New to sailing - Questions?

Stheno

Hey everyone,

I've spent a bit of time since getting a little hooked on the idea of sailing (have always thought I'd like to, but thought it would bankrupt me ) since attending the open day in Howth Yacht Club this weekend.

After going out with a crew in a cruiser (to my shame I can't remember what it was) and having fun helping unfurl and furl the jib, and getting lots of information from the crew, I then had a chat with a few people there who when I enquired basically said they are always looking for crew, and being reliable and turning up on time etc is as important as having experience and I could do some courses.

So, high on the exhilaration of my day, I went off to the crew page, and discovered a chap with a white sail boat which does leisurely racing Wednesday and Saturdays looking for crew and welcoming beginners. Got in touch and now I'm heading over tomorrow to see how I get on. I'm slightly thrilled, but slightly apprehensive

I'm hoping it goes well, and have spent the past two days trawling through this forum for information so I guess I'm using this thread as a "am I potentially on track so far with my plan?"

First off experience.
Hopefully it goes well tomorrow night and I'm invited back, I think this chap likes to take on beginners, as I was 100% honest and said I'd literally no experience, but was interested in learning and working with a team.

He is lending me boots, wet gear and lifejacket tomorrow.

I've made a list of what kit I will need if in a few weeks I'm as hooked as I am now:

1. Wet gear (need trousers/salopettes and jacket)
2. Lifejacket (found it funny that cost wise, they are not expensive compared to gear)
3. Boots (can start with cheap enough ones, then get the likes of dubarrys)
4. Lots of layers
5. Hat
6. Gloves

I'm hoping tomorrow goes well and I become part of the crew, but also planning on doing the Level one course by mid-June, and level 2 by mid-July so I get the basics and get to learn how to operate a dinghy, so will need a wetsuit after that if I want to rent a dinghy and head out?

Do I need a logbook to start recording my hours?

Am I taking the right approach here?

Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks

HeidiHeidi

First off, tomorrow is forecast to be mighty windy (this sometimes doesn't actually happen, but just be warned!) so you may not get out at all.

Second, try to beg borrow or steal (not literally, obviously) gear for the first while - the thrill of it all may pale when you're out in some worse conditions than last weekend.

But that's just a mild warning. You sound like you really enjoyed it, so the chances are the thrill won't wear off, but will only increase. That's certainly what happened me! I found sailing in my early 30's, and have been busy trying to make up for lost time ever since

If you're brand new to sailing, and are crewing for racing, then I'd definitely recommend a basic sailing course on as small a boat as you can manage - dinghies are best for learning the basics (mainsail in too tight on a cruiser, you'll go a tad slower - main in too tight on a dinghy and you're in the drink, it's a steep learning curve! But you surely learn what all those ropes are for fairly quick!).

Racing is no environment to learn what's actually going on and why. But it's a big buzz, and hugely enjoyable, and I hope it's all you wish for. It's taken me on many adventures, in Ireland and abroad (and I'm only sailing a bit over 10 years), and hopefully many more to come.

Best of luck with it, and keep coming with the questions if you have any

ETA - as regards a logbook, I don't think you actually NEED one, but it's a good idea to keep a log of what you do, especially if you start doing longer trips - I started off diligently, then as is always the way in these things let it slide - and now all my deliveries/offshore races/crusing trips have blended in together and I don't have the details/miles/years - much to my regret. If you want to go for Yachtmaster qualifications later, it's a good idea to have an actual record of your trips/experience, and I think a logbook is just a great idea in general. So get one and keep filling it in!

Stheno

I've already been warned about the wind by the chap who owns/runs the boat, so that's a good start!

I've already checked out getting gear and prices and am comfortable enough getting the basics I need Thank you! The chap I am going out with has some and is happy to loan so for the short term I'm covered. Have a priority list of what to get, starting with a lifejacket

Definitely want to do the level 1 and 11 courses on a dinghy, firstly I think they look great fun, and second, if you are relying on skills and so low down in the water compared to a bigger boat, I reckon it's skill and instinct that will be needed

Got plenty of practice with flying ropes at the weekend when something went wrong and one was whipping around and had to be restrained

I really really really enjoyed it, out of the blue, I was asked to pitch in, and it was great fun. My partner commented it was a long time since I'd looked like I'd enjoyed an activity so much, I didn't mind the odd bit of shouting that went on between the "real" crue, the odd moments of disagreement nothing, it was pure fun

HeidiHeidi

Well if it grabs you half as hard as it grabbed me, then you're in for a lifetime of fun and adventure!

