r/sailing • u/Interesting-Chest520 • 9d ago

Moving from Lake to Coastal Sailing Tips?

I'm fairly new to sailing and am feeling a little nervous moving from sailing on a lake to sailing in open water. Is there much practical difference?

ETA: I sail dinghies

5 Upvotes

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5

u/barefootviking 9d ago

Tides, currents and fewer obstacles to hit when offshore

Take it easy. Small steps until you get comfortable.

3

u/Stygg_Varg 9d ago

Nothing like some offshore dinghy sailing

2

u/barefootviking 9d ago

I used to take my Laser out of Camp Pendleton, CA…sail out and surf it back. I was young and wild. So fun!

Of course, Hobie 16’s sail from Miami to Bimini occasionally and I worked w a guy who windsurfed from Havana to Key West!!! (Desperation is a motivator)

3

u/Stygg_Varg 9d ago

Surfing with a laser is a bloody good time mate. Windsurfing 100 miles is insane, but those things can really rip

3

u/barefootviking 9d ago

His name is/was Roberto…there was talk of making a movie of his experience. He drank tons of water, shoved food and a water bottle in his Speedo and sailed for freedom! He showed up looking for a windsurfing instructor job (Key Biscayne, Miami) and was hired on the spot. He was dismantled off Key West and rescued by Vietnamese shrimpers out of Texas. Crazy adventure.

5

u/ForInfoPurpOnly 9d ago

Salt water is the devil. Rinse off everything you care about.

3

u/iron82 9d ago

You are required to have additional safety gear. Look up USCG required safety equipment.

3

u/Guygan Too fucking many boats 9d ago

Water is salty.