Being Curious about sailing is a great starting point.
You may have thought about trying sailing but stopped because you don’t know how to sail.
We all started somewhere, it was a long time ago for me but I can still remember the apprehension and the delight when I found I enjoyed it.
But I can assure you that you do not need previous sailing experience.
You are hands-on sailing from day one
You join a traditional sailing vessel with a professional crew. They sail the vessel safely but they need you to join in. They will show you how to take part, that’s the whole point – it’s your chance to get ‘hands-on sailing’. You learn by joining in.
What happens when I join?
Nobody expects you to arrive knowing the terminology or how the vessel works.
The crew introduces you to the vessel. First a safety briefing and an explanation of what you need to know to be safe and comfortable during your voyage. Once underway, you will help sail the ship.
Depending on the vessel and voyage, that might mean steering, handling ropes, setting or lowering sails, keeping lookout or taking part in watches.
At first, much of it will be unfamiliar. Gradually, it starts to make sense.
Am I a passenger or crew?
Neither description is quite right.
The professional crew are responsible for the vessel and everyone’s safety. You are not replacing them.
But you aren’t simply a passenger either. Traditional sailing is about taking part. You can help sail the vessel and join in with everyday life aboard.
How much do you do? It depends on the vessel, sea conditions etc but you will find the more you do the more you will enjoy it.
Do I need to be fit?
You don’t need to be an athlete, normal fitness is fine.
Sailing can involve moving around a vessel at sea, climbing steps, pulling ropes and working on deck. Some voyages are more demanding than others.
Choosing the right first voyage is therefore important. If you are uncertain, Ask a Skipper, see below.
What if I am travelling alone?
Many people join individually.
It can seem daunting because you are joining an unfamiliar vessel and people you haven’t met.
Once aboard, everyone has something in common. You eat together, sail together and share life aboard.
You don’t need to arrive as part of a group.
Will I make mistakes?
Almost certainly.
You are learning something new. The professional crew expect beginners and will explain and demonstrate what needs doing.
As the voyage progresses, you will find yourself confidently doing things that seemed completely unfamiliar when you arrived.
What sort of vessel could I sail?
Classic Sailing works with everything from smaller traditional boats to large tall ships.
A smaller vessel can provide a very immediate sailing experience. A tall ship brings more people, more sails and a completely different scale.
There isn’t one correct choice for a beginner.
Where you want to sail, how long you have and how active you want to be are better starting points.
How long should my first voyage be?
You don’t have to start with a major expedition.
A few days aboard can be enough to discover traditional sailing. A week or longer gives you more time to settle into life aboard and learn.
Choose the voyage that interests you, rather than automatically choosing the shortest because you are a beginner.
What about seasickness?
Some people get seasick and others don’t. Even experienced sailors can occasionally be affected. I’ve been there and it’s not fun but it can pass quickly.
Different vessels, conditions and sailing areas produce different experiences. If seasickness concerns you, talk to us before choosing your voyage.
It doesn’t automatically rule sailing out.
Do I need special equipment?
Usually, much less than people imagine.
Each vessel has its own joining information and equipment requirements. You will receive these before travelling.
You don’t need to buy a wardrobe of specialist sailing clothing before discovering whether you enjoy it. Walking waterproofs are often all you need.
The important question isn’t whether you can sail
If you are curious about sailing, lack of experience isn’t the obstacle you might think.
A better question is:
What sort of first sailing experience would suit me?
Tell us what interests you, how active you want to be, where you might like to sail and anything you are uncertain about. We can then point you towards suitable vessels and voyages.
Curious about sailing? Tell us what you’re looking for.
Adam Purser 22-8-26
Articles on first time sailing