There will always be a certain amount of shouting and tension, especially in close-quarters racing - but a good skipper/crew should never rely on abuse to get his/her crew to do their stuff!

Honestly, discovering sailing was the best thing I've ever done, it literally changed my life. It's the best fun I have (don't read too much into that!!!) and helps keep me sane.

Enjoy, and get as much different/varied experience as you can, it'll all stand to you.

(and if you're ever out Dun Laoghaire way, we're always looking for crew at weekends.....!)

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

(and if you're ever out Dun Laoghaire way, we're always looking for crew at weekends.....!)

Lol I'll get a bit of practice/experience/courses in first

Why is it that clubs are so short of crew?

HeidiHeidi

Stheno wrote: »

Lol I'll get a bit of practice/experience/courses in first

Why is it that clubs are so short of crew?

I think people think (as you mentioned) that sailing is only for the rich and/or will bankrupt you

It certainly can, but doesn't necessarily have to (as we have proven!).

There's also a bit of an elitist air about clubs to non-members I suspect - whether intentionally or not - even the phrase "yacht club" is a bit snotty sounding! But they have memberships to suit all pockets, initially at least, and the boat owners are generally just desperate for any bodies at all to provide an extra pair of hands! (I'm talking racing here, as that's basically all I do.)

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

I think people think (as you mentioned) that sailing is only for the rich and/or will bankrupt you

It certainly can, but doesn't necessarily have to (as we have proven!).

There's also a bit of an elitist air about clubs to non-members I suspect - whether intentionally or not - even the phrase "yacht club" is a bit snotty sounding! But they have memberships to suit all pockets, initially at least, and the boat owners are generally just desperate for any bodies at all to provide an extra pair of hands! (I'm talking racing here, as that's basically all I do.)

Makes sense, I did feel a bit Oliver Twist heading in this weekend, then had a lovely time out with members, and it does sound fierce snotty altogether to be in a yacht club

That said, I couldn't believe the range of membership options (Howth do an introductory member over three years, so they get you hooked I suspect) and they were very welcoming when they saw how enthused I was

Thanks again I went out a few times about 15 years ago in Dun Laoighire as a passenger.

PhoenixParker

Boots - an old pair of runners will probably do you fine for the first few months.
I've borrowed boots, but I actually find the runners easier for climbing around the deck.

Waterproofs - If you have a decent outdoor jacket already, use that. If you don't, and have no use for one in your daily life, then I'd suggest a E9 jacket from Dunnes for now with lots of layers underneath. I found it better than big jackets I borrowed last year. The jacket I ended up buying for the winter was actually a ski jacket on sale from TK Max. It's probably not as good as a musto one or whatever, but it's doing the job nicely. I still use the Dunnes one for warmer days. A good pair of Salopettes are probably the priority for now.

Layers - long sleeved t-shirts are your friends. I have a rake of them from penneys that got me through the first few months, but a proper set of long sleeved thermals and pants are better. I get use out of them for a lot of other stuff anyway.

Gloves - You'll need your own gloves, there's really no way around it. If you're passing Kildare Village, then the musto shop has a range of them for E11 each, otherwise just buy em from whatever shop is handy.

Hat - Yes, though you can get away without one in the summer, mostly. Even if you feel you need for one, any old hat will do for now. In winter, you'll want to upgrade a bit.

HeidiHeidi

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Boots - an old pair of runners will probably do you fine for the first few months.
I've borrowed boots, but I actually find the runners easier for climbing around the deck.

Waterproofs - If you have a decent outdoor jacket already, use that. If you don't, and have no use for one in your daily life, then I'd suggest a E9 jacket from Dunnes for now with lots of layers underneath. I found it better than big jackets I borrowed last year. The jacket I ended up buying for the winter was actually a ski jacket on sale from TK Max. It's probably not as good as a musto one or whatever, but it's doing the job nicely. I still use the Dunnes one for warmer days. A good pair of Salopettes are probably the priority for now.

