How to Do Advanced Sailing

The sun is just coming up, the wind is at your back and you're ready to hit the open water. The confident skipper of a sailboat is ready for anything, including rough weather. If you enjoy sailing and think you would like to charter or even buy a sailboat for adventurous vacations, you will need to learn advanced sailing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get comfortable with basic sailing skills. You can take a beginner's course at a sailing school, educate yourself in basic sailing skills by reading as much as you can or find someone with a sailboat who is willing to train you.
2. Sign up for a class in advanced sailing. With the sailboat as your classroom, you learn how to understand weather, read charts, use the boat's compass and operate the boat under power or sail. You also will learn steps to take in any emergency, including a passenger falling overboard.
3. Take the advanced sailing exam your course offers. When you pass the exam, you will receive certification showing you have mastered advanced sailing techniques.
4. Practice your new sailing skills. If you don't own a sailboat, you can rent one at any marina. Find a yacht club to join where you can participate in activities with other sailors. Many marinas have docks just for sailboats. Spend some time on the dock. You'll find a friendly atmosphere.
5. Review advanced sailing skills on an annual basis. Knowledge can grow cold if you don't use it often. Many sailing schools offer a one-day refresher course for experienced sailors.