How big was your first sailboat? Did you learn on a day sailer or did you roll into a trailerable boat between 18' and 26'? Did you decide a 30-footer was a good boat to learn on, or did you go whole hog and jump into ownership with a boat of 40' plus? When choosing a first sailboat, what size do you think is best? Share your first-time stories here, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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First sail boat
I picked a sc 22 mostly because of wait and ease of trailering. I wanted something that I could pull with a mini van. This is the first season with this boat and the learning curve is fast. After the first outing I had to learn to paint (long story).
I picked a sc 22 mostly because of wait and ease of trailering. I wanted something that I could pull with a mini van. This is the first season with this boat and the learning curve is fast. After the first outing I had to learn to paint (long story).
Little by Bigger
I first learned to sail on sailcanoes and then sunfish. Took a detour with a couple of powerboats (hard to ski behind a sailboat). The first real sailboat I owned was an Oday 23. I now have an Oday 28. I believe that it is better for all boaters concerned that once you decide to own a boat with a motor - you should start small thus minimizing the docking/launching damage. Learn boating skills in a smaller boat. It seems that some people confuse general boating skills with sailing skills.
I first learned to sail on sailcanoes and then sunfish. Took a detour with a couple of powerboats (hard to ski behind a sailboat). The first real sailboat I owned was an Oday 23. I now have an Oday 28. I believe that it is better for all boaters concerned that once you decide to own a boat with a motor - you should start small thus minimizing the docking/launching damage. Learn boating skills in a smaller boat. It seems that some people confuse general boating skills with sailing skills.
Mirror, mirror...
When I was about 6 my ftaher and I built a mirror which was one of the first 5 imported into the US. This is a very popular one-design in the UK. Very tippy but stable. About 10 feet long and all stitch and glass construction. He taught me to sail on it and eventually I was soloing with main only and then a full rig. I then moved up to windsurfers and other dinghys and cats. A few years ago I picked up a San Juan 21. I am 37 now and sail a Pearson 28 and a Hobie 16. I still have the windsurfers and when the wind is right I take them out. I believe in the philosophy of starting small. Get your a$$ wet and have fun. The rest will fall into place in time. Tim
When I was about 6 my ftaher and I built a mirror which was one of the first 5 imported into the US. This is a very popular one-design in the UK. Very tippy but stable. About 10 feet long and all stitch and glass construction. He taught me to sail on it and eventually I was soloing with main only and then a full rig. I then moved up to windsurfers and other dinghys and cats. A few years ago I picked up a San Juan 21. I am 37 now and sail a Pearson 28 and a Hobie 16. I still have the windsurfers and when the wind is right I take them out. I believe in the philosophy of starting small. Get your a$$ wet and have fun. The rest will fall into place in time. Tim
Capri22
This has been my first full season as an owner. I learned to sail on FJs and Sunfish, so the Capri felt like an ocean liner the first few weeks. But it has turned out to be a great (and forgiving) boat to learn on. I hope to keep it for a long time, in spite of and partly because it is a small boat. I really value the simplicity of it, and the ease with which I can take a quick daysail. But I am looking at Catalina 25s as a possible second boat. That will be years from now, though. I also agree with what Todd said, it is best to learn the basics on a small boat. Capsizing when you don't handle it properly really motivates you to learn quickly.
This has been my first full season as an owner. I learned to sail on FJs and Sunfish, so the Capri felt like an ocean liner the first few weeks. But it has turned out to be a great (and forgiving) boat to learn on. I hope to keep it for a long time, in spite of and partly because it is a small boat. I really value the simplicity of it, and the ease with which I can take a quick daysail. But I am looking at Catalina 25s as a possible second boat. That will be years from now, though. I also agree with what Todd said, it is best to learn the basics on a small boat. Capsizing when you don't handle it properly really motivates you to learn quickly.
Started with a Lightening, then 23.5
I use to water ski and loved speed boats when I was a teenager. I got away from boats for a while, but always said if I get a boat it would be a sailboat; I had no sailing experience, just felt it. Time slips away and in my early forties I said to myself, if you don't start now, you might as well forget it. So I purchased a basic sailing book and a Lighting, went out and taught myself to sail, got hooked big time. The Lightening at 19 feet seemed like a monster when I first got it, now it's my little boat. A year and a half later I bought a 23.5. You should learn on smaller boat, there is a lot to learn about general boat handling that has nothing to do with sailing.
I use to water ski and loved speed boats when I was a teenager. I got away from boats for a while, but always said if I get a boat it would be a sailboat; I had no sailing experience, just felt it. Time slips away and in my early forties I said to myself, if you don't start now, you might as well forget it. So I purchased a basic sailing book and a Lighting, went out and taught myself to sail, got hooked big time. The Lightening at 19 feet seemed like a monster when I first got it, now it's my little boat. A year and a half later I bought a 23.5. You should learn on smaller boat, there is a lot to learn about general boat handling that has nothing to do with sailing.
Prindle 16 cataman
Prindle 16 Precision 18 Venture 24 Catalina 25 Catalina 30 work you way up so you know what you want and dont want.
