Sailing lessons in the Northeast?

[Wierden]

Hey all!

So right now I'm working on a farm in Richmond VT through HelpX, but that only goes for about another month.
I've decided the wandering life is for me, and I'm dipping into the savings I built up this last summer to buy a boat.

There are a couple 22-30' sailboats in my price range (<$1500) that I've found on CL that look promising. I'd like to start my trip down the east coast in Boston, and figure things out from there. I have some family living nearby willing to help me get whatever I buy into the water (I don't have a car)

Only problem is, I don't know jack about sailing. I've read the thread about how it's easy to learn, if hard to master, but I'd feel better about it if I got at least a couple hours' worth of pointers and basics in addition to watching videos/reading books.

So, anybody in the Massachusetts/Rhode Island area or nearby who'd be willing to show me the ropes, so to speak? Minor financial compensation would be doable, and ofc I'd be happy to put you up on board for a few nights, feed you, smoke you up, etc. depending on how much instruction I get

Hoping I can find somebody to get me off on the right foot! Thanks!

 

[Matt Derrick]

Not to disuade you from finding people here or elsewhere, but one resource that might be worth looking into is yacht clubs. almost every town has one and some will let you borrow boats to practice on and i would imagine it would be a good place to learn from other people (or meet others willing to teach newbies).

 

[iamwhatiam]

A lot of times, the seller of a boat will take you out for an hour or two and show you how everything works on the boat, if you're serious about buying it and you ask them. Just a thought.

 

[Wierden]

Thanks to both of you for the advice! There is actually a yacht club in the next town over from my hometown, so I'll definitely look into it.

 

[Wierden]

Great news! The current owner of the 24-foot MacGregor Venture I'm looking at agreed to give me a lesson when I pick it up!

That said, I'd still love to meet up with any other boatpunks or squatters in the area 👍

 

[Deleted member 26656]

You can find sailing lessons on Craigslist

 

[dumpster harpy]

ummm hey?