Experience Boating Before You Buy or Build.

Most folk enjoy being afloat but some are happier just watching the boats from dry land.

I've met several folk on my travels who have had the dream, bought a vessel and then discovered that the lifestyle was not for them.

There are many reasons, seasickness, one partner not interested, the wrong type or size of vessel, underestimating the cost, etc etc.

That 'dream boat' can turn out to be an expensive white elephant if you or your family, don’t make full use of her.

Fortunately, getting out on the water to give it a try, especially if for the first time, is becoming increasingly easy.

There are numerous training centres, charter companies, clubs and holiday companies all over the world.

So, before you invest time and cash on a vessel, give it a try a few times it may just keep you from making a costly mistake.

It is always worthwhile reading up on some of the theory there are a ton of excellent books on the market.

And you can read my own articles on mooring, anchoring and basic navigation techniques, however, there is no substitute for actually trying it out.

Crewing Experience

Perhaps the best way to get some hands on experience is to crew for a friend or acquaintance.

Most folk will be happy to take you out for day, if only so that they can show off their pride and joy.

Before you ask, it might be an idea to make some discrete inquiries as to the ‘friend’s’ competence.

And beware the nice guy who turns into Captain Bligh once on the water.

For the more adventurous there are always crewing vacancies on vessels world wide.

Several cruising websites such as Floatplan.com have crew wanted sections.

Or gain experience, sea time and take part in a superb adventure aboard one of Sail Training International’s Tall Ships.

They have National Sail Training Organisations in Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Join a Boat Club

There is no need to hang around the club bar waiting, put a notice on the club bulletin board.

Explain who you are, that you are looking for some experience crewing, give plenty of details, such as when you are available and perhaps even a mug-shot, and don’t forget to include contact details.

Boating Holidays

A holiday afloat could be the perfect opportunity to experience being on the water and combine it with a relaxing break.

There are a mind boggling variety of different types to choose from, there are page upon page of adverts on the net.

Every possible computation of vessel, location and facility is catered for,

from Turkish Gulets to Tall Ships..

Perhaps the most difficult part is making a choice, try adding ‘wooden boat’ to your search.

You can choose to just relax and enjoy the trip or pitch in and help.

And, providing you have chosen a reputable charter, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you are in the capable hands of a professional captain and crew.

Boating Schools

Of course if you re really serious about becoming getting afloat, why not combine a taster with some instruction.

Courses can be a superb way to combine a vacation with the right sort of training.

A few classes with a professional instructor can be well worth making the effort.

Not only will you be learning the techniques that make being on the water safe but feeling safe knowing that you are in the hands of a professional.

This may very well be a selling point if you want to include your loved ones, making the difference between having a great time and a bad experience.

And the more you learn the more fun being on the water becomes.

Courses are easy to locate so make sure to get with a good school to get the right instruction and your type of boating.

And for folk living in areas where sailing certification or a licence is required this can be gained at the same time.

Boating in all its guises is a great hobby.

There is no sport that offers a greater variety of emotions, experiences, destinations and social opportunity.

The more you know about it the greater will be the experience, not just for you but for your family, your friends and everyone involved

View my Flipboard Magazine.

• Navigation
• Boating School
• Boating Holiday
• Cold Water Boating
• Tidal Streams
• Pilotage
• Marine Charts
• Buoyage

There are some things that cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring.

They are the very simplest things, and because it takes a man's life to know them, the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.
(Ernest Hemingway)