Layers - long sleeved t-shirts are your friends. I have a rake of them from penneys that got me through the first few months, but a proper set of long sleeved thermals and pants are better. I get use out of them for a lot of other stuff anyway.

Gloves - You'll need your own gloves, there's really no way around it. If you're passing Kildare Village, then the musto shop has a range of them for E11 each, otherwise just buy em from whatever shop is handy.

Hat - Yes, though you can get away without one in the summer, mostly. Even if you feel you need for one, any old hat will do for now. In winter, you'll want to upgrade a bit.

Good point about the gloves - I won't let anyone on our boat without them! They can be expensive, must remember that about Kildare Village next time I'm down there and stock up

And don't forget the suncream, even on cloudy evenings - I use F50+ on my face every time (La Roche Posay Fluide Extreme, tinted, it's brilliant).

As regards underlayers, Lidl/Aldi often have merino wool thermal layers which are fantastic value, I also have Icebreaker heavy merino thermal layers which are much more expensive. Keep an eye out in outdoor stores for sales, you'll pick up bargains along the way if you keep your eyes peeled.

alph

Bring suncream... it'll even help against wind burn. If you do any bow work you'll learn all about this :[

Beaten to it ^

alph

also some sun glasses would be good, but make sure they're tied to something like your life jacket.

Stheno

PhoenixParker wrote: »

Boots - an old pair of runners will probably do you fine for the first few months.
I've borrowed boots, but I actually find the runners easier for climbing around the deck.

Waterproofs - If you have a decent outdoor jacket already, use that. If you don't, and have no use for one in your daily life, then I'd suggest a E9 jacket from Dunnes for now with lots of layers underneath. I found it better than big jackets I borrowed last year. The jacket I ended up buying for the winter was actually a ski jacket on sale from TK Max. It's probably not as good as a musto one or whatever, but it's doing the job nicely. I still use the Dunnes one for warmer days. A good pair of Salopettes are probably the priority for now.

Layers - long sleeved t-shirts are your friends. I have a rake of them from penneys that got me through the first few months, but a proper set of long sleeved thermals and pants are better. I get use out of them for a lot of other stuff anyway.

Gloves - You'll need your own gloves, there's really no way around it. If you're passing Kildare Village, then the musto shop has a range of them for E11 each, otherwise just buy em from whatever shop is handy.

Hat - Yes, though you can get away without one in the summer, mostly. Even if you feel you need for one, any old hat will do for now. In winter, you'll want to upgrade a bit.

Thank you!

No sailing tonight, but I met the crew, and after climbing into the borrowed gear which was great length wise, but way too big I felt like the michelin man, and decided that I should give it a think.

I was rather annoyed as I gave a decent outdoors jacket to charity about six months ago!

The salopettes were great, way too big in the waist, but I've long legs so they fit well there.

I kind of agree with you, I think for now I might focus on the salopettes.

On that point, I've a question, what is the difference between salopettes with the braces, and what are called musto technical sailing trousers which look like regular trousers?

Am I better off going for the ones with the braces?

I'm on holiday at the moment so am going to head out to a few shops tomorrow and try on different brands so I can shop online, ebay and the likes have a fairly decent selection of stuff there.

Weirdly I find runners very slippery, and I'd either buy a new pair of runners and score them with a knife or buy a pair of Gill boots?

Thanks for the tip on the jacket, and I'm regularly in Kildare Village, tonight we were ready to go and had done a few jobs and I'd gloves on and found them useful, then we got the no go message, so I might tip down tomorrow

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Good point about the gloves - I won't let anyone on our boat without them! They can be expensive, must remember that about Kildare Village next time I'm down there and stock up

And don't forget the suncream, even on cloudy evenings - I use F50+ on my face every time (La Roche Posay Fluide Extreme, tinted, it's brilliant).

As regards underlayers, Lidl/Aldi often have merino wool thermal layers which are fantastic value, I also have Icebreaker heavy merino thermal layers which are much more expensive. Keep an eye out in outdoor stores for sales, you'll pick up bargains along the way if you keep your eyes peeled.

