How to learn to sail: dinghy vs keelboat, beginner courses and what to wear

TUREFF• •0

Learning to sail is easier than it looks from the shore. In a weekend most beginners can steer, trim a sail and turn the boat round; after that it is practice. The main early decision is what kind of boat to learn in, and that shapes which course you take.

Dinghy or keelboat?

Dinghies are small open boats, usually for one to three people. They react instantly to the wind and to your weight, so you feel exactly what every change does. They can capsize, and learning to right one is part of the course. Many sailors say a dinghy teaches the feel of sailing fastest. Expect to get wet.
Keelboats have a heavy keel under the hull that keeps them upright, so they do not capsize in normal conditions. Day boats and cruising yachts are keelboats. They are steadier, drier and better for people who want to cruise, sail with family or eventually charter a yacht for a holiday.

Neither is the wrong choice. Many people start in a dinghy and move to yachts later, and many go straight to keelboats because that is the sailing they want to do.

Courses in the UK and elsewhere: the RYA

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) runs a scheme used at training centres in the UK and in many other countries.

Dinghy: the entry course is RYA Dinghy Level 1, Start Sailing, usually over two days. It covers wind awareness, rigging, knots, steering, controlling speed, turning and capsize recovery, and you should finish able to sail in light winds under supervision. Level 2 follows on.
Yachts: Start Yachting is a short introduction to sailing a cruising yacht, and Competent Crew teaches you to be a useful crew member: steering, handling sails, keeping a lookout and helping with ropes. They are often run together over about five days. Competent Crew leads on to Day Skipper.

Courses in the US: US Sailing

US Sailing runs a learn-to-sail system through accredited schools. Its entry certification for adults is usually Basic Keelboat, teaching safe daysailing on a small keelboat in light to moderate winds, followed by an on-water and written test. It leads to higher courses such as Basic Cruising. Many clubs and community sailing centres also teach dinghy sailing with US Sailing-certified instructors. In other countries, look for the national sailing federation's scheme or an internationally recognised one. Course length, age limits and prices vary by centre, so check with the school.

Choosing a school

Ask how many students there are per instructor and per boat.
Check that safety boats are on the water during dinghy lessons.
Sailing clubs often run cheaper courses for members and give you people to sail with afterwards, which matters more than the certificate.

What to wear

A buoyancy aid or lifejacket: schools provide one. Wear it whenever you are on the water.
Layers, not cotton: quick-drying synthetic or wool layers stay warm when damp. It is always colder on the water than on land.
A waterproof jacket (and trousers for yachts) or, for dinghies, a wetsuit in cooler water.
Footwear with grippy, non-marking soles: deck shoes, sailing boots or wetsuit boots. No bare feet in a dinghy; there are things to stub toes on.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses with a strap, and sun cream. Glare off the water burns quickly.
Gloves are useful once you start handling ropes a lot.
Tie back long hair and leave valuables ashore.

Before your first lesson

You will be told a lot of new words. Learn port, starboard, windward and leeward first, and the rest follows. Be comfortable in the water, especially for dinghies, and tell the instructor if you are not a confident swimmer. Are you choosing between a dinghy and a yacht course, or have you just done one? Share your questions and experiences in the comments below.