Need your advice on how to get started...

[Lynx]

Get with people and learn. It all depends on you and the group. Some are just racers, cruisers, stay at the dock, no kids, kids, anything or everything. Just depends on your location.

Ask some questions of each group to see which one is best for you. IF you have the time, read, read, read.

[Boracay]

Buy the smallest useable sailing dinghy/trailer sailer that has an outboard and an anchor. Old and needing minor repairs is good.

Make sure you have all necessary safety equipment. Life jackets, EPIRB, hand VHF, immersion suit (if in a cold climate) etc.

Practice sailing, anchoring, docking, sailing, anchoring, docking until it can be done in your sleep.

While doing it learn to navigate (from charts, books etc) and to read the weather.

[merlin]

Originally Posted by Lynx

Get with people and learn. It all depends on you and the group. Some are just racers, cruisers, stay at the dock, no kids, kids, anything or everything. Just depends on your location.

Ask some questions of each group to see which one is best for you. IF you have the time, read, read, read.

Oh boy I am already deep in on the reading parth I am also ordered and received "Sailing Fundamentals" and "Start Sailing Right". Currently I am trying to hook up with people in my area, I think I'll go out with just about anyone who isn't a stay at the dock all the time person!

Originally Posted by Chris31415

Buy the smallest useable sailing dinghy/trailer sailer that has an outboard and an anchor. Old and needing minor repairs is good.

Make sure you have all necessary safety equipment. Life jackets, EPIRB, hand VHF, immersion suit (if in a cold climate) etc.

Practice sailing, anchoring, docking, sailing, anchoring, docking until it can be done in your sleep.

While doing it learn to navigate (from charts, books etc) and to read the weather.

I have been pondering the idea of buying, but I was thinking I should probably know a little bit more before I buy, but I am certainly open to the idea if I can find something inexepensive enough!

Thanks again for all of the responses