One thing to consider is whether the particular sailing school you
choose is generally known and accredited, and whether their certificates
of class completion are generally accepted by other schools, charter
companies, etc. For example, I think that the classes from American
Sailing School, and Annapolis Sailing Schools, etc., include training in
a number of prescribed subjects, with OTW (on the water) and classroom
work on each, followed by OTW and written exams. Thus, if you pass the
tests, you (and others) have some assurance that you learned the basics
of sailing that you were supposed to learn. Also, they offer a
progressive series of courses, beginning with an introductory sailing
course (basics of sailing, points of sail, man overboard, rules of the
road, boat nomenclature, etc.) followed by more advanced courses,
progressing to a course providing a certificate stating that you are
qualified to charter larger boats, etc. - The point is that you might
want to start with a training school that will provide graduation
letters or certificates that will be accepted for the more advanced
courses that you may want to take later on. - (Sort of like taking the
appropriate prerequisites in college for the more advanced second and
third-year courses.) Otherwise, you might have to repeat the training
of a local, non-recogized "school." Of course, if you just want to take
an introductory weekend course at a nominal cost, you won't loose much
and will be on your way.

Jim


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!