How easy is it to learn?
You can leave your slippers on. Anyone can pick up the basics in a weeks tuition and can continue on their own after that.
Will I know it all then?
They dont call it the lifelong sport for nothing. Even old salts learn something knew every time they go afloat.
Do I need a licence?
No, one of the reason people enjoy sailing so much is that it is regulation free.
What does it cost?
The wind and waves are free but everything else you pay for. You can rent for a few hundred for a weekend charter. You can buy a sailing dinghy for three grand. A 25-foot yacht can be bought second-hand from 15 grand upwards.
Whats the typical size boat here?
Between 25 and 35 foot.
Whats the biggest?
It is in Dun Laoghaire and its an 80-footer costing over E2m.
How long is our coast?
8,960 kilometres of coast but about 704 miles sailing distance. It takes two weeks to cruise round but the record is less than three days!
How many harbours and piers?
The Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources say there are 900 so theres plenty of places to call into.
How many marinas are there?
Only 26 around the entire coast. There is a real shortage and none between Kerry and Donegal. All of them are full.
Where is the biggest marina?
Dun Laoghaire with over 800 berths.
What about inland waters?
There are 700 kilometres of navigable rivers and lakes and freshwater sailing is very popular too.
How many sailing boats are there?
No one knows. The Irish Marine Federation reckons there are approximately 27,000, based on number of boats registered with Waterways Ireland, marina berths, swinging moorings, sailing and sea angling club boat parks.
Last but not least, do I need a cravat?
Well, you wont be alone in Dun Laoghaire. Everywhere else its a t-shirt and jeans. Sailing is trying to shed its crusty yachting image and most yacht clubs welcome new members with open arms.
Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive
Published in
News From the Afloat.ie Archive
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