Learn to sail a yacht.
As with dinghies, it is best to know how to sail a yacht before buying one. Not as facetious as it sounds. (People who do not know how to sail buy yachts, and sometimes even though they can not sail, they buy a larger yacht in the hope it will teach them to sail. Kid you not.)
But I know my readers’ aren’t numpties. So, we go to the Royal Yachting Association courses. These start from basic knowledge of how to be a useful and safe crew member to an ocean going skipper.
Learning the ropes.
You start with the basics, ‘Comp Crew’ and work you’re up. Remember in-between these qualifications you have to gain sea miles, and understanding of sailing know how.
• Competent crew
Day Skipper can take a week of theory and a week at sea, practical. Or you can do the theory on line.
• Coastal skipper.
• Yacht Master
And on to Ocean Yacht Master.
You can do courses such as those offered by UKSA (UK Sailing Academy on the Isle of Wight) (who I recommend), which take you from not knowing one end of a boat from another, to Yacht Master. https://uksa.org/course/leisure/
https://www.rya.org.uk/trainin
Skippers for Skippers
Some who are newly qualified but nervous, hire an RYA skipper to teach them how to sail, and skipper their own boat. If you talk to the RYA, or a yacht broker or a sailing club they will know skippers who can help you.
With courses and skippers it is is essential to go on personal recommendation. There are unfortunately a few “skippers” on training courses who should not be allowed near them. They are bullies who find ‘teaching’ a good outlet.
SAILABILITY
Sailability is also the name of a charity to encourage sailing for all.