On 23 Dec 2005 09:09:19 -0800, 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!

I noticed that two posters suggested taking Power Squadron courses.
While I admire the Power Squadron volunteers, they offer only
classroom instruction. Studying the theory of docking, anchoring,
sail trim, MOB, etc. is not akin to actually docking, anchoring,
trimming sails and practicing MOB under power and sail. I could
produce a more comprehensive list, but I think I made the point.

You might check out the American Sailing Association schools in your
your vicinity
(http://www.american-sailing.com/lear...ng_school.html)

Or US Sailing http://www.ussailing.org/community/wts/

The instructors in these organizations are not volunteers. They are
either part-time or full-time paid instructors. They have an
on-the-water component to their certification.

I noticed that one of Pinnacle's bases is in Seattle. I can assure
that 15 hours is NOT sufficient to sail in the Pacific Northwest.

BTW - I am neither an ASA or US Sailing instructor.

Jack

_________________________________________
Jack Dale
ISPA Yachtmaster Offshore Instructor
CYA Advanced Cruising Instructor
http://www.swiftsuresailing.com
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