1. Just Enjoy Sailing
Despite what racing sailors will tell you, there is more to sailing than crossing the finish line, tweaking the sails to grasp that tiny bit of air and ordering around your crew. Recreational sailing is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable water sports in the world. Although it remains a sport, even when you're out there just for fun, because you must still move around the boat and adjust the sails according to the wind and where you want to go. There will be times when you can lie back and just keep a few fingers on the steering wheel like your motorboat comrades, but you must keep an eye on the wind and the waves. You can participate in recreational sailing on your own boat or as a guest. If enough people are on the boat, you may even find a perch and do nothing but lie in the sun.
2. Join the Party
Join a local yachting club to get to know sailors. Most sail boaters need help taking out their boats. Yacht clubs usually provide a swimming pool and tennis courts, a restaurant and bar where you can meet prospective sailing companions. Hang out at the pool, or join a foursome for tennis. Your new friends will gladly let you tag along when they take the boat out. Make yourself useful during the sail, whether you are out for a day sail lasting just a couple of hours or you travel far enough to anchor and spend the night aboard the boat. Follow the captain's directions and help trim the sails, tidy up lines and serve food and drinks. You'll gain a reputation around the club as a valued crew member and not just a hanger-on who only gets in the way. You'll receive invitations to sail and will learn enough so that you might even get your own boat someday.
3. Anyone Can Participate
Sailing is fast becoming a sport enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and abilities. Blind and wheelchair-bound people are encouraged to sail through many community sailing organizations and training centers. Sign up for classes at a local sailing school to learn the basic and to find out when special sailing trips are offered. You will become part of the sailing community and be able to participate more when you bring some basic skills to the boat. Take time to learn not only some of the basic skills needed to move a sailboat smoothly through the water, but also to familiarize yourself with sailing terminology.
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