I wore three or four layers of thin clothes going out tonight, just cheap penneys and gap stuff, and was plenty warm, especially with the sailing jacket on.

Great point about suncream, I'm so pale I glow in the dark and was only thinking that tonight! Having spent almost six months working in the Med last year part time, I'm well versed in my favourites

Conchir

I would recommend getting salopettes with braces, in my experience braces just make stuff easier. I'm a dinghy sailor, but I wear salopettes when I'm on rescue, so I do use them a little bit. Musto salopettes with braces also go very high up your body, almost to your armpits, which is obviously better for keeping wind and water out.

As you're sailing in Howth, there's plenty of shops to pick up your gear in along the West pier. Dinghy Supplies on the Coast Road have plenty of Musto and Gill stuff too, you'd get all your stuff there.

Hope you enjoy, sailing really is the best sport/pastime out there.

Stheno

Thank you

I've checked them out tonight and think salopettes are best, even the oversized ones I had on felt very secure, but bulky, but that could be me being new to sailing.

Shockingly, despite spending one day of every bank holiday weekend in Howth the past four years, I have never noticed the sailing shops along the west pier!

So far, I have really enjoyed it, I work in IT and enjoy technical/engineering type discussions, and am enjoying that end of boats/sailing at least

I'm also very appreciative of how welcoming people are and how they make an effort to get people into their sport.

fergal.b

Going by the posts it's looks like Howth Yacht club put on a great day that is paying off, it's fantastic to see new people seeing what Irish waters have to offer in the knowing that you don't have to be a boat owner or loaded with money to enjoy it.
Well done HYC and those that offered up their boats, looks like you may have changed the lives of a few people for the better.:)





.

HeidiHeidi

fergal.b wrote: »

Going by the posts it's looks like Howth Yacht club put on a great day that is paying off, it's fantastic to see new people seeing what Irish waters have to offer in the knowing that you don't have to be a boat owner or loaded with money to enjoy it.
Well done HYC and those that offered up their boats, looks like you may have changed the lives of a few people for the better.:)





.

I think that weekend/day was a nationwide thing - Sail Spree - but HYC just did a much better job of publicising it (on here anyway)!

I know the NYC was participating, but we were away for the weekend so I don't know how it all went, it seems to have been a lot more low key.

It's all good, though, if it gets a few more people out on the water, and realising that watersports (especially sailing) isn't all about money and snobbiness

Stheno

For anyone planning a trip to Kildare Village, Musto have gloves for €7 and BR1 jackets down to about €95

HeidiHeidi

Stheno wrote: »

For anyone planning a trip to Kildare Village, Musto have gloves for €7 and BR1 jackets down to about €95

Did they have a good range of sizes? Last time I was there they only had ENORMOUS men's stuff :mad:

Gloves sound like a right bargain though!

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Did they have a good range of sizes? Last time I was there they only had ENORMOUS men's stuff :mad:

Gloves sound like a right bargain though!

In the jackets? They had small, and medium dunnno about any larger but there was a fairly large amount of them, so I'd guess they did.

In the gloves they had small through to XXL in gloves with closed fingers, and all sizes apart from larger in the fingerless ones.

moonshadow

If the enormo men sizes are there please let me know......

HeidiHeidi

moonshadow wrote: »

If the enormo men sizes are there please let me know......

I think some family members may be going down there over the weekend - if they are I'll be sending them in to get me some gloves and I'll get them to check

There's an extra 20% off this weekend if that's of any interest to anyone looking to get gear

moonshadow

Hmm fuel to get there or the boat...........need to call them cheers

Stheno

I was boot buying today and very cheap jacket buying

Anyway went to marine parts on the old airport road in swords, and they'd gill boots for €65

They also have another brand which are shop soiled selling off for €20 and they have a few pairs of Musto boots in enormous sizes which I don't know the price of.

Long and the short of it, they didn't have my size in any of the above, so off I toddled to Howth and got a pair of crewsavers for €48 from expert hardware in Howth.

Then out of sheer curiosity and as I'm on holidays I took the scenic route along the coast home and dropped into Union Chandlers in Malahide Marina.

