admin September 2, 2025 Sailing Previous Lesson Buddy System Comments (0)
How to start sailing without capsizing your budget
So, you’ve been bitten by the sailing bug. Maybe you watched boats glide effortlessly down the Thames. Maybe someone at your local pub started talking about port tacks and reefing and you decided: I want to try that.
Great! But now you’re faced with a crucial question:
Do I join a sailing club and use their boats, or do I buy my own dinghy and learn on that?
Here’s a breakdown of your two options — with the pros, cons, and hidden traps of each.
This is the easiest, safest, and most sociable route into sailing — especially if you’re not quite ready to commit to owning a boat.
Pros:
✅ No upfront cost for a boat
✅ Access to training and instructors
✅ Club boats maintained by people who actually know what they’re doing
✅ Chance to try different types of boats
✅ Ready-made community (and rescue boat, just in case)
Cons:
❌ You may need to book club boats in advance
❌ Some clubs only allow boat use during formal training or supervised sessions
❌ You might fall in love with sailing… and then want your own boat anyway
💡 Ideal for beginners, families, and those wanting to test the water — literally and figuratively.
Ah, the romantic idea: your own boat, your own time, your own mistakes. If you already know you’re committed to learning, this route gives you full control — and full responsibility.
Pros:
✅ Learn at your own pace
✅ Sail when you want, not just during club sessions
✅ Boat is always set up how you like it
✅ Sense of ownership and pride
Cons:
❌ Upfront cost — even a modest dinghy isn’t free - buying second hand comes with different problems.
❌ You’ll need to learn how to rig, derig, and maintain it
❌ If you capsize, it’s up to you to recover it. At my club (Upper Thames Sailing Club) we have fun sailing sessions 3 times a week which is covered by Safety Boats
❌ Finding storage and launching spots can be tricky, unless you also join a club
💡 Great for practical learners, tinkerers, and those with access to a good launch site (and a forgiving river).
In our experience at pmrsailing.uk, the club route is the best way to start. Why?
You’ll get professional guidance
There’s always someone nearby to help (or laugh supportively if you capsize)
You avoid costly mistakes — like buying the wrong type of boat for your local waters
Once you’ve mastered the basics and know what you enjoy, then consider buying a boat. You’ll know what you’re looking for — and how not to tie the mainsheet to the painter (we’ve seen it happen).
Final Thought
Learning to sail should be fun, safe, and just a little bit chaotic. Whether you join a club or go solo, make sure you:
Start with the right support
Wear a buoyancy aid
And never, ever underestimate the power of wind + overconfidence
