Sailors live for the freedom of the open water, the feeling of the wind filling the sails, and the thrill of adventure. But what happens when you can’t set sail? Whether it’s due to weather, off-season, or maintenance downtime, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to your love for sailing. Here are 10 activities to keep you busy when you’re landlocked, plus some price ranges and options for each!
Understanding and refining your navigation skills is crucial to sailing. Spend time practicing chart reading, GPS usage, and route planning for your next adventure. Even when you’re not on the water, honing these skills will make you a more capable sailor.
- Cost: Free if you already own charts or GPS tools. Navigation apps can range from $10 to $100.
- Specs: Apps like Navionics or iNavX provide detailed marine charts and GPS plotting features.
2. Sailboat Maintenance and Upgrades
Off-season is the perfect time to perform any overdue maintenance or upgrades. Tasks like cleaning, polishing, revarnishing wood, checking rigging, or upgrading electronics can be rewarding and ensure that your boat is in top condition for the next season.
- Cost: Cleaning products ($20–$100), boat wax ($20–$50), electronics upgrades (varies, $200–$2,000+).
- Specs: West Marine offers maintenance supplies and electronics like the B&G Vulcan 9 chartplotter ($1,299).
3. Learn Sailing Knots
Mastering knots is an essential part of sailing. Take the time to learn or practice new knots, from the basic bowline to more advanced knots like the figure-eight bend or clove hitch. You can even challenge yourself to do them faster or in different conditions.
- Cost: Free (if you use rope you already have). Rope practice kits ($10–$30).
- Specs: Kits with practice ropes and instructions are available on platforms like Amazon.
4. Sailing Simulators and Games
Sailing simulators can provide the excitement of being on the water without leaving your home. These programs offer realistic sailing experiences, from navigating through tricky winds to competing in virtual races. It’s a great way to practice decision-making and tactics.
- Cost: $20–$60 for PC or console games like Sailaway: The Sailing Simulator or Virtual Skipper.
- Specs: Most simulators are available on PC platforms, requiring basic gaming hardware.
5. Study Sailing Literature
Dive into the wealth of sailing literature, from instructional books and manuals to biographies of famous sailors or classic maritime novels. This can deepen your knowledge of sailing history and culture or inspire you for future voyages.
- Cost: Books range from $10–$30. E-books are often cheaper.
- Specs: Popular reads include The Annapolis Book of Seamanship by John Rousmaniere or Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.
6. Take an Online Sailing Course
There’s always more to learn. Whether you’re brushing up on safety procedures, navigation, or even offshore passage making, an online course can keep your skills sharp. Some courses even offer certifications that will benefit you in your future sailing.
- Cost: $50–$300 depending on the course.
- Specs: Courses like the American Sailing Association (ASA) online programs or NauticEd provide structured learning with interactive content.
7. Build a Model Sailboat
If you’re handy, building a model sailboat can be a fun and rewarding way to stay connected to your love of sailing. Kits range from simple to advanced, and the process will teach you more about sailboat design and rigging.
- Cost: $30–$200 depending on the complexity.
- Specs: Wooden sailboat kits, such as those from Amati or Artesania Latina, offer everything needed to build a detailed replica.
8. Join a Sailing Club or Forum
Being part of a sailing community, whether online or in person, is a great way to stay engaged with the sport when you can’t be on the water. You can share tips, stories, and experiences with fellow sailors, or even plan group trips for the future.
- Cost: Free to $50 annually for memberships.
- Specs: Popular online communities include SailNet and Sailing Anarchy. Local yacht clubs may also offer off-season activities.
9. Plan Future Sailing Trips
Use your downtime to plan future voyages. Research new destinations, harbors, and anchorages. You can plan your next coastal cruise or offshore adventure with detailed weather analysis, provisioning lists, and necessary equipment purchases.
- Cost: Free if done independently. Apps and tools for trip planning might cost $10–$50.
- Specs: Navily and Dockwa are apps that help you find marinas, book moorings, and chart future sailing destinations.
10. Attend Sailing-Related Events and Boat Shows
Boat shows, sailing expos, or even sailing-themed workshops can be a great way to stay inspired. These events often offer seminars, demonstrations, and opportunities to see the latest in sailboat technology and gear.
- Cost: Entry tickets range from $15 to $50 depending on the event.
- Specs: Major shows like the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis or the Miami International Boat Show are ideal for sailors wanting to stay connected to the community.
Conclusion
When you can’t sail, staying connected to the sport is easier than you might think. From brushing up on your skills to planning your next big trip, there are plenty of ways to fuel your passion for sailing while ashore. Whether you dive into hands-on maintenance, challenge yourself with a sailing simulator, or simply lose yourself in a great maritime book, these activities will keep you busy until the sails are hoisted once again.
Happy Boating!
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