Taking up Sailing. What clothing do I need and how much does it cost?

amywise9

Myself and a friend are thinking of taking up sailing and were wondering how much it will cost us for lessons? Also how much does the sailing gear cost?
What clothing do we need to get?
Amy

fergal.b

Hi Amy, the best thing to do is go down to your local sailing club and they will tell you what you will need they may even be able to lend you some of their gear lifejackets ect till you decide you want to stay at it and buy your own.
Marine parts in swords sell a lot of gear but if you go for name brands it's not cheep http://www.marineparts.ie/clothing/clothing-1/

Best of luck

Pigeon Reaper

Generally someone in a club will be able to lend you gear for a few months. Also you'll know what to look for once you've sailed a little so will make better choices. XM stuff isn't bad and is cheap depending on where you buy. MPD is certainly the cheapest in Ireland but don't rush into buying anything.

blindsider

Amy,

Have a look at www.oei.ie also. They are the Outdoor Education Centres and offer a variety of courses.

Options for sailing depend on where you're based, and what type of sailing you're interested in.

Ideally, (IMO) you would start in a dinghy (1 person) and learn the basics. You can then progress to a 2 person, learn a bit more and decide what you're into from there.

You could stick with the dinghy-type - lots of thrills and spills, or you could 'crew' on a larger boat e.g. 23ft and up. Again some of your options will be location dependant.

You could also do a week's course with Glenans (as another poster suggested). It's pretty good value-hostel-style accommodation-almost always great craic-and you will learn to sail quite easily. Great way to start, and a great holiday!

Re eqpt - you'll need a good buoyancy aid - for dinghies - the slightly bulky foam vest. These can be immersed repeatedly and dry out afterwards.

If you're on a bigger boat, you'll need a good life-jacket. Get advice in your local chandlery etc. Never buy 2nd hand. Try to get a l/j with a 'crotch strap' - if you ever 'go over' you'll be glad you got it - and it shouldn't cost any extra.

ISAW

Moderators could we get two stickies on these issues?

1. Taking up sailing dingies/keelboats/motorboating/
2. Buying a sail/motor/inflatable boat.

The seem to constitute 3/4 of new posts.

fergal.b

ISAW wrote: »

Moderators could we get two stickies on these issues?

1. Taking up sailing dingies/keelboats/motorboating/
2. Buying a sail/motor/inflatable boat.

The seem to constitute 3/4 of new posts.

Good Idea ISAW, here is one for Skerries.

--Senior Training--


"Start Sailing" (Level 1) Sailing Course.
Learn the basics of sailing and by the end of this course you will be
sailing with the assistance of an instructor in light winds. Evenings
of the 6th , 7th , 8th & 9th of June. Light refreshments provided.
Cost €200


Mothers ISA "Start Sailing" (Level 1) Sailing Course.

Do you have children in school? Do they sail? Would you like to learn
a new skill, make more friends & get fit in the process? Would you
like to learn the basics of sailing over a weekend with our
professional & relaxed instructor? This course follows the ISA Level
1 syllabus to teach people how to sail on the 25th & 26th of June.
Boats, wetsuits & life jackets provided. Starts at 10am each morning.
Lunch, Tea/ coffee provided. Cost €200.




--Junior “Open” Training--

Were very happy to introduce our “Open” Junior Courses. These courses
are special because we supply all the equipment & instruction so your
child gets to try the exciting sport of dinghy sailing at the best
price.

June

10- 16 year old start sailing courses.

During this course we show your child the exciting sport of dinghy
sailing in a safe & controlled environment. We provide wetsuits,
buoyancy aids & boats & ISA level 1 certification on successful
completion of the course. Cost €180

C1
20th - 24th
C2
27th - 1st


August

7- 10 year old taste of Sailing Courses

This Taste of Sailing courses aim is to introduce young children to
the fun to be had in & around Skerries bay while also learning the
sport of dinghy sailing in a safe & controlled environment. We
provide wetsuits, buoyancy aids, boats & ISA “Taste of Sailing”
certification on successful completion of the course. Cost €150

Oppi 1
1st to 6th
Oppi 2
8th to12th
Oppi 3
15th to 19th
Oppi 4
22nd - 26th


10- 16 year old start sailing courses.

During this course we show your child the exciting sport of dinghy
sailing in a safe & controlled environment. We provide wetsuits,
buoyancy aids & boats & ISA level 1 certification on successful
completion of the course. Cost €180

C3
1st to 6th
C4
8th to 12th
C5
15th to 19th
C6
22nd - 26th



If you are interested in doing any of the courses please contact our
training manager by emailing training@skerriessailingclub.com to
register your interest.

Source: Skerries Sailing Club