Bareboating

[Ric Shultz]

I have been sailing for 30years, inland. I'm on my 6/7th boat from a sunfish up to my Oday 25. Sailed in much weather. Some ocean sailing, but not far from shore or poor weather. I want to bareboat with the family but unsure if ready. I will be in Miami in Feb and thought I could get some experience. Do I ... take a course .... find a friend and go it alone ... or not worry so much?Ric"comes a time"

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Do it

I'd say go for it. After all those years you clearly know how to handle a boat. Have you done anything with an inboard? That might be the only tricky part for you to learn. Very different from outboards, especially in reverse. The trip to Miami is in addition to the proposed bareboat trip, right? If so, I'd maybe look for a daycharter, call in advance, and tell the skipper you're looking to do some boat handling.As far as actual chartering, I'd look to somewhere that is relatively easy to handle. I'd say BVI - its like cruising light.Justin - O'day Owners' Web