Start Sailing
From Zero to Skipper
Something that seems complicated does not have to be so at all. Starting your sailing adventure requires far less effort than it might appear.
How to start sailing?
This sport may seem a bit intimidating because it appears exclusive and elitist, but in reality it is accessible to everyone. Your first steps into the world of sailing will certainly be made easier by taking a sailing course, during which theoretical knowledge will be explained in a clear and accessible way, including topics such as weather, yacht construction, and safety rules. Basic maneuvers will also be discussed, which you will later learn to perform under the supervision of an instructor during practical on-water training sessions.
Finding time for such a course is not difficult either. Nowadays, the sailing course market offers a wide variety of options, and everyone can certainly find something suitable. The range of choices is broad – you can take weekend courses if your weekdays are overloaded with work, daily courses if you want to use your vacation to spend time outdoors, or individual courses that allow you to tailor the schedule to your own needs.
To start a sailing course, you do not need to know how to sail a yacht at all! During the course, you will be taken under the wing of true professionals in their field—sailing instructors—who will explain everything clearly and from the basics. Once you have mastered them, you will be ready to begin your sailing adventure with family and friends.
Where to sail? Look around your area. We guarantee that you do not need seas and oceans to enjoy the beauty of sailing. Poland is full of lakes, reservoirs, and other bodies of water that are just asking to be sailed on—and we are not talking only about the Masurian Lakes.
A short beginner’s sailing checklist – what to take on the water for the first time?
Sailing equals soaked clothes and goosebumps, and thus an inevitable cold? Nothing could be further from the truth! There is an old sailing saying – There is no bad weather, only poorly dressed sailors. Carefully choosing clothing for the water is an absolute basic in this sport. Just like in everyday life, sailing clothing depends on the weather. When it is warm and sunny, it is still worth taking something you can throw on. A popular softshell jacket will be more than sufficient. Wear shoes with non-slip soles, a cap with a visor, and sunglasses so that reflections from the water surface do not strain your eyes. In addition to the clothing items mentioned above, it is worth remembering sunscreen to prevent sunburn, as well as mosquito and tick repellents, which are especially useful in inland sailing.
In case of bad weather, one thing you must definitely be prepared for is sitting on something wet. Some things simply cannot be avoided. A quote from an old Polish movie fits perfectly here – If it’s winter, it has to be cold. The same applies to sailing – there is water, so it has to be wet. Fortunately, sailing is a very old sport, and sailors have already come up with several reliable solutions to such inconveniences. One of them is foul-weather gear, which could even be called essential. For a good start, it is worth investing in trousers and a jacket that can be purchased for very reasonable prices. Under the foul-weather gear, it is worth wearing thermal underwear. Add rubber boots, because no one likes having wet feet. On your head, an appropriate hat that will protect you from the cold.
How to start?Meet an instructor!
No matter how much is written about sailing, nothing speaks as strongly as a direct, face-to-face conversation with a professional. During such a meeting, you have the opportunity to ask all the questions that concern you and receive answers based on knowledge and experience. Especially for you, we have prepared the “Storm at Decathlon” campaign – Come and start sailing! During the spring weekends in April and May, all-day meetings with sailing instructors from the Sztorm Group—the largest sailing school in Poland—will take place. As part of the event, a sailing knowledge quiz awaits you, a real Optimist-class yacht, and the opportunity to try on foul-weather gear from the sailing brand Tribord. These are just some of the attractions waiting for you, both for adults and children!
17 locations, 10 cities across Poland. Check when the event will take place at your local Decathlon.
Content and photography – source: Decathlon https://blog.decathlon.pl/sport/zeglarstwo/
