Is an O'day Widgeon for me (beach sailing?)

[kmbarnes1]

I am looking at learning to sail with my fiance and I've been given a good opportunity to get a O'Day Widgeon. I would like to sail the boat in the Charleston Harbor and Bay as well as just off the beach (launch from the beach and sail around the island.) Would this boat be able to handle this or would it be a waste of my money to get it? I am looking for a boat to both learn in and then take out around the beach once I'm comfortable with sailing.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[sharps4590]

km, I have a Widgeon and I believe it makes a fine beach sailor. It's also quite easy to rig and learn to use as well as being stable. At 12 ft. it is small and for all pracitical purposes two adults and some picnic gear is a full load. I'd recommend the boat itself in a heartbeat.

What I can't speak to is how it would be on Charleston Harbor or Bay as I only sail mine on inland lakes here in the Ozarks, (NOT "Lake of the Ozarks"). Hopefully someone familiar with the waters of the Charleston area will offer their opinion.

 

[Sunbird22358]

The Widgeon was used for many years by sailing schools and youth camps as a trainer. I owned a 1969 model for 8 years and sailed her on Buzzards Bay near Cape Cod. I LOVED that boat!!! Sail her like the centerboarder she is, and she will be a sweetheart. Biggest advice, always sail with the mainsheet in hand, use the camcleat to hold the tension, but keep the line i nhand to allow instant release of the sheet i na puff or gust. That prevented many possible capsizings in my boat. My boat even had a spinnaker!
I kept my boat on a mooring all summer but did launch/haul her on the beach in a sheltered cove using an inflatable roller.
If you do buy the Widgeon and would like an expanded owners manual, let me know! I have created one with many more diagrams and pictures than the O'Day original.

 

[sharps4590]

I'll have to second keeping the main sheet in hand.