Good Morning,

My first post. My hubby and I recently purchased an Islander 36 as part of the retirement plan to do some bluewater cruising (me 49, hubby 56). Hubby has sailed previously and is currently going through a RYA yachtmaster.

I am totally green and apart from a couple of day sails out on Moreton Bay in new boat have no sailing experience whatsoever. My husband is a good teacher, but is happy for me to learn to sail independently as well to get another point of view. At present I'm very good at fender management and proudly standing on the bow with rope in hand ready to tie back up on dock. Initially I wasn't that interested in learning but the more we go out the more I want to know. Also for safety sake, if something happens to my husband I need to know how to get us and the boat back to safety.

Due to my lack of self-confidence I would like to learn from a lady sailor, but am having all sorts of trouble finding one in Brisbane area. I thought this forum would be a good start as I'm sure someone out there will be able to help me. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

G,day Gina, firstly congrats on the purchase. You have one of the best places to learn to sail,Moreton Bay and beyond. If you contact Wynum Manly yacht club i,m sure they can put you onto the female members and work something out from there . Happy sailing and might see you on the bay.
Cheers
Ken

Hi Gina

once again, welcome to the forum.

Whereabouts do you keep your boat?

We have a 32ft sailing cat that we keep at Newport Marina up at Scarborough on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

We follow Ramona's strategy of me at the helm and dear husband doing the fendering, jumping off, etc.

I've actually just sold my late Dad's little 24ft monohull which would have been perfect to take ladies, such as yourself out, in a more woman-friendly (no offence guys ) environment in which to get amongst it.

Maybe we can do some cruising in company??? We usually don't go for day sails...like to get away for at least a weekend over to Moreton or beyond.

Cheers
Trace