to build one go for it, but that is likely to be a multi-year project so having a boat in the meanwhile might make sense. At some point I may be interested in setting something up where we do a group by of a large sailboat and time share it.

[woodwardiocom.livejournal.com]

Once you've done a little of the Community Boating or BHS options (and learned the basics), you could talk to my father, who still races occasionally. (And who used to build sailboats professionally, sailed around the world, etc.)