Hi everyone, I'd like some of you kind people to give some advice, please.
A bit about me, I'm 52 and now have more time and money on my hands, (kids have left flown the coop) and have always fancied trying my hand at sailing. Not racing, for me its comfort before speed. Also I know NOTHING about sailing, except what I picked up watching "Hornblower" haha.
I live south of Melbourne close to the coast, but have no room to store a boat at home. I wonder its its an option to day hire a boat to learn on?
Starting point : total novice
Target point (several years away) solo sail home (Eng) and then around the Med.
All advice, pointers and help is appreciated,
Thanks in advance,
Mike.
Well Mike, you're in a good spot to find someone to crew with, in either of the 2 bays, or joining a club.
I remember Frankston had a sailing time each Saturday arvo for adults, in yachts that would seat about 3 -4 people, and you'd learn well.
There will be other clubs and individuals who will be glad to see you.
You can read books or do courses that start at about $200 a day, or you sail with someone, and after considering your budget you could find a suitable yacht that will enable you to gain the practice you need. I'd suggest comprehensive sailing practice and overnight sailing on PPB or Westernport in all weathers, anchoring, reefing, navigating, and maintenance, etc before venturing off to do some coastal sailing to the Prom and beyond. Or come sailing with me in the Gippsland Lakes doing similar.
Later, you could do the courses in engine maintenance, navigation, etc. but a friend is cheaper and you don't have to shell out for your own boat in the meantime.
Hi mate,
Thanks for the reply, I hadn't thought about the Gippsland lakes. Is it a popular place for sailing?
I'll look into that and the local clubs I'm only a ten minute drive from Frankston.
I may have to buy a boat as I have no friends who sail. The problem is where to start? What is a safe, easy to handle inexpensive boat to start with? Another thing to look into haha
Thanks again, now it's google time.
Mike.
The Gippsland Lakes are popular because there is negligible tides and an abundance of tourist facilities such as free overnight jetties, free hot showers, picnic grounds, free barbeques, water at main jetties, and supermarkets near the waterfront. Such things are not always/ rarely available at the other popular places such as Frankston, Mordialloc, or Westernport.
A selection from Yachthub showing keel boats to 25 feet long, although you might be interested in trailer boats: yachthub.com/catlist/used/yachts-for-sale/sail-monohulls/up-to-25ft/20 so you get an idea of prices. To this will be needed an autopilot, essential maintenance and somewhere to store the yacht - on a trailer or on a mooring or jetty, all with different prices.
The simple answer is that you need to make friends with someone who sails, because they will give you practice and advice, and from there you can begin to do courses as needed, or to start searching for a boat, but with some idea of how big and what it will be capable of. Buying a boat and then making your own mistakes can be avoided by making some friendships first.
As an idea of courses available here is the calendar from Yachtmaster in Brighton, which I did some of his courses: yachtmaster.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dates-2020.03-.pdf I began with an intro course and a navigation course, then got lots of experience on my own and along the coast with friends, thus I could skip most of the other courses because I learned "on the job". As I said, find or make friendships because it will be more economical, fun and they will give you advice from their experience, saving you time and money. Send me a PM if you want a sailing weekend in Gippsland.
A navigation book: www.whitworths.com.au/bk-ya-coastal-nav and a beginner's book: www.whitworths.com.au/bk-start-sail-right which would be on the shelves in northern Melbourne (Vic Market area). Otherwise your local library will have a few books to give you an idea of the sport.
A sailing weekend on the lakes sounds great, thanks. Though when that can happen I don't know. It looks like we will be in lock down soon. I'll have a couple of weeks off work but not be able to go anywhere. I'll PM you tomorrow when we may know a little more.
I mentioned trailer sailer as they are cheaper to store than moor a keel boat. Or is my ignorance showing?
I've looked online and all the boats I really like are keel boats with a "classic line". This is the sort of boat that I would like,
www.boatsales.com.au/boats/details/1975-endurance-35/OAG-AD-16341634/?Cr=58
But that is a few years down the line, my ultimate aim is something I can sail up and down the east coast and possibly further north through the islands. Sailing to Europe might be a bit of a dream, but one I will plan :)
Thanks for the information and links, I'll take a look later tonight or tomorrow.
Mike
Fabulousphil's advise is spot on . Even fabulous!
For everything trailer sailor, I recommend the site
www.trailersailerplace.com.au/
Lots of the members there are Victoria based .
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Cast your net as wide as you can
They have a boats for sale page that will give you an indication of what is about and the costs.
I read of your long tern plans, but the first step is to learn to sail, navigate and maintain a boat.
Gary
