We want to start sailing?
Answers:
For you budget you will be able to buy a very nice yacht, and the choices are endless depending on your requirements and taste, for instance classic warm beautiful wood, but a lot of care and attention, or GRP glass reinforced plastic hull, easier to maintain. If I were you I would gather a lot of the available publications such as Boat owner, and skim through the classified ads, then visit the boatyards and get a feel for the boats. Talk to current owners in the yard, or at marinas, they love to talk boats, unless they are up to their arms in paint, best to leave them alone at that point!! Could be a bit grumpy.
Re the certificate, actually there is no legal requirement for a certificate, but it would be irresponsible not to seek out the fundamental skills and rules that apply to your chosen sailing grounds. Contact the RYA Royal yacht association, they will no doubt have a web site. There are various short or longer courses run that are certified by the RYA such as a Day skipper course, for inland day sailing, or a course similar but for venturing outwith the inland waters, the first one will do great, covers all the rights of way, rules of the sea and plotting courses, reading the charts etc. It's cheap to do as well.
your best bet is to contact the RYA ( Royal Yacht Association). They can give you information on what qualifications you will need and where your nearest centre is for training.
Don't forget the hidden costs: boat maintenance and mooring costs- you need to store it somewhere.
Good Luck and Enjoy
I'm in US, but surely there are schools for this.
Our US Coast Guard holds classes around lakes and coastline.
It would be informative and useful to attend these, as they instruct on all safety precautions and laws. Navigation may also be offered as an addition. Would be helpful if you plan to sail at sea, even close to shore. They can teach you how to recognize the signs of approaching inclement weather conditions and how to avoid it or precautions to take. One must be cognizant of shipping lanes and avoid them. Freighters "DO NOT" slow and
"CANNOT" deviate their course to avoid a small craft. They often do not see small craft.
You money figure hardly seems enough for a
"yacht". I don't know what prices are in UK, but here, that would buy a fairly nice motor boat or sailing craft.
A nice motor boat here would start at about US $20,000-30,000+ 20-27ft length. Size of motor greatly affects the price.
Bear in mind all the necessary gear that is required in addition to the purchase.
US does not require an operators license, unless hiring out. On completion of a course, as above, a certificate of completion is issued.
I am from a different country but share the same aspirations. The answers will be interesting. Good Luck.
Don't know much about the registration process in the UK, but a Yacht is a Yacht, unless it's not! I am a licensed Capatin, and teach sailing to many novices in the US. I strongly suggest you buy a vessel that is no more than 75% of your budget, and refurbish it to some extent yourself. This allows you to become familiar with the vessel, and learn it characteristics.
Prior to the purchase, hire a professional surveyor to inspect the boat. They are trained and have the experience, to see small things that need attention, that could cause expensive repairs later on.
Next, get everything that you can possibly find on sailing, and read, read, read.
Take a course in sailing, and start your experience with slow, light winded, day excursions.
Have a good reliable engine, and practice all the basic manouvers over and over, sot hat you know your boat's pivot points, heeling attitudes, and you're ability to keep yourself and your vessel out of trouble.
Remember that your normal speed under sail is going to be around 6-8 MPH, and power boats will "wake" you without a second thought.
Knowledge and practise, and your sailing days will be enjoyable.
Cons of a small yacht? The defenitioin of BOAT is, "Bring Out Another Thousand", and storage in the winter months can be pricey.
Go for it!
look on the web but you need a licence you can get a holiday ,week ,mouth ,season,or a life licence
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