On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:19:16 -0000, wrote:

much snippage

I know that there is a lot to learn, and I don't expect to accomplish
all of this in a hurry, but I could sure use some help getting
pointed in the right direction. My only goal for the end of the season
is to get us out of the marina so that we can at least drop anchor and
swim a little. We don't have to be sailing pros within a few month's
time... just one small success will tide us over until next season. If
we manage to accomplish more, then that's all the better.

I currently have the electronic version of America's Boating Course at
home and I'm working my way through it as a first step. We are located
on the Illinois-Wisconsin border. What's your recommendation for the
next step? Thanks in advance for your time and advice.

Elizabeth

Look for nearby sailboat charter companies - many of them will also
offer sailing classes in their boats, or will know someone who does
teach in keelboats.

Racing fanatics will claim that you must start in dinghies, but if you
don't intend to become a serious racer, you can learn almost as well
in a keel boat, and you will learn things like operating under power,
reefing, anchoring, and using winches, all of which are essential when
operating a cruising-size sailboat, but are irrelevant in dinghies.


--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
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