Want to sail with the wind? Check out our 5 tips for getting started
1. Take lessons at a cruising school
Sailing courses at a cruising school offer a structured progression towards autonomy. They are ideal for spending a week on board and getting your first taste of sailing.
2. Learn about marine weather and start in calm conditions
A good understanding of marine weather is crucial to safe sailing. It enables you to anticipate local conditions and adjust your itinerary accordingly. It is recommended that you start sailing in calm conditions with a gentle wind and little sea movement. These conditions are generally encountered in spring. If you have access to the ocean, or an inland sea, you can enjoy it all year round.
3. Sail frequently and regularly
To make effective progress, it's important to sail for at least 3 to 4 weeks a year. This can be through courses or co-sailing. Consistent practice is essential to assimilate the necessary skills. Spread your outings throughout the year to ensure continuous progress.
4. Practising co-navigation during your introductory sailing course
Co-sailing offers an affordable and convivial alternative to sailing, allowing you to discover different types of boat and skippers. It is also advisable to vary your experiences to enrich your learning.
5. Obtain coastal and offshore licences
Teaching you how to use nautical charts and understand currents and tides, these licences are essential. They will enable you to take responsibility for a sailing boat. Explore demanding conditions and tricky passages, and plan longer, more complex crossings, broadening your experience at sea.
Would you like to learn the basics of sailing? Discover our expedition " Sailing off the coast of Sweden" . Start your learning by discovering a few nautical knots !
