| After watching the Olympics on TV and, if you are | | | | have not been looked after well, and you should |
| British at least, reveling in the four gold medals that | | | | consider looking somewhere else. Also take the sails |
| were won, your burst of enthusiasm may make you | | | | out completely and check them over for small tears |
| desperate to get out there and buy your first boat. | | | | and rips, as these could pose bigger problems in the |
| However, although this is an exciting time for anyone | | | | future. |
| who is learning to sail, it can soon turn into a | | | | You also have to consider how much you want to |
| nightmare if you do not first think through a few | | | | spend. It is not really worth spending a lot of money |
| basic rules. This article will give you some idea as to | | | | on an expensive boat that you will only use once or |
| what you need to consider before buying. | | | | twice a year. However, if you will be using it a few |
| The best initial piece of advice is to buy a | | | | times a week then you will want to spend more |
| second-hand boat. Sailing boats can be expensive | | | | money on it to get a better sailing experience. |
| things and, even though you may have your heart | | | | You should also think about who you will be sailing |
| set on a brand new boat, it is worth considering | | | | with before you buy a boat. This is important |
| buying something slightly cheaper to start with. A well | | | | because if you will be sailing by yourself then you will |
| cared-for boat will last for years, and there is nothing | | | | need a single-handed boat, which will allow you to go |
| to lose from getting a good quality second-hand boat. | | | | sailing whenever you want to. However, if you have |
| As a beginner, you are also more likely to make | | | | a friend who wants to go sailing as much as you do, |
| mistakes and damage the boat, and you could | | | | it would be worth buying a two handed, allowing you |
| therefore look at this as a practice boat to start you | | | | to split the costs. |
| off. | | | | You may already have bought some gear whilst you |
| However, if buying a second-hand boat, make sure | | | | were learning to sail, but if not, and you are planning |
| that it is of a good quality. One of the first things to | | | | to sail in cold conditions, then you will need to get |
| check for is the quality of the sails. These are very | | | | yourself a wet or a dry suit, some good gloves, a |
| expensive to replace if they break, and so it is well | | | | pair of sailing boots, a windproof jacket and some |
| worth checking that yours will not fall apart within a | | | | waterproof trousers. And whatever conditions you |
| few months. Make sure that they are kept neatly | | | | sail in, remember to always wear a buoyancy aid or |
| rolled or folded away into a bag rather than stuffed | | | | life jacket. |
| into it. If they are not, there is a good chance they | | | | |