They are selling the Gill boots for €45

I was amazed to put it mildly.

I've got my boots now anyway and they are comfy, have the drawstring at the top, non marking soles etc so I'm happy, and hopefully after a few months I'll be doing a daytrip to Dubarry and their outlet to upgrade

And jacket wise, I picked up a waterproof one in Mountain Warehouse in their sale which should last a few months.

I did buy trousers in Musto in Kildare Village along with the gloves.

Final stop: Lifejacket

If the jacket or boots last me a couple of months I'll be pleased, glad I got the trousers.

HeidiHeidi

Stheno wrote: »

I was boot buying today and very cheap jacket buying

Anyway went to marine parts on the old airport road in swords, and they'd gill boots for €65

They also have another brand which are shop soiled selling off for €20 and they have a few pairs of Musto boots in enormous sizes which I don't know the price of.

Long and the short of it, they didn't have my size in any of the above, so off I toddled to Howth and got a pair of crewsavers for €48 from expert hardware in Howth.

Then out of sheer curiosity and as I'm on holidays I took the scenic route along the coast home and dropped into Union Chandlers in Malahide Marina.

They are selling the Gill boots for €45

I was amazed to put it mildly.

I've got my boots now anyway and they are comfy, have the drawstring at the top, non marking soles etc so I'm happy, and hopefully after a few months I'll be doing a daytrip to Dubarry and their outlet to upgrade

And jacket wise, I picked up a waterproof one in Mountain Warehouse in their sale which should last a few months.

I did buy trousers in Musto in Kildare Village along with the gloves.

Final stop: Lifejacket

If the jacket or boots last me a couple of months I'll be pleased, glad I got the trousers.

Gosh, you're on a mission! Well done

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Gosh, you're on a mission! Well done

It's partly your fault (and partly me being a miser!)

Partly your fault for encouraging me that people will welcome new crew

Having the gear, and of all the gear I've bought so far the only very expensive outlay was the trousers, makes it easier to get on crew I reckon, so I get more hooked, and get to have fun!

miss no stars

OP, I'm based in HYC and have a Squib (Squibs are like dinghies for adults - 2 people, 2 sails but no (intentional) capsizing and a little less awkward if you're tall!) in the water but will probably find myself crew-poor (like the coming tuesday!) a few times during the year. If you do your level 1 and get an idea about it and are interested in getting some more time on smaller boats drop me a PM. I'm quite small so wouldn't like to take someone out who really has no experience. No offence is intended, we all had to learn, but given that it's a 2 person boat designed for big feckers - if I scream for someone to help me uncleat the mainsheet I need someone who knows what I'm on about :P

HeidiHeidi

So, Stheno - did you get out tonight???

Stheno

I did indeed.

I now ache, and suspect I shall ache more in the morning

It was great fun though

HeidiHeidi

Stheno wrote: »

I did indeed.

I now ache, and suspect I shall ache more in the morning

It was great fun though

You also get to count the bruises in the morning

Glad you enjoyed it. How did ye do? Will you be back for more??

neris

Was great sailing tonight apart from the poxy rain shower at the end.

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

You also get to count the bruises in the morning

Glad you enjoyed it. How did ye do? Will you be back for more??

Think I did ok, the crew I am learning with are very good and give very clear directions when they need something done, but also in quieter times, they explain what different things are, why they are doing something etc etc. When we were out racing I'd specific stuff to do and once I got into it I enjoyed it.

Then when we came back in and were going through the end of evening routine, they involved me in lots of activities so that I learn, it was really enjoyable.

Back for more definitely

HeidiHeidi

neris wrote: »

Was great sailing tonight apart from the poxy rain shower at the end.

Haha, you missed the hailstones-the-size-of-small-golfballs of last night! Honestly, it was like snow (and equally as slippy!) on deck.

How is that even possible in mid-May

We were bloody frozen. Summer in Dublin how are ye!

Stheno

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Haha, you missed the hailstones-the-size-of-small-golfballs of last night! Honestly, it was like snow (and equally as slippy!) on deck.

How is that even possible in mid-May

We were bloody frozen. Summer in Dublin how are ye!

