Sailing: How Difficult Is It?
Did you know only 100 people have sailed solo around the world non-stop? Learning how to sail seems more difficult than it is. Once you know the basics, you’ll want to leave work early to go sailing every day.
If you’re looking to purchase a new boat or if you’re just starting out, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sailing.
The Basics
First, you’ll want to look for a sailing class in your area. A quick lesson from an instructor will give you the confidence to do it on your own.
Here are a few things you’ll need on your first day:
- boating shoes (non-slip)
- Windbreaker
- sunglasses (polarized)
- thick workman/sailing gloves
Your instructor should tell you the different parts of the boat and their functions. Pay close attention to this part.
The more you know about your boat, the smoother your ride will go. You and your passengers will also be safer.
It’s recommended that beginners only go sailing on calm days. Be sure to check the weather reports before dropping your boat into the Florida waters.
Sails and Wind
Learning to move the sails and read which way the wind is going can be tricky but we are confident you will pick it up in no time. There are tools on the boat that will help you gauge the wind.
The sail should not be flapping. If the wind changes and the sail isn’t taut, you will pull the sheet in slowly until the sail is back to normal.
Docking and Knots
Even though you’ll probably want to stay at sea forever, you’ll have to return home. This means you’ll be docking your boat, which can be intimidating.
You could damage your boat and the dock if you don’t learn this skill. We recommend learning to tie some knots too so you can tie up quickly and with ease.
Price and Budget
Setting up a budget and sticking to it is crucial. Do your research first; you should take a few test runs and see how different yachts drive. Prices for these boats have a large range starting at $80,000.
If you are looking into financing your boat, which can be a great option, consider talking to a professional. They will be able to give advice on how to proceed.
Selling
Selling your sailboat can be time-consuming and overwhelming. You might not have time to research the price it should be listed at or when the best time to list is.
That’s why selling through a company is beneficial. You can also have all the say in the final amount. They can provide you with data and statistics that will help improve your sale.
Sailing
Sailing is a great hobby and one that doesn’t take too much time to learn. It can be as relaxing or as challenging as you want it to be.
Tampa Bay has some beautiful water and is a perfect place to start learning your new skill. If you are ready to buy or sell, contact us and we’ll be ready to answer all your questions.