Starting to sail

Lots of people watch boats out on the water and wonder what it would be like to sail one. You do not need to own a boat, or live by the sea, to find out. These notes cover the easiest ways to get afloat for the first time and to keep going afterwards.

Have a go at a taster session

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) runs Discover Sailing. Venues across the country offer "have a go" sessions for little or no cost, from 1 May each year. No experience is needed. You go out with a qualified instructor or an experienced sailor.

The venue lends you a buoyancy aid or lifejacket. Bring clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet, a towel and some sun cream. Some venues have a minimum age and many do not, so it is worth asking.

Find a club near you

There are more than 2,000 RYA affiliated clubs and training centres in the UK. They sit on inland lakes and rivers as well as on the coast. More than 300,000 people belong to a local sailing club.

Many clubs have boats you can hire or borrow, so you can keep sailing without buying one. Clubs also run racing, cruising in company, courses and a busy social side. Many ask members to help out as volunteers now and then. Every club is different, so it pays to visit a few and see which one suits you.

Choosing the kind of boat

A dinghy is a small open boat, sailed by one or two people. The RYA says learning in a dinghy is a great way to start. Boats sailed by one person are light and easy to rig and launch, and they can be the quickest way to learn.

If you would rather sail with company, try a keelboat or a yacht. These bigger boats are sailed by a crew, so you learn alongside other people. In a dinghy you sit closer to the water and should expect a splash. On a yacht you stay drier and dress in layers.

Crewing on someone else's boat

Plenty of boat owners need crew. Racing boats of every size look for people to sail with them. Your local club is a good first call. Many websites also keep a crew register where skippers and crew find each other.

Charities also take people sailing on large sail training ships, all through the year. Their crews are often volunteers. The Association of Sail Training Organisations brings many of them together.

Sailing for children and disabled sailors

OnBoard is the RYA programme for young people aged 8 to 18. No experience or equipment is needed. A first session usually lasts two to four hours, including getting ready on land.

RYA Sailability welcomes disabled sailors at more than 200 venues across the UK. Sessions go at your pace and are adapted to what you need. Some Discover Sailing venues are Sailability venues too.

Planning a good day out

The RYA sums up safe sailing in seven "common senses". Check your kit is in good order and that everyone has a buoyancy aid or lifejacket that fits. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Get a forecast for the area, and ask local sailors if the water is new to you.

Sail with other people rather than alone. Steer clear of strong tides, offshore winds and poor visibility. Give other water users plenty of room. Cold water below 15°C can cause cold water shock. In an emergency at sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.