-
Step 1
Decide if you would enjoy the basic aspects of sailing. No matter what type of sailing you're doing - racing, cruising or day sailing--all have some common traits that you will encounter. These include exposure to the outdoors and possibly the sun for long periods of time; exposure to all types of weather (heat, rain, cold, lightning and thunder); confinement in a small space with at least one other person; demand for moderate physical ability to get on and off the boat and to move around when the boat is under sail.
-
Step 2
Make sure you have the time necessary when you accept an invitation to go sailing. Another common trait involved in all types of sailing and worth mentioning separately is the time commitment. If someone invites you to go sailing for an hour, be careful. You can never make plans after sailing. The best laid plans can be foiled by the weather or simple happenstance. Engines can fail, sails can rip, and storms can come out of nowhere.
-
Step 3
Time is also a factor when considering how close you live to the water. Is there a marina down the street from you or will you be driving an hour one way to go sailing? If the commute will be too much, you might want to think of a sport that's more accessible where you live.
-
Step 4
If you're still not sure if this sport is for you, a good idea is to go for a sail. Do you know anyone who owns a sailboat? Is there a yacht club in your area?
-
Step 5
If sailing still sounds appealing, then you're ready to start learning. There are several ways you can do this: Pay for sailing lessons; find someone who owns a boat who will take you sailing; buy a small boat and teach yourself. The first two options are the best, since buying a boat and going into open water with no assistance could be dangerous. Check your local yacht club or marina and ask if sailing lessons are available. You could also go to the local marina and find someone looking for help sailing their boat. This may be more fun and it definitely will be cheaper.
