How hard is to learn how to sail?

Question

I would like to go from Power boat to Sailboat 30ft + .
How hard is it to learn to sail ?
What do you suggest in taking such a step ?
Can you sail a boat like this on your own ?

Answer 1

Its not hard to learn but takes lots of practice before you get comfortable with it I would suggest you start on something smaller like a hobiecat and work your way up

Answer 2

It not a hard concept to learn. Practice helps improve your ability. Many learn on their own and some take a course. There are some good books that can give you the knowledge involved, but, it really a hands on that will build your true ability. I try to find you a few links for a book and more information. The first sailboat I sailed was a 24 footer. It was simple and easy for one person. Bigger boats require more folks, but, with experience you can make/modify even a large sailboat easy to handle with one person. If, you buy a 30+ for a first time boat, I feel you be able to handle it. Just use the engine to get you away from everything and out in the open/deep water you can concentrate on sailing and not obstructions.

Here a good book to start with. The newer editions cost about $40-50 new. You can get a second edition for less than $10 including shipping and it good to get you started. I know experienced sailors enjoy this book for what it tell about weather, and it well worth $10 for a used for learning about how the sails work, navigation, safety and weather.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671674471/ref=wl_it_dp/102-0134843-8278570?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1NF9OLILVGY1L&colid=2BEODE0VAPSWB

Here a simple simulator on "National Geographic" it makes sailing seem simple. But, this give you an idea how books and simulators just give the concept. In the real there many things you learn from a hands on.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/volvooceanrace/interactives/sailing/index.html

Answer 3

For most people, learning to sail is not difficiult, but of course this depends on the quality of instruction and how you learn. Sailing does require some conceptual learning and basic physics to do it well. I had done some small boat sailing as a kid, but was solo sailing my own 26-footer easily with minimal additional expereince. (see liveaboard courses below) I sometimes sail a 33-foot boat solo. The ability to sail solo has as much to do with how the boat is rigged as it's size. One of the hardest things about learning to sail, is knowing all the terms. It's like learning a foreign language.

There are many ways to learn. It doesn't hurt to learn in a smaller boat, but a small sloop-rigged keelboat will have more in common with a 30-foot boat than will a small dinghy like a sunfish. (I teach classes on both and those who have only sailed the small boats are not nearly as ready to move up to a 30-foot keelboat as those who have sailed a 17-foot small keelboat are.) I don't think there is anything wrong with learning on a larger boat if that's a convenient option, but you can learn many of the basics on smaller boats if that's what is available and affordable.

Local university sailing clubs offer a great way to try sailing without spending much. The quality of the instrucition is likely to be hit or miss. Some local yacht clubs sometimes have days where they will take newbies out. You can check with organizations such as the American Sailing Association or US sailing to see if courses are offered in your area. These are likely to be of a fairly high caliber of instruction, but cost more than through a club. If your goal is to go cruising, you can take a live-aboard sailing course. Although this is expensive, it's a great way to get a feel for what you are getting yourself into and have an enjoyable vacation at the same time. Much of cruising has to do with skills and experinces other than physical sailing and a course like this will give you great exposure to some of those. Again, you can check with ASA or look in the back of sailing magazines or online sailing websites to find some of these options.

Answer 4

Learning to sail is not very hard at all. I have been sailing for 5 years and have found that sailing takes patience and practice. Its the same with everything the more you do it the better you will get. If I was to give you any advice that would be to learn your points of sail as quickly as possible!! Sail trim, control, and parts of the boat are all things I would study!! GOOD LUCK. :)

Answer 5

I use to teach sailing and we had the kids out by themselves on the first day. After that they pretty much learned by their mistakes but we had them racing within a week. Sailing a 30+ footer by yourself will take time. I would suggest learning in a small pram and then start crewing for other people on larger boats. It will take a while before you feel comfortable sailing a boat that size by yourself.

Answer 6

You might want to start with the Red Cross. That's where I learned to sail.
Ok, you start out with "dingies" but once you get the techniques down, anything goes.
As for a 30Ft. sailboat, I'd start looking around for a crew to help, else you'll be doing a lot of running!

Answer 7

most important thing is good strong boat. (I bought 1960 Pearson Triton) and without ANY previous sailing experience crossed Atlantic (singlehandedly) sailed in North, Baltic, seas. been close to polar circle in Norway. I guess now I have some sailing experience :))
some people never find courage to cast off...
Find good seaworthy boat and just go for it. near shore is worst, but you will learn ;)