Where to start in Michigan

[vasiliy]

Originally Posted by t380029

Hi Vasily,
Check out North Star Sail Club in Harrison Township on Lake St. Clair. They offer adult sailing lessons, junior sailing and lots of activities. They have docks and winter storage. Two of our members live in Okemos which is near Lansing.
Almost all members sail monohulls, but we do have members currently on their Leopard cat in New Zealand. Let me know if you want more info.
Mike

Thanks Mike, I will take a look.

[vasiliy]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I think you're starting at the wrong end of the spectrum.
Marine Survey 101, pre-survey inspection

Would you be able to elaborate on this? How can I use this information related to my original post? - Thanks

[vasiliy]

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

Not a lot of cats on the Great Lakes. They are too much beam for most of the old infrastructure. As noted by others, you won’t learn much on the beach cats that you can transfer to a cruising cat. Small cats are crazy light in comparison and so handling is very different. Check out marinas and clubs for crew positions. This is a great place to learn. Get a used monohull on a trailer and have a bit of fun learning.

When the C19 crazy is over you cab rent a charter in the Canadian North Channel. There are a few cats there I believe. Just google sailing charters North Channel.

Thanks for the helpful info!

Originally Posted by Lost Horizons

I second the Great Lakes Sailing Co suggestion. They are high class and worth the trip (I visited them from the K-zoo area). You can take ASA classes there and charter a sailboat, including a Gemini catamaran, with a captain for personalized instructions (you should).
Other than that, there is a boat show in Chicago in January, which will probably get cancelled this time around, and multiple brokers everywhere, including Detroit area, that you should start getting connected with. They may be more instrumental in suggesting the next steps for you. There is a nice yacht club on Grosse Ile, but I don’t know what they offer, only been there once at a Detroit boat show a few years ago.

Much appreciated for the input!

Originally Posted by DanielPerry

Investing in the cheapest crappiest (I mean, to a point) sunfish is definitely the best way to learn. You'll how the sail loads with the different forces; you will learn to reduce stresses on your larger boat by struggling in 10 ft. boat. I learned on a windsurfer. I was in a situation where I had an engine failure and had to beat upwind into Ludington municipal marina at 2 am in 30 kts under a reefed mainsail, and knew exactly how to keep the boat moving because of my time windsurfing. All bragging aside (I just did what I had to), just sharing how it really helped me to know how the sail was actually propelling the boat forward. I think that's the key, scuff up a crappy sunfish before you buy your bigger boat.
Also GOOD FOR YOU!! Were all pulling for ya!

Dan

Dan, thanks here as well. I may need to look around and see if there is a small boat we can get as it seems like where recommendations are pointing to.

Originally Posted by SV Siren

To rent bareboat in the Caribbean you will most likely need ASA 104 and 114. Other classes most likely also need ASA 101/103/104. I cannot say specifically, as I do not charter cats, but research into it would be prudent on your part.

Agreed, will need to research more. Though, still a question though - is it sufficient for just one person to go through training (and the other can learn while sailing later) or both adults in our family need to do this?

Originally Posted by DanielPerry

As for the class, if it gives one of you confidence I'd say go for it, but I'd also recommend just jumping into some sailing. I would happily donate a day or two and teach yall what I know. I do not have a Cat but I do own a Magellan 36 ketch and an Alberg 30. It's not all about making money, maybe others on here (with a Cat boat?) would take you for a sail?

This is a nice offer, thanks. I will send you a message separately.

Originally Posted by Nicholson58

If you care to drive to Grand Rapids there is the GRYC on Reeds Lake. Great summer programs and class racing Melgus MC and others. Sign up as crew.

My cat. Not much in common with a cruiser.

This is another great suggestion, thanks.

[SV Siren]

Vasiliy, I think that only one person certified is needed for charters..

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by vasiliy

Would you be able to elaborate on this? How can I use this information related to my original post? - Thanks

Sailing is the easy part. Given that you want to buy a 40-50 cat with no experience in the systems and structure of a boat it might be a good idea to learn about them. Learning about boats is much harder and will take a lot longer (years) than learning how to sail.

[Justcuz]

There's a yacht club down in Pickney, MI which would be pretty close....it's a pretty active community with a nice lil fleet. Bunch of learn to sail sessions throughout the summer.

Home Page ⋆ Midwest Sailing & Portage Yacht Club

[vasiliy]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

Sailing is the easy part. Given that you want to buy a 40-50 cat with no experience in the systems and structure of a boat it might be a good idea to learn about them. Learning about boats is much harder and will take a lot longer (years) than learning how to sail.

Oh, I see. I am handy (when needed) but I am sure there is lots of learn about boats!

Originally Posted by Justcuz

There's a yacht club down in Pickney, MI which would be pretty close....it's a pretty active community with a nice lil fleet. Bunch of learn to sail sessions throughout the summer.

Home Page ⋆ Midwest Sailing & Portage Yacht Club

Great and thanks for the link. Will explore them.

Originally Posted by SV Siren

Vasiliy, I think that only one person certified is needed for charters..

Thanks, maybe we will start with one person and extend to two for training in the future.