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If you want some fun, excitement and a healthy way
of life, sailing is an excellent option. Sue Pelling offers some useful
advice on how to get started.
Sailing is one of the few sports where it is possible to compete against
world or Olympic champions within a very short space of time. Because
there is no segregation between world class sailors and complete beginners,
it would not be that unusual to find yourself lining up at the start with
the likes of Ben Ainslie!
So how do you get started?
Like most sports, it really does pay in the long run to take a few lessons
particularly if you've never stepped foot on board a boat before.  Although
there are 100s of sailing schools around the country, it is worth signing
up at an RYA-recognised teaching establishment where you'll be sure to
receive the best possible tuition. For an intensive course in a slightly
warmer climate, it might even be worth considering booking up for a week
at one of the many specialised sailing holiday centres in the Med. Companies
such as Menorca Sailing, Team Unlimited in Spain, and Neilson are particularly
keyed up to cater for beginners and intermediates.
Your first splash!
Getting on to the water for the first time is a great experience and one
that you'll probably remember for the rest of your life. The late Jack
Knights - a great dinghy writer - once wrote: 'I shall never forget my
first sail... I remember it as if it happened yesterday... I am envious
of all those who have yet to take their first sail.'Most sailors have
similar tales to tell so the chances of getting 'hooked' first time are
pretty high.
What to wear
Because sailing is dictated by the elements, you could experience anything
from blasting along with wind and spray flying through your hair, to a
sedate cruise around the bay. But whatever the weather it is advisable
to wear a buoyancy aid/lifejacket at all times. Although you'll find that
most sailing schools and holiday centres supply them, it really is worth
purchasing your own to ensure a good fit.
Because you're likely to get wet, a steamer-type wetsuit, or drysuit
with thermals underneath is a good idea bearing in mind that when you
get wet, you'll get cold.
Another important item that often gets overlooked is footwear. Invest
in a good pair of neoprene sailing boots which will protect your feet
as well as keeping them warm. While they are not essential, a pair of
sailing gloves could help to keep your hands warm as well as protect them
from rope chaff.
Where to get kitted out
There are numerous yacht chandleries around the country offering a wide
range of sailing kit. Like all sports equipment you really need to try
before you buy to ensure a good fit.
Need to know!
Don't be put off by sailing jargon, there really is only a handful of
words to learn. As long as you know your port (left) from starboard (right)
you'll pick up the rest after your first lesson. 
Join a club
Because the UK has 100s of sailing clubs around the country, it should
be easy to track down the one nearest to you. While it is not a necessity
to join a club, it is advisable in that you can gain a lot of support
and help from fellow members.
Want to race?
Once you've completed your first few lessons and learnt the basics, the
best way of improving your game is to start club racing, preferably crewing
for somebody. Most club races are pretty low key and you'll find many
fellow sailors only too pleased to offer advice.
Buying your own boat
Once you've joined a sailing club and gained some experience, you might
consider purchasing your own boat. There are however, numerous types to
chose from ranging from the Optimist (children's dinghy) to a 49er (hi-tech,
Olympic racing boat). The best way of narrowing it down is to: a) decide
whether you want to use your boat for racing or cruising, and b) find
out what other boats are sailed at the club. Try to steer clear of one-off
designs that no one's ever heard of because, as well as having no one
else to compete against, you'll probably find it more difficult to sell
when you want to upgrade. If you decide to purchase a second-hand dinghy
it's worth checking out sailpower.com's free classified ads section where
you'll find an excellent range to choose from. Or if you know exactly
what you want, why not put in a åWanted' ad.
The worse part of sailing
There are few unpleasant things about sailing except for packing the boat
away when you're cold and tired.
And the good things?
Speed, adrenaline, and returning to shore after a long day on the water,
chilling out with your friends at the bar and chatting about your experiences.
Top tips
Like any new sport, there really is no substitute for practical experience.
Once you've learnt the basic skills, get out on the water as much as you
can, read a good instructional sailing book, and spend time observing
the skills of other more experienced sailors.
Further information
To find out more about your nearest sailing school and sailing club, check
out our club section or, contact the Royal Yachting Association at RYA
House, Romsey Road, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 9YA.
Telephone: +44 23 8062 7400
Fax: +44 23 8062 9924
Email: admin@rya.org.uk
Website: http://www.rya.org.uk/
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