Prindle 16 Precision 18 Venture 24 Catalina 25 Catalina 30 work you way up so you know what you want and dont want.
1975 Tanzer 16
I'm finishing up my third season on our 98 Hunter 240. I learned the ropes on a 1975 Tanzer 16 Daysailor. After three years with that boat I moved up to the 240 which I found on this site.
I'm finishing up my third season on our 98 Hunter 240. I learned the ropes on a 1975 Tanzer 16 Daysailor. After three years with that boat I moved up to the 240 which I found on this site.
Starting with a 23.5
I guess I’m going against the grain, but the first time I saw ever on a sailboat was this spring on my 23.5. I used to power boat, but dreamt of cruising in my “golden years”. Part one of my four year plan is to learn to sail. Part two will be navigation and then Spanish. I hope to be ready before they engrave the gold watch. It’s been a great summer of Midwest lake sailing. I’ll move up in lake size as my skills allow. Bob SV Miss Lisa
I guess I’m going against the grain, but the first time I saw ever on a sailboat was this spring on my 23.5. I used to power boat, but dreamt of cruising in my “golden years”. Part one of my four year plan is to learn to sail. Part two will be navigation and then Spanish. I hope to be ready before they engrave the gold watch. It’s been a great summer of Midwest lake sailing. I’ll move up in lake size as my skills allow. Bob SV Miss Lisa
Precision 18
A P18 was the right boat for the first few years as my son grew into adolesence and my desires moved to more distant horizons. The P18 was easy to trailer, rig, launch and sail; a great weekend boat-camping sailboat. The need for greater creature comforts, and the occassional reflection,..."what am I doing out in these conditions in a boat this size!" had something to do with wanting more hull beneath me, hence the move to an H-30. By then I also knew sailing was not going to be just some passing fancy but rather something I could seem myself enjoying for a long, long time to come.
A P18 was the right boat for the first few years as my son grew into adolesence and my desires moved to more distant horizons. The P18 was easy to trailer, rig, launch and sail; a great weekend boat-camping sailboat. The need for greater creature comforts, and the occassional reflection,..."what am I doing out in these conditions in a boat this size!" had something to do with wanting more hull beneath me, hence the move to an H-30. By then I also knew sailing was not going to be just some passing fancy but rather something I could seem myself enjoying for a long, long time to come.
First Sailboat
Purchased a Mac 26d. My wife is a little touchy about heeling and other things about a sailboat. Smaller boats were out because of chance of falling out ect.
Purchased a Mac 26d. My wife is a little touchy about heeling and other things about a sailboat. Smaller boats were out because of chance of falling out ect.
Learned on other peoples boats
Learned to sail on other peoples' boats, first a sunfish (good for learning the basics, but too wet and easily turned over if you make a mistake), then a shoal draft Columbia 22. First boat I owned was a MacGregor Venture 25, then a Catalina 30, now a S2 7.3(24 ft). If I were to do it all over again, I would start with an 18 ft day sailer.
Learned to sail on other peoples' boats, first a sunfish (good for learning the basics, but too wet and easily turned over if you make a mistake), then a shoal draft Columbia 22. First boat I owned was a MacGregor Venture 25, then a Catalina 30, now a S2 7.3(24 ft). If I were to do it all over again, I would start with an 18 ft day sailer.
Learned on other people's boats
first just day / weekend sailing, then as crew for bay & ocean races. My first boat was a Chrysler 22, then had a Catalina 27, now have a Seafarer 30.
first just day / weekend sailing, then as crew for bay & ocean races. My first boat was a Chrysler 22, then had a Catalina 27, now have a Seafarer 30.
My first sail
was in a 14' wooden catboat, well-worn, on Lake Eibsee in southern Germany. It cost $0.25 to check out for the day. I had never sailed before but figured if others could do it, so could I (at age 18 everything is possible). It didn't take me long to learn that it's a lot easier to make progress with the wind than against it, especially in flat-bottomed catboats. I was hooked, but didn't own a sailboat until almost 10 years later when I built a planing-hull 16 foot daggerboard 'Tabu' in night hobby class. It was a little hot for my sailing skills and we had some interesting adventures (and swims) before "Flipper" (she earned her name, and it was written upside-down on the transom) broke loose in a hurricane and self-destructed. She taught me a lot and left many good memories. I've read somewhere that your boat's length should match your age - that seems like a good rule to me (and makes me 23 now - dog years, maybe?), but I think it only works if you get started pretty young. I really envy you guys who started sailing when your age was in single digits - you don't know how lucky you are (were).
was in a 14' wooden catboat, well-worn, on Lake Eibsee in southern Germany. It cost $0.25 to check out for the day. I had never sailed before but figured if others could do it, so could I (at age 18 everything is possible). It didn't take me long to learn that it's a lot easier to make progress with the wind than against it, especially in flat-bottomed catboats. I was hooked, but didn't own a sailboat until almost 10 years later when I built a planing-hull 16 foot daggerboard 'Tabu' in night hobby class. It was a little hot for my sailing skills and we had some interesting adventures (and swims) before "Flipper" (she earned her name, and it was written upside-down on the transom) broke loose in a hurricane and self-destructed. She taught me a lot and left many good memories. I've read somewhere that your boat's length should match your age - that seems like a good rule to me (and makes me 23 now - dog years, maybe?), but I think it only works if you get started pretty young. I really envy you guys who started sailing when your age was in single digits - you don't know how lucky you are (were).
my love of the 22
My first sailboat is still my sailboat. An O'Day 22. I have absolutely loved her and have sailed her for a few years now. It is a great boat to learn on and I have raced and cruised with her.
