Crazy?

[Doug]

My primary life-long sailing experiences have been in Sunfishes, and I'm quite comfortable in one (I've owned one for the last 4 years). Soon I'm getting my ASA basic keelboat certification. Next month I'll be skippering a Hunter 23.5 on Kentucky Lake for 4 days, with my crew being my non-sailor wife and 2 children. You don't know me from Adam's off-ox or what kind of sailor I am, but am I crazy, or will I be OK? Also, any advice on the boat or the lake?

 

[Bruce Harkness]

Kentucky lake

I went from small boats like you and have found that the larger boats are much easier to sail. As for Kentucky lake, there was a good article on it in the last month or two in Sailing magazine.

 

[Eric on S/V Troon]

You'll be fine.......

I had always sailed 16 ft. Comets or Snipes and last year bought a used 30 ft. Ericson. The larger boats are more forgiving than the little ones...... just remember that they weigh more and coast further when coming into the docks. Other than that, you'll be fine, so go have some fun and report back with any good stories.Eric S/V Troon

 

[Chris Riddle]

Kentucky Lake Is Great!

A month ago my wife and I purchased a H26 from the folks at Lighthouse Marina at Kentucky Lake. We truly enjoy Kentucky Lake and the folks at the Marina have been great.You will truly have a wonderful time!.

 

[Dave Condon]

Sailing Hunter 23.5

Most pelople think that you have to heel this boat over allot to go fast and have fun. I suggest that you do not heel the 23.5 over 10 degrees. You will find that the less heel, the faster it wiil go from experience. If you are heeling to much, reduce sail. If there is roller furling, use it first. If there is no roller furling, reef the main first if the wind velocity is greater than 12 knots as an average rule of thumb. If you are still overpowered or wind velocity reaches as an average 15-17 knots, drop the jib. If it is really blowing too hard, head in or stay out and be crazy like me sailing on the 23.5. Going downwind, you can raise the centerboard which you will go a little faster but make sure you drop it back down when sailing on any other points.Go have fun on that Hunter 23.5

 

[steven f]

reefing

I own a H23 and a H33 (one has to go soon) and have been sailing most of my life. My best advise is this; if you even think you have too much sail up you probably do! If you aren't comfortable with reefing your main than either take it down or take in the jib. It is always better to be a bit slower and be safer than be hauling a-- and be on the edge of control, especially with your family on board. The time for that type of sailing will come with experience. good luck, you'll do great and enjoy the time on the water. Safe sailing to you and your family.