Sailing

[japandiver]

Without getting too sentimental, the sea is a great place - on it or under it. Beautiful, scary, calming, exhilarating. I often wonder which I prefer - sailing or diving - I enjoy both but, as everyone else has said, sailing makes diving look cheap!

I agree with all the other advice about dingy sailing, RYA, theory classes and lots and lots of practice. The learning curve for yacht sailing is long and occasionally painfully step. When all is going well it is very mellow and when things go wrong it can get interesting quickly.

Before you think about buying a boat do the sums carefully - unless you are going to sell up and go sailing (and have the independent means to do so) you probably need to be sailing for at least 6 weeks / year to justify buying a boat over chartering - and once you have some qualifications you can charter in different places. Chartering isn't so romantic but is a lot more fun knowing that you can just return the boat and walk away.

Hugh

[nicothesailer]

Originally Posted by Happy

Please keep comments and suggestions coming.
More info I have the better judgement I can make.
Thanks to all so far that have replied.

Russ

Fast track? Forget the dinghies.
Concentrate on the RYA Competent crew, Day sailer etc. After one course you may decide it was a mistake!

Good luck with the big sport and hobby/passion.

Paul









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[Happy]

After reading everyone's comments and suggestions
I have decided not to travel by boat around the world.
Taking into account the time I have I feel it would be suicidal to try something that I really don't have enough experience with.
My plan is to travel to Oz via Dover and France etc etc.....on foot,boat,vehicle,lorry,plane and any other transport we can get on.
I thank you all for your truthful and honest replies all have been a great help in deciding my plans.
Russ