My first sailboat is still my sailboat. An O'Day 22. I have absolutely loved her and have sailed her for a few years now. It is a great boat to learn on and I have raced and cruised with her.
First Boat
My first boat was an American Fiberglass Corp 16-footer. It had an oversized main and a handkerchief jib, but it DID sail. An almost 20 year hiatus, then Oday 22 (Yay, Mike!) and now an Oday 28, which will probably fulfill our needs for some time. Sailing smaller first didn't help with docking skills, as the first two were on moorings and the latest is in a slip. Night and day, both satisfying. Bill Coxe, O28 Kukulcán, New London, CT
My first boat was an American Fiberglass Corp 16-footer. It had an oversized main and a handkerchief jib, but it DID sail. An almost 20 year hiatus, then Oday 22 (Yay, Mike!) and now an Oday 28, which will probably fulfill our needs for some time. Sailing smaller first didn't help with docking skills, as the first two were on moorings and the latest is in a slip. Night and day, both satisfying. Bill Coxe, O28 Kukulcán, New London, CT
Snark!!!
I got a Snark when I was 11. My parents had a real boat, but that was mine. Seems like the wind never blew the whole time I had it. But when a friend of mine down the dock recently bought a Snark for his kid, I have to admit it brought back some fond memories. And the cycle continues....
I got a Snark when I was 11. My parents had a real boat, but that was mine. Seems like the wind never blew the whole time I had it. But when a friend of mine down the dock recently bought a Snark for his kid, I have to admit it brought back some fond memories. And the cycle continues....
Venture 15' Cat
My first sailboat was, and is, a Venture 15' catamaran (it resides in my garage). I moved up from there to and through a Macgregor 25 and now have a Hunter 30. Starting small is the only way to go if you want to learn quickly!
My first sailboat was, and is, a Venture 15' catamaran (it resides in my garage). I moved up from there to and through a Macgregor 25 and now have a Hunter 30. Starting small is the only way to go if you want to learn quickly!
Mayflower
Back in 1974, wife and I moved in to a Winona neighborhood apartment on the water (on Lafayette River, Norfolk, across from City Park Zoo with lions, tigers, gibbons' noises wafting to us in the moonlight). Our first purchase (before furniture), was a $399 J.C. Penny version of a 10' Snark Mayflower. LITTLE BIG could hold the two of us, the dog and enough provisions for a whole day or night. Once we circumnavigated the SS United States, moored six miles down the river at N.I.T. We had no running lights, so a flashlight shining onto the sail intermitently was all we had at night. If I was late coming in from a solo sail, spouse Gerrie would fire up the Evinrude on the 14' jon boat and come find me, to tow me back. Later Mayflowers had a cheap wooden tiller, but ours was cast aluminum. We replaced the gooseneck on boom twice (weakest link!). By dropping the boom for bridges, we could navigate up the shallowest creeks in search of adventure. After five years, we sublet the boat and apartment to a nephew who continued our traditions and we bought a house and started a family. When 'family' got to be a teenager, we got a 17' Windjammer, then O'Day 27, then Lancer 28, now a Hunter 31. We are back on the water, albeit at high tide only, and still go crab, fish and poke around, now in Western Branch of Elizabeth River in Portsmouth. Helping neighbor recondition two 17' O'Days brings back the best of times and the worst of times, but all good times. joe
Back in 1974, wife and I moved in to a Winona neighborhood apartment on the water (on Lafayette River, Norfolk, across from City Park Zoo with lions, tigers, gibbons' noises wafting to us in the moonlight). Our first purchase (before furniture), was a $399 J.C. Penny version of a 10' Snark Mayflower. LITTLE BIG could hold the two of us, the dog and enough provisions for a whole day or night. Once we circumnavigated the SS United States, moored six miles down the river at N.I.T. We had no running lights, so a flashlight shining onto the sail intermitently was all we had at night. If I was late coming in from a solo sail, spouse Gerrie would fire up the Evinrude on the 14' jon boat and come find me, to tow me back. Later Mayflowers had a cheap wooden tiller, but ours was cast aluminum. We replaced the gooseneck on boom twice (weakest link!). By dropping the boom for bridges, we could navigate up the shallowest creeks in search of adventure. After five years, we sublet the boat and apartment to a nephew who continued our traditions and we bought a house and started a family. When 'family' got to be a teenager, we got a 17' Windjammer, then O'Day 27, then Lancer 28, now a Hunter 31. We are back on the water, albeit at high tide only, and still go crab, fish and poke around, now in Western Branch of Elizabeth River in Portsmouth. Helping neighbor recondition two 17' O'Days brings back the best of times and the worst of times, but all good times. joe
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