New to site want to learn to sail

[scottron875]

Hello all Ron SCOTT here have been reading this site for many years
Starting in 2005
Am retired age 65 in good shape ,I just not sure if I am to old to try and learn to sail .
I have been looking at boats for some time .we rv but I want a sail boat
But know it could be a lot of work
Been looking at 28 to 37 ft boats would like a live aboard boat to run the coast of Texas and Fla
My wife thinks she would enjoy sailing too
Ron
Scottron875

[sailorboy1]

You aren't too old, sailing is pretty easy reall and a LOT easier than books make it seem

[GordMay]

Greetings and belated welcome aboard the CF, Ron.

[capt_TE]

Greetings!
I know a guy in Sweden where I live, who started to sail when he was 75
Sailing doesnt need to be complicated, hard or a lifetimes school to master. As long as one respect the sea and powers in nature and learn it in a humble way - it is quite easy. Just learn the basic theory, get a small boat and start exploring it in easy conditions.

[Delu]

Greetings
Your never to old to learn to sail, first of all learn the basics of boat handing. First with a small keel boat for stability rather than a small 2 man dinghy where if you get it wrong you will get wet ( I hope you can swim) �� Look around for training centre or sailing club that offer formal training. When I started at 38 I read all the books and thought I understood what I was doing, the first and second time out I capsized, I then went to a sailing club that offered RYA training the first twenty minutes were theory and explaining what we were about to do on the water. Then I went with the instructor who demonstrated tacking around two bouys traveling across the wind on a beam reach. Learning to read the wind is so important and remember it's not fixed it constantly changes and therefore to get the best from your boat you have to constantly adjust your sails. Learning in a small two man boat you have many things to think about, helm, main sheet, direction, wind angle, wind strength and watching what other boats are doing. If your on a big boat with 5 or more crew you may have only one job to do and you may end up sitting on the rail as movable ballast, in this case you don't learn as quickly. Once you have the basics offer to crew for others on different boats, as you gain experience and understanding of boats you will understand what sort of boat you want to suit your local conditions and the type of sailing you want to do.
I don't recommend trying to learn in high winds 5 to 10 knt is fine to learn.
If you learn in a boat with a low boom wear a cycle helmet getting hit by the boom can spoil your day.
Have fun enjoy, racing or cruising it's a great sport.