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TOPIC: Sailboats

Sailboats 9 years 6 months ago #1

Hi,
I have windsurfed for many years and started to look into sailboats. I think sailing nicely complements windsurfing. Are there any sailors here? How should I start? Is there a school that you guys could recommend to learn some sailing basics? Thanks.

Sailboats 9 years 6 months ago #2

Good Morning Stefan.

I do not sail but, have a great friend who has sailed for decades. He belonged to a sailing club in Baltimore, Maryland. The club had several day sailors (one mast, less than 30 feet) that could be signed out to members. Plenty of camaraderie and guidance.

I'm sure there are sailing clubs just about anywhere there is a good sized body of water. Look for marinas, where boats are docked, and ask someone there. Maybe use google maps, earth view and search coastlines for visible marinas.

A couple of questions to ask yourself: How many people on board? Barbeque grill or 'flat-out' racing? Of course with windsurfing; if you have two boards on the same, close tack, you have a race....... :-)

Sailboats 9 years 6 months ago #3

  • Bob M
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Stefan Hamran wrote:
Hi,
I have windsurfed for many years and started to look into sailboats. I think sailing nicely complements windsurfing. Are there any sailors here? How should I start? Is there a school that you guys could recommend to learn some sailing basics? Thanks.

www.sailchicago.org/

Sailboats 9 years 6 months ago #4

Hi Stefan,
I grew up sailing on boats and started windsurfing in the early 80's. I dropped out of the sailboat scene a few years later. Recently I got back into sailboats when I bought a Colgate 26 sailboat. I keep the boat at Montrose Harbor. You and any other windsurfers are welcome come sailing. Just send me a message. The boat will be in the water at least until the end of September. I got back into sailing on boats because there are a lot days when there is plenty of wind to sail on a boat but not enough for a board. That said, when there is enough wind I always would rather be windsurfing!! The best sailing school around here is Chicago Sailing out of Belmont Harbor see www.chicagosailing.com. After you become proficient you can also rent boats by the hour from them. The Corinthian Yacht Club out of Montrose Harbor has several fleets that race from dinghys on up. That's a great way to learn for free. Some of those boats need crew and will teach you for free. Corinthian Yacht Club offers a "Crew" and "Associate" membership for people that don't have boats. Their website is www.corinthian.org. Interestingly there are used sailboats that can be found for prices less than a board. In South Haven MI I met a guy who found a 22' foot sailboat that he bought with trailer for $1000. The boat needed some TLC but was a sound boat. There are a lot of boats like this that can be found around the great lakes because the fresh water and limited sailing season is easy on the boats. A good site for used boats is www.sailboatlistings.com. Let me know if you have any questions.
Rich

Sailboats 9 years 6 months ago #5

Thank you guys. I really appreciate the information. Rich, I might just take you up on that offer. I've been reading and watching movies about sailing and the lifestyle resonates with me. Thanks again.
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