Q: Where can I find out about Learn-to-Sail Programs, and how can I tell which are the best ones?

Harry M.
Capitola, California

A: The Internet is a great source. A quick check in Yahoo (we searched "sailing schools") brought up an extensive list of links including regional, community classes and vacation, boat or bed and breakfast packages located all the way from your backyard to the Caribbean, Canada and Wales, among many other spots.

A great directory called Where to Sail, published by US SAILING and the National Sailing Industry Association, covers what to look for in a sailing school, a charter or rental, windsurfing and special needs listings, as well as community sailing programs throughout the United States. Order from http://www.ussailing.org, or (800) USSAIL-1.

Q: My boat partner and I just bought a fairly basic 30-foot sloop to try some weeknight "beer-can" racing, and take turns doing some weekend cruises with our families. It has zero electronics and communications equipment, and we have different ideas about which items we should get first. Where would you start?

Alan R.
Lymington, Great Britain

A: Following all required safety gear I would make sure the boat had a good visible compass and a VHF radio. Local conditions such as the possibility of fog and water depth will determine the order of importance of the following: GPS, depth, speed, and wind instruments. Your best value will come from the little things like telltales on all your sails. Don't rush into purchases for the boat. Only by using the boat will you know what additions will make your life easier and your sailing better.