Thread: What Beginner Solo Sailing Boat to Step into Sailing?

Zhik make a nice life jacket.
Learn to sail before going the whole hog on gadgets etc. Get the basics and fundamentals dialled in first- you'll be glad you did. We used to use a cockatoo's feather on the top of the mast, skewered over a bit of thin wire... does exactly the same as a expensive wind vane.

And a few inches of wool tied to the shrouds equally as well, even cheaper, and easier to see from the tiller!

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

Zhik make a nice life jacket.
Learn to sail before going the whole hog on gadgets etc. Get the basics and fundamentals dialled in first- you'll be glad you did. We used to use a cockatoo's feather on the top of the mast, skewered over a bit of thin wire... does exactly the same as a expensive wind vane.

Yep, you may even discover one gets sea sick & never wish to go on the briny ever again.

Originally Posted by 4bee

Yep, you may even discover one gets sea sick & never wish to go on the briny ever again.

Hello 4bee and all,

I just got off the pointy end of a Pacer. According to the Bureau of Meteorology the wind speed was 16 knots. I got creased by the boom skipping over my left ear while I was under instructions - operating the jib. Being in the bow I wore the chop.

I loved every minute of it.

Now I have to wait for the next fortnightly lesson to come around. I was told that this is the fourth session of this round of the Learn to Sail lessons. This means I am a bit behind everyone else. I have been given homework to do. Also, I have been directed towards YouTube. Anyone recommend any particular "Learn to Sail" clips to watch?

Kind regards
Lionel

I learnt all mine from books, library usually has a good selection. One I bought was KISS guide to sailing.

And just to boost your confidence, I went from reading books about it, to giving it a go in a small cat. To buying my 29ft Keeler, and then shortly after that, skippering a 40ft yacht on a delivery from Botany Bay to Gold Coast....within a space of 2yrs or so.....so one can pick things up quite quickly!

Originally Posted by Gordie

I learnt all mine from books, library usually has a good selection. One I bought was KISS guide to sailing.

And just to boost your confidence, I went from reading books about it, to giving it a go in a small cat. To buying my 29ft Keeler, and then shortly after that, skippering a 40ft yacht on a delivery from Botany Bay to Gold Coast....within a space of 2yrs or so.....so one can pick things up quite quickly!

.so one can pick things up quite quickly!

Including how to pick oneself up after getting creased by the boom apparently.

Originally Posted by 4bee

Including how to pick oneself up after getting creased by the boom apparently.

Keep calm...and sail on.

I was actually planning on doing an adult dinghy course at Sandringham Yacht Club - hopefully will be allowed in the New Year if our Covid numbers keep dropping.