Ha on, we had a fairly heavy but thankfully shortlived shower that was like being rained on with ice, I never thought that five layers of tops would have me feeling cold!

miss no stars

Stheno wrote: »

Ha on, we had a fairly heavy but thankfully shortlived shower that was like being rained on with ice, I never thought that five layers of tops would have me feeling cold!

Wait til the brass monkeys.

HeidiHeidi

Stheno, I tried to reply to your PMs but your inbox is full! Only home from work now, and just saw your messages, hence the late reply.

We're sorted for tomorrow I'm afraid, but maybe your Howth skipper might know someone else who would need crew?

Keep in touch anyway and we might get you out one of these weeks

Stheno

Will do and I've cleared my pms

The Oh is horrified at the bruises heehee

HeidiHeidi

'Twas a bruising sort of a week alright!

I was absolutely PASTED to the bed this morning, after the few hours out last night (we went out early for a close-up gander at the QMII - very impressive). They weren't even particularly taxing hours, but I'm clearly not used to all that fresh air

alph

oh god the bruises, My knees are completely blue / black / yellow now . Also managed to bruise the top of my left foot which is making walking sore...

Good times

Stheno

alph wrote: »

oh god the bruises, My knees are completely blue / black / yellow now . Also managed to bruise the top of my left foot which is making walking sore...

Good times

The guys today were telling me to watch out for the gardening knee supports in Aldi as some of them use them and find them great.

My knees are a sight to behold. Out again today, and it was absolutely fantastic, it's like a completely different world It was windier so we went faster and the boat moved completely differently, so I got to test my mettle for want of a better word when moving around, still on an adrenaline high a few hours later

Plus I bought a great book which explains stuff really well, and has lots of pictures Definitely getting hooked on this

oceanman

whats the book called?

Stheno

oceanman wrote: »

whats the book called?

The complete sailing manual by Steve Sleight?

Conchir

Stheno wrote: »

The complete sailing manual by Steve Sleight?

I have that book, it's a great one. Between that and Reed's Skipper's Handbook I've never needed any other reference books.

Stheno

Conchir wrote: »

I have that book, it's a great one. Between that and Reed's Skipper's Handbook I've never needed any other reference books.

I'm finding it great as a complete newb, it's laid out incredibly well and takes a really nice view explaining things that I've found really good. Pretty much any questions I've been looking for answers to are in it, think it will really help me when I do my level one and two course as it's a great section on dinghies

Conchir

Stheno wrote: »

I'm finding it great as a complete newb, it's laid out incredibly well and takes a really nice view explaining things that I've found really good. Pretty much any questions I've been looking for answers to are in it, think it will really help me when I do my level one and two course as it's a great section on dinghies

While I have read all the sections on the boat, only the dinghy sections really apply to me and I can safely say they're a great resource. I had this book a few years ago when I was only a beginner, and it's just as useful now as an instructor as it was then.

murphym7

Came accross this one today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbvVMIxNdPQ

Have not watched any of it, but it cant do any harm if you have a free 90 minutes.

Stheno

murphym7 wrote: »

Came accross this one today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbvVMIxNdPQ

Have not watched any of it, but it cant do any harm if you have a free 90 minutes.

This is a great video for a newb like me

Am doing the ISA basic skills course (replaced level 1/2, four three hour sessions) this week so looking forward to applying the knowledge.

Thank you!

Stheno

So, an update.

I've finished both taste of sailing and start sailing, and now crew regularly on a cruiser, and different dinghies



However, my right hand in particular is in bits, despite using gloves, I regularly come in and have skinned fingers/calluses on my palm.

Any suggestions to help with this?

Conchir

What gloves are they? And do they definitely fit right?

Stheno

The thin Musto ones, think they are called Amara. Maybe I just need thicker gloves?

Conchir

I use Musto gloves too, but I'd almost always have some cuts or callouses after sailing. I've just accepted it that my hands will always be in bits. Maybe some of the big boat sailors on the forum could advise you further. Thicker gloves perhaps?

Stheno

Someone suggested it might be that my hands not being used to physical effort need to harden up.

I'll bear with it for a few weeks and see if they get better

Otherwise it will be thicker gloves