Any Sailors out there who have suggestions on Sailing classes?

I love our sport and want to be able to expand on it a little and tie it into a new interest, Sailing. Yes folks I haven't gone off the deep end but I thought it would be fun to combine the two and sail off shore to the Bean, anchor and then fish with a mother ship waiting.
I sold my RV to a Master Sailor who saw my Kayaks and as we were talking he began a very enthusiastic conversation about his experiences and that he takes Kayaks with him on every sail. This was meant to be because it has been an interest for some time to the point where I have actually gone out and priced a couple of (used) Catalina's in the 30' to 36' class.
Don Danglin turned me on to ocsc.com which offers classes that are very pricey but still they have the advantage of sailing the class boat that I am intersted in. If anyone else is out there with experience please chime in, the hunt has started for a class that I can take. Thanks Frank

I hate when these topics come up.  I have to show one of my other hobbies and the excuse for why I don't fish more.  Frank I do sail, in fact I have 4 wait no 3 sailboats.  My wife made me sell one of my other babies (Prindle 19 Catamaran-bullet on the water).  I'm usually an inland sailer but have found myself pimping myself numerous times rounding out a crew for some of the SF regattas. 

I've been trying to get the wife to buy into having the "big boat"  (30-36') but mooring and or dock space is expensive and we can't quite make that jump so mine are all trailered, except for the resto project in the garage.

As for schools/classes there are plenty around the bay area.  I would start with some basic sailing classes.  Many marinas/sailing clubs have then or even local community parks - Fremont for one, Lake Washington another.  Get the basic principles down and then go to a basic keel boat class to learn more about handling in bigger water, navigations, safety, etc.  I know there are some individuals who will "teach sailing" on there 30' boat but I think you really need to have the basics down before you start playing with the big toys.  Just .02.  There is a lot of stuff going on in the bay and you really don't want to be crossing paths with a ferry boat (I did that when a momentary failure of the brain) or the tug boats who may think they own the "road" or even a freighter that you better be long gone from then as they do have the right of way.  Law of tonage.  You will loose badly. 

So if you want to go for a sail let me know for teaching I can give basics but no classes.  I learned way back when I was a wee folk and took hiatus for school and got back into it.  I should go to a refresher course.  It never hurts,  I lie it hurts the pocket book.  Get used to it if you plan on owning a sailboat.

Heck... Frank... just go get yourself one of these Hobie Adventure Islands.  They say it's like a sailboat with training wheels.  I was able to sail one with no experience whatsoever.

Uncle Frank.....get in touch with Bob Neal. He is a true sailor 

Obiewan, if your going out anytime soon please let me know. I would love to get some of the basics down before a class. Haven't done it since I was a kid and the experience stayed with me even to now as an older kid.

Heck... Frank... just go get yourself one of these Hobie Adventure Islands.  They say it's like a sailboat with training wheels.  I was able to sail one with no experience whatsoever.

Still looking forward to taking yours out when you get it but it isn't what I had in mind, that is what's left of it.

Joel will do and hopefully get togeather with the old salt.

Frank-
Can do.  I'm trying to clear my schedules to make room for sailing a couple weekends coming up.  I do usually pack a kayak or two with me incase the winds aren't worth going out in but can still spend the day on the water.  What's your 20 and I'll investigate some bodies of water that may work for both of us.

You probably learned on a cat rigged boat (single sail), yes?  My boat was the ever popular Laser which is still a kick in the rear but I'm a bit too big for it and a bit too old for it.  Small and quick to be competative.  But still fun.

I'll PM you or put out a something in the Hook Up area for a sail AND Fish/yak day/weekend.  Mendo may be a good place for it or Clearlake.  Others would be welcome as well of course.  I'll let you know.

OB

Ob, Live on the east bay, Union City. I'll pm my ph#. Thanks Frank

Hi Frank:

I'd suggest that if you really want to get an all around, comprehensive education, then go through a complete series of courses at sailing school - there are several outfits ringed around the Bay such as Club Natique.  The courses provide full instruction in all the practical matters related to handing a keelboat - especially safety and *docking in a breeze*.  A lot of them have an inventory of boats that you may charter at a discounted rate once you have graduated.  A lot of my friends have gone through these over the years and feel quite confident to charter a boat in some other area when on vacationi.   What the other guys are offering/suggesting is great too, because in a larger keel boat, you can be a bit shielded from the effects of the wind on the helming capabilities.  Many people that started in sailing big boats don't quite have the concept that the *sails steer the boat* (using trim, mast bend, and angle of attack), and the rudder just helps.   If you can learn to take the rudder off your laser or Hobie and sail with control in some breeze, you'll be able to handle big boats with authority.

 - Stu

Thanks for the input Stu and have already talked to a few schools which I think I am leaning towards. Frank

Frank....sailing?
Uh...oh....I think we should all pitch in get Frank one of these for his birthday:

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/396200479.htm

Frank....sailing?
Uh...oh....I think we should all pitch in get Frank one of these for his birthday:

http://www.boatersworld.com/product/396200479.htm

JERK

Frank... but we love ya.... and want you to stay safe!

I fill loved. I am sitting at my desk when I first read you reply with a big swig of lemonaide that I almost projected onto my computer. Nov. 8 is the due date.

Right on FrankO

 been doing some research myself, We should talk soon.... Danglin

Stu-
Yes yes and yes.  I startled some friends when I forgot to pack my rudders one day for a leisurely trip on the local lake and told them we can still cruise around without them.  You should have seen the look on their faces. 

Sailing with the sails is a true test of how well you know your boat and sail configurations.  To make it simple sailboarding doesn't have a rudder and your turns are created by mostly center of pressure mass on the sail.  You get that figured out you can sail with a lost or broken rudder.  Good to know.

OB