Planning a Budget-Friendly Sailing Trip

Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM
Do you want to go sailing, but you are living on a tight budget? Are you dreaming of a relaxing vacation, spent on the water? Here are some ideas to help you find ways to hit the high seas, without emptying the pocketbook. Start by visiting your local marina and find out how much it would coast to charter an inexpensive sailboat. Ask your friends and family, if they would like to join you and split the cost.

Becoming a regular face at the marina, may allow you to make new friends. Don't be surprised, if they offer to take you sailing with them on their next trip? Sometimes, you can find an inexpensive boat to purchase, but do your homework first. Never purchase a boat, until you know enough about them to make a conscious decision. You won't like the boat much, if it is in operable and needs repairs that you can't afford.

If you do purchase a boat, offer to allow people to use it for a small fee. But, be sure to tag along and you may find yourself on an exciting adventure. Never get on a boat, until you have taken a boating course and have learned the basics. Also, try to enroll in a boating safety course, because it may save your life or someone you love. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the time you spend sailing the local waterways.

Before you decide to go sailing, first you must learn about the safety precautions each sailor must know. Try to take a boating class and learn the basics that all sailors must know. Practice putting your lifejacket on frequently and always wear it when you are sailing. Learn the proper ways to handle the boats mechanisms and maintaining your equipment. Always keep a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher on board, along with smoke detectors.

Don't ever rush into sailing the ocean blue or it could become a deadly mistake. Be sure to pay attention in boating school, so you can have fun sailing son. Most local counties offer boating school for beginners, so take advantage on their help. Teach your crew about all safety measures and require them to keep their life on. Just in case, one of them falls off the boat and is considered to be a "man over board".

Practice safety routine daily, with you crew and reward them for being cautious. Make sure you have some basics medicine on board; like headache pills, motion sickness pills, and allergy medicine. These medicines can make the adventure easier to endure, even when you're not feeling well. Also, be sure that no alcohol is consumed by the designated driver, since you can get a DUI on the water. By being alert and following all safety measures, you are sure to have an adventurous journey.

However, if you are planning to bring your children aboard, then you will need to make sure that they can swim. Plus, they must be able to put on their life jackets and wear them at all times on the boat. By following these safety rules and others that you will learn, you are sure to have a wonderful Adventure. But, before you leave the marina or dock; be sure that you have enough safety supplies on the boat.

Published by Imogen Rayne AAB BSCOM

Crystal S. Kauffman is a Freelance Copywriter, Published Author, Poet, and Songwriter with 14 years of experience. Her chosen pen name is Imogen Rayne, since she first thought of it in 1995 and adopted the n...  View profile

13 Comments

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  • Avery Ryan2/2/2008

    Great article! I've always wanted to go sailing, maybe someday it will happen!

  • Dr. Ed Warde1/31/2008

    Sounds like fun....thanks for the article!

  • Elena H.12/30/2007

    Great article, but I think I'll stick to a pontoon boat on the lake.

  • Michael Grisso12/29/2007

    pretty cool article here. Never been sailing, unless of course you count the days when I was a kid playin' with a sailboat in the bathtub!

  • Don Simkovich12/28/2007

    The idea of sailing really appeals to me . . . but the sea-sickness is a reality!!!I went deep sea fishing off Catalina island last year when it was calm and I was sick for the 12 hours we were gone!!!

  • Tony Vega12/27/2007

    The fews times I went, always as a passenger, it was a very enjoyable & memorable excursion. Very responsible to include the safety points in your piece.
    Bon Voyage ;-)

  • Kassidy Emmerson12/27/2007

    I used to sail a bit, but it's been ages. Wonderful article!

  • Jacques Boulerice12/26/2007

    Over the years, I've enjoyed nautical excursions even though I swim like a stone. I guess it's the rush of knowing I'm doing something that for me is risky that's the attraction for me.

  • Fabletoo12/25/2007

    I've always wanted to go sailing but thought it was expensive, thanks for the info.

  • Carol Bengle Gilbert12/25/2007

    It's surprising how many people ignore these life-preserving tips.

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