I just purchased a Hunter 23 Wingkeel. This is my first sailboat. I am told that after I have things set up, I will be able to figure it out on my own from there. Any advice on getting started would be greatly appreciated. After reading your replies and some careful consideration, I think I will start out with an experienced sailor first. I have never sailed in my life so asking for help would probably save me some frustration and make me alot safer.
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Debra Blatnik
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Daniel Jonas
Not that you would, but you could
Matthew, There is a commercial on television that uses that line. The key here is that you wouldn't...right? Find someone with experience, or better yet, take some basic keelboat lessons. You will be much safer and be much more confident. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)
Matthew, There is a commercial on television that uses that line. The key here is that you wouldn't...right? Find someone with experience, or better yet, take some basic keelboat lessons. You will be much safer and be much more confident. Dan Jonas (S/V Feije)
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Ken Shubert
Go for It
Read a beginners book then go out in light wind and play with your new boat. After you get a basic idea how things work, take a good sailor along or take a sailing class. It's hard to get help from someone experienced or from a class until you get the "feel" of a boat. The most trouble you'll get into in light wind is docking, and that's usually with a motor. You can get a lot of 'savvy' by crewing on bigger boats too. You'd better get a dealer or experienced sailor to help if there's any doubt about the rigging. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Read a beginners book then go out in light wind and play with your new boat. After you get a basic idea how things work, take a good sailor along or take a sailing class. It's hard to get help from someone experienced or from a class until you get the "feel" of a boat. The most trouble you'll get into in light wind is docking, and that's usually with a motor. You can get a lot of 'savvy' by crewing on bigger boats too. You'd better get a dealer or experienced sailor to help if there's any doubt about the rigging. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Ned Strain
Courses
Consider adding a Power Sqaudron and/or Coast Guard Auxilliary course to your preparation arsenal. Find someone with a similar boat to mentor you. Get an experienced hand to guide you on your own boat. Make sure your insurance is paid up. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy Chicago
Consider adding a Power Sqaudron and/or Coast Guard Auxilliary course to your preparation arsenal. Find someone with a similar boat to mentor you. Get an experienced hand to guide you on your own boat. Make sure your insurance is paid up. Ned and Tani Strain s/v Family Therapy Chicago
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Jon Bastien
My thoughts
Congratulations on your new H23! They're great little boats, and a good platform for learning to sail a medium-sized boat. Check the archives on this site for the little maintenance tips and tricks- they're invaluable. I agree with the previous posters- Get some help with the rigging, and find another sailor to go with you for the first few outings, until you are comfortable with handling a boat. I also STRONGLY recommend taking a boating safety course, such as those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power and Sail Squadron. The USCG course is free, except the cost of the books ($14 when I took it, many moons ago). Now for the fun part. If you can wait until August, and can afford the time to drive down there, the first National Hunter 23 Regatta is being held at Indian Lake in Ohio. There will be a WHOLE BUNCH o' folks there with boats very similar to (just like?) yours... You will be able to get advice, instruction, ideas, and maybe even some experience just by showing up! Check with Cliff Ruckstuhl if you're interested. There's a spot dedicated to this event under the 'Hunter Owners' Rendezvous' link on the main page. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy your new boat! --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' (Former H23 owner- and wishing I could go to Indian Lake!)
Congratulations on your new H23! They're great little boats, and a good platform for learning to sail a medium-sized boat. Check the archives on this site for the little maintenance tips and tricks- they're invaluable. I agree with the previous posters- Get some help with the rigging, and find another sailor to go with you for the first few outings, until you are comfortable with handling a boat. I also STRONGLY recommend taking a boating safety course, such as those offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the US Power and Sail Squadron. The USCG course is free, except the cost of the books ($14 when I took it, many moons ago). Now for the fun part. If you can wait until August, and can afford the time to drive down there, the first National Hunter 23 Regatta is being held at Indian Lake in Ohio. There will be a WHOLE BUNCH o' folks there with boats very similar to (just like?) yours... You will be able to get advice, instruction, ideas, and maybe even some experience just by showing up! Check with Cliff Ruckstuhl if you're interested. There's a spot dedicated to this event under the 'Hunter Owners' Rendezvous' link on the main page. Good luck, have fun, and enjoy your new boat! --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' (Former H23 owner- and wishing I could go to Indian Lake!)
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Al Sandrik
My 2 cents worth...
...take an ASA basic keelboat course. 1) you will be less frustrated than trying to find someone to take the time to teach you and 2) you might just avoid getting into bad habits if you learn from a pro. Just my take and I'm sure others disagree.
...take an ASA basic keelboat course. 1) you will be less frustrated than trying to find someone to take the time to teach you and 2) you might just avoid getting into bad habits if you learn from a pro. Just my take and I'm sure others disagree.
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