Wind powered - sailing as a gutsy action sport

Men's Fitness, August, 1998 by Harry Munns

Qualifications: None. Sailing-school tuition can range from $200 to $500 for introductory classes; sailing clubs offer classes at similar prices and usually make their boats available to members for reasonable fees.

How to start: The American Sailing Association's website (www.americansailing.com) maintains a conveniently organized directory of 150 sailing schools certified by group. Many coastal colleges and universities have open-to-the-public clubs that offer instruction and cheap boat rentals. Ask around at a harbor, or scan the sports and recreation ads in various newspapers. Though incomplete, the Yacht Clubs on the Web (www.bga.com/~dkern/clubs.html) is also a good place to start.

Pluses: If you didn't grow up sailing, qualified instruction is the way to get your sea legs and learn to tie all those neat knots.

Minuses: Paying for it.

Method: Work experience. "Training ships" often offer internships and fee-based learning voyages for folks who want to soak up history - and nautical knowledge. These vessels are usually replicas of traditional, sail-powered ships from the days when wind ruled the ocean. They're affectionately called "tall ships" for obvious reasons. Each is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and the technology of bygone era. No two are alike - except in their need for constant maintenance and repair. That's where you might come in.

Qualifications: For fee-based journeys, none. For internships and paid voyages, specialized skills can help.

How to start: Check out the American Sail Training Association's website at www.tallships.sailtraining.org. You'll find lists and links to most of the major training vessels in service throughout North America. Though many programs focus on kids, adult skills and experience might get you onboard for free or even earn you a salary. Expertise in cooking or medicine, for example, could transform you from a curious dreamer into a sought-after crew member.

Pluses: Sailing a piece of history.

Minuses: If your only exposure to the automobile was a Model A, you wouldn't expect to slide behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Don't expect a week on a tall ship to prepare you for any sailing experience other than another week on a tall ship.

Sailing Sources

American Sailing Association 310-822-7171 www.american-sailing.com

American Sail Training Association 401-846-1775 www.tallships.sailtraining.org

United States Sailing Association 401-683-0800 www.ussailing.org

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 800-368-5647 www.cgaux.org

Harry Munns is author of the sailing textbook Cruising Fundamentals (McGraw/Hill, $19).