In article .com,
wrote:

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!

David, all the responses are thoughtful and well informed.

I will take a different approach. How much do you value your life and
those you will take sailing with you?

For most of us old salts/farts, at some point, equipment failure or
unexpected weather (shrouds failing, unexpected fog, rogue gusts or
waves, ferries in narrow channels, someone who didn't know or care about
the rules of the road, mismarked charts, etc.) created situations that
required correct action to avoid (or at least mitigate) danger.

The more sailing instruction (courses, books, sailing with knowledgable
folks), the more likely you will respond correctly yourself. A power
squadron course saved my life. Advice from more experienced boats has
too. Some ideas from books were pretty important to my well being.

If you care about yourself and your sailing compatriots, at this point
in your life, get as much "instruction" as you can. No amount is enough
or too much.

Be safe, courteous and have fun.

harlan

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To respond, obviously drop the "nospan"?