we want to start sailing?

Question

my hubby and I have saved up enough money to buy a small yacht £9000.00 ( no holidays for a few years to save) we are both mid 40's, what we would like to do is buy a small yacht (26ft-29ft )but we need to know is do you need any certificates to sail .it will be mainly river sailing ( rivers Medway and Thames ) and maybe sea sailing... where can we learn how to sail safely and what are the pro's and cons of having a small yacht

The prices start from about £3000.00 for a nice secondhand yacht..on ebay uk they can be picked-up for about £750.00 for a rough one!!!

Answer 1

For you budget you will be able to buy a very nice yacht, and the choices are endless depending on your requirements and taste, for instance classic warm beautiful wood, but a lot of care and attention, or GRP glass reinforced plastic hull, easier to maintain. If I were you I would gather a lot of the available publications such as Boat owner, and skim through the classified ads, then visit the boatyards and get a feel for the boats. Talk to current owners in the yard, or at marinas, they love to talk boats, unless they are up to their arms in paint, best to leave them alone at that point!! Could be a bit grumpy.
Re the certificate, actually there is no legal requirement for a certificate, but it would be irresponsible not to seek out the fundamental skills and rules that apply to your chosen sailing grounds. Contact the RYA Royal yacht association, they will no doubt have a web site. There are various short or longer courses run that are certified by the RYA such as a Day skipper course, for inland day sailing, or a course similar but for venturing outwith the inland waters, the first one will do great, covers all the rights of way, rules of the sea and plotting courses, reading the charts etc. It's cheap to do as well.

Answer 2

Don't know much about the registration process in the UK, but a Yacht is a Yacht, unless it's not! I am a licensed Capatin, and teach sailing to many novices in the US. I strongly suggest you buy a vessel that is no more than 75% of your budget, and refurbish it to some extent yourself. This allows you to become familiar with the vessel, and learn it characteristics.
Prior to the purchase, hire a professional surveyor to inspect the boat. They are trained and have the experience, to see small things that need attention, that could cause expensive repairs later on.
Next, get everything that you can possibly find on sailing, and read, read, read.
Take a course in sailing, and start your experience with slow, light winded, day excursions.
Have a good reliable engine, and practice all the basic manouvers over and over, sot hat you know your boat's pivot points, heeling attitudes, and you're ability to keep yourself and your vessel out of trouble.
Remember that your normal speed under sail is going to be around 6-8 MPH, and power boats will "wake" you without a second thought.
Knowledge and practise, and your sailing days will be enjoyable.
Cons of a small yacht? The defenitioin of BOAT is, "Bring Out Another Thousand", and storage in the winter months can be pricey.
Go for it!

Answer 3

I'm in US, but surely there are schools for this.
Our US Coast Guard holds classes around lakes and coastline.
It would be informative and useful to attend these, as they instruct on all safety precautions and laws. Navigation may also be offered as an addition. Would be helpful if you plan to sail at sea, even close to shore. They can teach you how to recognize the signs of approaching inclement weather conditions and how to avoid it or precautions to take. One must be cognizant of shipping lanes and avoid them. Freighters "DO NOT" slow and
"CANNOT" deviate their course to avoid a small craft. They often do not see small craft.

You money figure hardly seems enough for a
"yacht". I don't know what prices are in UK, but here, that would buy a fairly nice motor boat or sailing craft.

A nice motor boat here would start at about US $20,000-30,000+ 20-27ft length. Size of motor greatly affects the price.
Bear in mind all the necessary gear that is required in addition to the purchase.

US does not require an operators license, unless hiring out. On completion of a course, as above, a certificate of completion is issued.

Answer 4

10 days. i grow to be helming 40 footers at 6 unassisted, although mum says i grow to be guidance unassisted on calm days at 5. i grow to be not allowed to steer in clean or typhoon y climate unassisted till 10, although by potential of then I were competitively crusing for 0.5 my life in dinghies as team, then skipper. i don't easily undergo in concepts not being waiting to make a ship do besides the fact that i wanted, although i will for sure undergo in concepts getting adults to trim the sails, as that grow to be previous me bodily. I learnt from Southern Ocean fishermen and Cape Horner's - people who rounded whilst youthful previously the mast on the very end of economic sail. i grow to be additionally privileged to income purely a sprint from some superb grasp Mariner's, alongside with Pep Manthorpe, and the unique "Megga" Bascombe among the very many that is been my honour to renowned. i'm unable to attend till i understand slightly, would desire to be by potential of approximately 80 some thing i assume...... :) The day I provide up discovering is the day i'm getting planted.

Answer 5

your best bet is to contact the RYA ( Royal Yacht Association). They can give you information on what qualifications you will need and where your nearest centre is for training.
Don't forget the hidden costs: boat maintenance and mooring costs- you need to store it somewhere.

Good Luck and Enjoy

Answer 6

I am from a different country but share the same aspirations. The answers will be interesting. Good Luck.

Answer 7

look on the web but you need a licence you can get a holiday ,week ,mouth ,season,or a life licence