Hi There,

[Ninpo]

Hi there everyone,

I'm Ninpo (James) and I'm going to start sailing.

It's an itch thats been at the back of my mind for years and I'm now working in Gosport as a Web Developer, just over from Portsmouth Harbour and catching the Ferry over from Portsmouth to Gosport is the best part of my day

That and walking past the Marina and seeing all those fabulous sailing yatchs

For the last few weeks that small itch has been going, "Oh, look at that yacth, isn't she lovely".

The itch has gotten the better of me so I'm going to take my RYA Starting course in March, I'm applying atm.

Is there anything I should know/look out for/ look into?

Is that the best way to start?

Thank you all,

Ninpo

[JeanneP]

Hi, James,

Welcome to CL.

When husband Peter decided we were going to retire and live on a boat, which we agreed would be a sailboat, I then announced, "well, I guess I've got to learn to sail." So I did. Though it might be somewhat frustrating, a good instructor will not assume that you know anything, and that, IMO, is a good thing. As you acquire new skills and the confidence to use them, you will find how much of any physical activity is training the body to respond to situations before the brain is fully engaged.

I'm a bit of a broken record in suggesting to every new sailor that they go to the local yacht club and offer to crew on members' boats during their club races. Most racing skippers are frequently in need of another "warm body" aboard, if only to sit on the rail as movable ballast. Watch, smile, learn, and you will soon be applying what you learn in your sailing course, and REALLY training your mind and body to sail successfully.

With a good instructor you will be surprised at how much you don't know, and how much you will learn.

Please keep us informed of your progress, and don't hesitate to ask questions or just comment, good or bad, about your experiences.

Fair winds,

J

[Ninpo]

Originally Posted by JeanneP

Hi, James,

Welcome to CL.

When husband Peter decided we were going to retire and live on a boat, which we agreed would be a sailboat, I then announced, "well, I guess I've got to learn to sail." So I did. Though it might be somewhat frustrating, a good instructor will not assume that you know anything, and that, IMO, is a good thing. As you acquire new skills and the confidence to use them, you will find how much of any physical activity is training the body to respond to situations before the brain is fully engaged.

I'm a bit of a broken record in suggesting to every new sailor that they go to the local yacht club and offer to crew on members' boats during their club races. Most racing skippers are frequently in need of another "warm body" aboard, if only to sit on the rail as movable ballast. Watch, smile, learn, and you will soon be applying what you learn in your sailing course, and REALLY training your mind and body to sail successfully.

With a good instructor you will be surprised at how much you don't know, and how much you will learn.

Please keep us informed of your progress, and don't hesitate to ask questions or just comment, good or bad, about your experiences.

Fair winds,

J

Hi JeanneP,

Thank you for your words of wisdom

I'll deffinately look into offering myself up as a body to one of the local sailing clubs during their races

It's interesting that you said " As you acquire new skills and the confidence to use them, you will find how much of any physical activity is training the body to respond to situations before the brain is fully engaged. " as I believe that I'm a fairly fit & healthy guy and that I keep a clear head about me most of the time. Reason being I study Martial Arts, have done since I was 5 and I'm 22 now, so a vast majority of my life so far, plus I study ZaZen meditation to help clear my mind - it all falls in with part of my Martial Art.

It'll be interesting to see if I can use any of my 'skills' from Martial Arts in a sailing environment etc... body balance, timing etc...

Again thank you for your insights.

Ninpo

p.s. I've had a look at your site and photos etc... It seem's that you're having a fantastic time doing what you're doing

inspirational!

[Lighthouse]

Welcome aboard James - make yourself at home.

Please let us know how your plans progress.

[Ninpo]

Thanks for the warm welcome lighthouse ^^

I'm going to book my RYA Start Yatching Course in the next few days.

Do you think this is a good place to start?

http://www.yachting-...rt_yachting.htm

The waters around Gosport/Portsmouth, the solent are known for their good sailing.

Plus the 'Clipper round the World' venture is based here... not that I'll look into that, a fairly large money spinner IMHO...

Cheers!

Ninpo

[Istioploos]

Welcome Ninpo





Although I had been sailing since was a kid I took the RYA open water certification about 12 years ago. While I did this to satisfy insurance requirements I did find the course very interesting and informative. It did manage to teach this "old salt" a few new tricks.





Best of luck.