Get Started with Sailing

Sailing can be an exciting way to enjoy a new place by water, a point of view few visitors — and even still few residents — get to appreciate. It’s even more exhilarating if you’re in the driver’s seat, in control of your own destiny. The sport is challenging, which is great if you know what you’re doing, but intimidating to newcomers.

To get started, check out a book on sailing from your local library. Titles like The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sailing and Basic Keelboat will get you started. At the same time, try to find a way to get on a boat, even if you have to pay for a ride with a tour group. Start to notice the basic techniques you’re reading about.

Next, sign up for classes. You can even find a sailing club or organization to sail with while you’re traveling to further experience the place you’re visiting. Taking sailing lessons, for example, can be a great excuse for a trip to Hawai’i or the Caribbean.

Once you’ve taken a few classes, you’ll likely have the basics down. And this is generally enough to pass a “check out” test at sailing clubs and organizations around the world that rent small sailboats out. From there, you can build on your knowledge with more advanced courses.