It’s a BIG single step from lake sailing a West Wight Potter to trans-ocean sailing a Contessa or any medium, or heavy, displacement yacht. The greater risk of bad outcome is likely the step itself rather than which class of capable yacht is chosen to complete it. The old saying: “The boat can take more than the people can.”
My theory is ... because of my age, I don't have time to experiment/sail/buy multiple boats to discover the one that fits me just right. I am a beginner, I am old, and I will likely only get one shot at this. I agree with your logic and the facts of what you have said. Understanding that, I have "homeworked" this to the point of exhaustion attempting to buy a boat that MOST would agree is a good fit for what I plan to do. You are right, this is a bit of a "cult" boat which will cause me to pay a premium. However, it will also guarantee a buyer when I sell. My West Wight Potter 19 was a similar "cult" boat. I put it up for sale and sold it within a week (apparently I sold it to cheap [ha ha]). Thanks so much for taking the time to give your thoughts. Much appreciated.
At 62 you are not a spring chicken, but you are not that old. I have a good friend who is in his 80s who sails every day. Many of the more active members here are well into their 70s (who else has this much time to be online?
).
Put me in the agree camp. If you are willing and able to pay the premium, then go ahead. The boat's fine and you want it. You could spend a lot of time looking for something better. You'd probably find it, but at what cost in time? Time is the currency you told us you care about.
I am excited to get this journey started. People like you and your wife are exactly the kind of people I want to be around. After much consideration, I am a very spontaneous person. I have decided this is what I want to try next and I am content to accept the 80/20 rule so as to begin this adventure. I believe the Contessa 32 will fit 80% of my needs 80% of the time. At 62, my health is still quite good. Should the Contessa 32 turn out to be a bit "much" for an old guy, I will have at least started my journey, and if I am to make changes in the future (re the boat), I will do it as I live the life. For now, I just need to get out there. I honestly believe the Contessa 32 will get me "confidently" started. If this journey ends up a disaster ... well, the sooner it is, the sooner I move on to my next adventure. If it turns out to be successful ... well, that's obviously great too. No matter what, the Contessa 32 will get me started and give me confidence knowing the boat can handle whatever I get myself into. If I fail ... it will be my failure and not the boat's short comings. As long as I don't kill myself I can always upgrade at some point.At 62 you are not a spring chicken, but you are not that old. I have a good friend who is in his 80s who sails every day. Many of the more active members here are well into their 70s (who else has this much time to be online?
My wife and I are in our 70s and are planning a trip to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia this summer and will likely end up in the Bahamas for part of the winter. There are many who are out sailing who are in their 70s.
The older you get the more important it is to take care of your physical and mental health. You know, the same old advice, eat well, exercise, and get enough rest. Take wise and well informed precautions to avoid getting ill. The boat needs to be rigged to make it easier to sail. It is all very doable.
"Two-footitus" can set in pretty soon; sooner that you might think. The boat won't be more than you can handle and you will soon recognize that a bit more room/comfort would be nice. I remember when a Catalina 25 (after sailing Cal20s) seemed a big boat for my wife and me to sail, just the two of us
. Next up to 30 ft, and now 38 ft. Admittedly for me, 38 ft is about all I can manage single-handedly lacking specialized SH rigging; it's a stretch. However, ocean sailors report that 34 ft is the best size overall.