Help Getting In The Water

[khentimentu]

My grandfather purchased a used Aquarius 21 foot sailboat a few years back and doesn't have time to sail it or work on it. I am 17 and have some experience sailing on dinghys, but would like to take myself to the next level. I am currently a junior in highschool in the Puget Sound region of Washingston state and after graduation a friend and I would like to take the boat up to Ketchikan Alaska to visit my uncle and celebrate our newly found freedom. What are some good first steps to take towards that goal?

[boatman61]

Hi... Welcome to CF..
I'm not familiar with the make of boat but... first steps...?
1/ Find out what needs doing to the boat from your G'father and fix it... check rigging, sails etc..
2/ Get the charts you'll need for the trip together and study them.
3/ Learn basic Nav' techniques.. cocked hats, DR, compensation for set and drift etc... with your friend...
4/ Go out with your friend on the boat as often as you can... practice, practice, practice sailing.. motors are last resorts...
When you've cracked those come back... likely your plan will be less vague by then and the forum can move you on to the next steps..