I am fully not qualified to handle a 45' boatt

[heritage58]

in any harbor, crashing your boat and many others on the way out. My experience is limited to an OK Dinghy and a Ranger 22. What is the best way to find a knowing buddy?

[Auzzee]

Are you saying you have a 45' sailboat and you need help to learn how to handle it? If that's the case, there are many sailing clubs along the Carolina coast, filled with sailors who would be happy to provide assistance.

The truth is that sailing a dinghy and a small keelboat provide exceptional training grounds for bigger cruising boats. What you need to do now is to move from the sailing equivalent of a minivan, to a 10 ton truck. It's not a big deal, but you are wise to look for someone who can look over your shoulder while you become used to the bigger boat.

Find your local sailing club, volunteer to crew on a social racing boat, then move forward on your own boat. Sailors are a friendly bunch who love to recruit newbies. Best of luck and let us all know how you progress.

[heritage58]

Thanks. I do not have a boat now, except for the dinghy, but I'm looking. Appreciate the advice and will look for a club.