Hi Steve- I read a question in the Q&A section of cruising central. It was the one where you said that getting into sailing dinghies for a summer would be comparable to sailing a larger boat for a few years. I already know how to sail and I sailed a dinghy as a youngster. Now I’d like to get into cruising 30-40 footers long distances. Would dinghy racing also benefit me as far as learning and experience in sailing? There are many dinghy fleets here in San Diego that I could readily join. I’m a 50-year-old guy and I’d like to become a capable cruiser before I’m too old. Thank you very very much for your valued guidance. Kevin
Hi Kevin: Sounds like you are on the right track. And yes, racing would help very much with the learning curve. You find out right away what works and what doesn’t! The other key ingredient is learning about weather – which is not as hard these days as some think. Understanding weather patterns and precursors affects you not only at seas, but at anchor (and on land) as well. Nothing else will have as much positive impact on your cruising as having a feel for the elements. Good Luck – Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
