wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

I live in NYC, and am looking to do some sailing this coming season. I
am looking at two options: a local sailing club, and a company that
leases yachts. I am confused as to how much training is required,
however.

The sailing club (http://www.sailmanhattan.com/) requires a total of
22 hours of training, and they have J/24 sailboats. Even then, one is
not allowed to sail their boats without a more experienced person being
the skipper.

The leasing company (http://www.pinnacleyachts.com/) requires 15 hours
of instruction, and they have Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37 yachts, and once
you have learned, you are allowed to take them out on your own.

What confuses me is, I would think the 37 footer would be harder than
the J/24, yet less training is required, and less supervision
afterwards is required.

Is the sailing club being too strict, the leasing company being too
lax, or am I missing something?

Thanks for any input!

The J24 is a harder boat to sail than the jeaneau. Its a racing yacht
designed for speed with little comfort. Along with that comes a very
responsive boat that is not too forgiving. That's a good thing! You feel the
breeze and wave action more on a smaller boat and get "the feel" faster.

Usually ( I say usually -not always) there are only part time instructors at
Clubs. On the other hand schools have pro instructors and ,at the risk of
insulting some clubs, the school courses are more structured as they are
answerable to the client.

However it depends on what sort of sailing you are planning to do. If you
want to spend your time chartering larger boats in romantic destinations you
will be better with the Jenneau. But if you want to race or buy a smaller
yacht you will be better off learning on the J24.

Btw, those hours they have quoted would be the minimum. You will not be a
good sailor at that point and will need to continue with training and
plenty of hours on board to get more and more experience. I have been
sailing nearly 30 years, have done ocean deliveries and raced very heavily.
I have taught sailing professionally. But still learn something new nearly
every time out.

DP