We live in New Jersey and must choose between lake or coastal sailing. I have experience with dinghy sailing and small cats, not to mention years of windsurfing, but I want to become more experienced with a keel boat (cruiser). My wife has no experience but is excited about learning. We started shopping for a boat in the 24' to 26' range and found a Cal 2-27 in beautiful condition. The price had just been knocked down and it sold the day after we looked at it. We were very disappointed because we liked the size and favored it over the other boats we saw. We didn't act quickly enough! Now we will look at a Starwind 27 (Wellcraft is the boat builder and Jim Taylor is the designer) and a Tanzer (27'). We like the size and think that it will be more comfortable, even for daysailing. We are also going to look at a Cal 9.2 (30') because I was impressed with what I learned about these boats and there is one available for a few thousand more. It looks to be in wonderful condition. I think the 27' boat is about the upper limit for a boat on Lake Hopatcong. There are boats this size but nothing larger from what I've seen. My wife favors bringing the boat here to learn because it is so much more convenient and we will get more use. However, I believe that we may quickly come to enjoy the variety and adventures that we could experience by sailing blue water. There is excellent bay sailing to gain experience here in New Jersey. I think the extra size is well worth the investment and am leaning towards the larger boat for additional comfort. We have grown kids and expect that they will spend some time with us (but not too much). The drive to reach Sandy Hook or Barnegat Bay is close to 2 hours and traffic is a nightmare at times. We have a ski boat on Lake Hopatcong that we have enjoyed for years and we will keep it, but now we want to sail and we are really excited about this new endeavor! It's been my dream to have a cruising sailboat since I was a young kid and it's the right time now to get started. So are we better off starting on the lake or should we jump into the ocean right away!
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Lake conditions?
It would be hard for anyone not knowing your lake to offer an answer. I drive 90 minutes to my boat on Lake Erie. There is a nice lake about 30 minutes south. But it is narrow and has little to offer for overnighting. Great for centerboard sailing and there are a surprising number of 30' cruisers. But cruising would be short daysails in light and variable winds most of the time. In the size that you are contemplating you could trailer. Once or twice a year take her to the bay. Don't get too attached because you will be moving up in less than three years.
It would be hard for anyone not knowing your lake to offer an answer. I drive 90 minutes to my boat on Lake Erie. There is a nice lake about 30 minutes south. But it is narrow and has little to offer for overnighting. Great for centerboard sailing and there are a surprising number of 30' cruisers. But cruising would be short daysails in light and variable winds most of the time. In the size that you are contemplating you could trailer. Once or twice a year take her to the bay. Don't get too attached because you will be moving up in less than three years.
Sandy Hook Bay? O-tay!
Scott: I also don't know much about conditions etc on Lake Hopatcong, but I can say that the Sandy Hook Bay area is A-1 for sailing -- even for one still learning. (But aren't we all constantly learning?) You can sail your brains out there, and on adjoining Raritan Bay as well, and then when you feel comfortable, escape to New York Harbor, along the south Brooklyn/Queens shoreline, or south in ocean water along the Jersey coast. I sailed for several years in Barnegat Bay (one big shallow lake, more or less) and then last year told my wife that I wanted to play with my boat in "a bigger bathtub -- thus the move to the Sandy Hook area. Even a relatively shallow-draft boat, like my old ODay 272LE, had no troubles in deeper open water. Just find your comfort zone. By far the worst part of Sandy Hook Bay, at least for you guys, would be the commute. One solution? Get a boat that's comfortable enough to live aboard for a weekend. Then you only have to drive down and back once each weekend. Good luck with the quest. Pete s/v "Crossroads" (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Scott: I also don't know much about conditions etc on Lake Hopatcong, but I can say that the Sandy Hook Bay area is A-1 for sailing -- even for one still learning. (But aren't we all constantly learning?) You can sail your brains out there, and on adjoining Raritan Bay as well, and then when you feel comfortable, escape to New York Harbor, along the south Brooklyn/Queens shoreline, or south in ocean water along the Jersey coast. I sailed for several years in Barnegat Bay (one big shallow lake, more or less) and then last year told my wife that I wanted to play with my boat in "a bigger bathtub -- thus the move to the Sandy Hook area. Even a relatively shallow-draft boat, like my old ODay 272LE, had no troubles in deeper open water. Just find your comfort zone. By far the worst part of Sandy Hook Bay, at least for you guys, would be the commute. One solution? Get a boat that's comfortable enough to live aboard for a weekend. Then you only have to drive down and back once each weekend. Good luck with the quest. Pete s/v "Crossroads" (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
The best sailing club
Scott, Your story reads like mine 27 years ago. I was racing hobie cats regionally so had experience sailing. I then purchased a 25.5 foot Hunter, moved to a 32s5 Beneteau, and now have a Hunter 380. Started sailing large lake, then moved to the coast. Looking back, I gained the most pratical experience and confidence by joining a sailing club and going to as many outings as possible. A good club will offer flotilias to cruise with company of other boats and crew to destinations as well as socials to get to know other sailors to share experiences. OK lies and exagerations, but that is another trend. Look around for any type of clubs in your lake or near the coast and check to see if they have a racing schedule, social schedule, and a cruising schedule. The clubs that do, will offer you and the Admiral choices and could direct where you decide to go. You can read all you want about tides, wind, current, anchoring, storm prep, but nothing teaches like being around other people who have practical experience and are willing to share. Most important, as cheesy as it sounds, is to go out and have a good time with the experiences, be safe, expand your comfort zone, and keep the Admiral happy... Good luck...
Scott, Your story reads like mine 27 years ago. I was racing hobie cats regionally so had experience sailing. I then purchased a 25.5 foot Hunter, moved to a 32s5 Beneteau, and now have a Hunter 380. Started sailing large lake, then moved to the coast. Looking back, I gained the most pratical experience and confidence by joining a sailing club and going to as many outings as possible. A good club will offer flotilias to cruise with company of other boats and crew to destinations as well as socials to get to know other sailors to share experiences. OK lies and exagerations, but that is another trend. Look around for any type of clubs in your lake or near the coast and check to see if they have a racing schedule, social schedule, and a cruising schedule. The clubs that do, will offer you and the Admiral choices and could direct where you decide to go. You can read all you want about tides, wind, current, anchoring, storm prep, but nothing teaches like being around other people who have practical experience and are willing to share. Most important, as cheesy as it sounds, is to go out and have a good time with the experiences, be safe, expand your comfort zone, and keep the Admiral happy... Good luck...
SAil New England.
I have cruised and raced Lake Champlain VT. from one end to the other. It's a beauitful lake rich in history. However, If I had to choose between lake sailing or the ocean. I have taken the ocean. Crusing the Maine coast and it's many islands, exploring the many bays and coves, laying at anchor at night, hearing the cry of sea birds one can only think how relaxed a person can be. If you can deal with the fog, ships, here in MAine we have lobster bouys to contend with. Still it makes sailing the coastal ocean worth it. My boat is a hunter 25.5 I have added many cruising comforts. For me their is not trade off. Happy sailing.
I have cruised and raced Lake Champlain VT. from one end to the other. It's a beauitful lake rich in history. However, If I had to choose between lake sailing or the ocean. I have taken the ocean. Crusing the Maine coast and it's many islands, exploring the many bays and coves, laying at anchor at night, hearing the cry of sea birds one can only think how relaxed a person can be. If you can deal with the fog, ships, here in MAine we have lobster bouys to contend with. Still it makes sailing the coastal ocean worth it. My boat is a hunter 25.5 I have added many cruising comforts. For me their is not trade off. Happy sailing.
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