Hello community! I've recently become quite interested in sailing and am thinking of buying a sailboat at some point. I don't have much experience though, apart from a distant cousin taking me out on a ride once a few years back. I thought it's probably best to get in touch with someone who knows what to look out for when buying a first boat. Is there anyone here who wouldn't mind taking a rookie out for a ride? I'm 26 years old and live in the heart of Melbourne. So maybe once the restrictions ease again and it's possible to get out on the water some lonely sailor would like to have a companion. Originally born in Johannesburg, my parents and I moved to Germany when I was seven years of age. I grew up there and started travelling much later after I'd finished school and an apprenticeship. I've been in Australia since late 2018 and have made plans to stay here longterm. Anyways, let me know if you're interested!

Good one Frankie, only a couple more weeks and then every sailor in Melbourne will be looking to get out on the water again.
As Wongaga says, we may have to just sail solo for a while yet, I think that is all that was allowed after the last lockdown. Do you want to try your hand at a laser or something like that as a first step?

I haven't been involved with organised sailing clubs for 5-6 years but from looking at a few club websites recently it looks like crewing is not as easy as it used to be, all the clubs seem to be requiring perspective crew to have a "day pass". Any club members out there able to provide more details? Do you only need one if you are not a member of any club or is it not a member of that specific club?

I think the day pass is to provide short term YV membership for non club members.

For the same reasons you can't just rock up at netball or soccer and play without being registered..its the same for sailing.

But agree it doesnt make finding crew any easier.

Frankie
contact me when lockdown ends
at Hobsons bay YC at Williamstown
happy to go sailing and show you the ropes