He is launching from his own beach. I think the issue is, if he goes big ( like 19 ft) it is hard to handle in and out of the water, and in the event of a capsize difficult/impossible to self-rescue. I am thinking smaller is better. Possibly an Albacore which will capsize but is easy to right again.
Looking to Start Sailing
- Thread starter LakeMan
- Start date
Before anything, I recommend finding a friend or offering to pay someone competent to take you out for a long day. Make sure everyone's perception is reality. More likely than not it will only solidify your desires but it will give you that satisfaction while giving you a start on what you like and don't like and a idea of size. I recommend finding something in range 22-27 range for this.
A charter would do for this. I believe it is worth the $150 or so for a half day and I would suggest a professional sailor instead of an amateur for this first sail. That's the nice thing about the internet; you can get reviews on almost anything or anyone these days.
Yea, I agree but will add this.... I'm a amateur and feel I can give a well represented vision of sailing and wouldn't turn someone away,given the OPs vision, towards a professional, I take people out all the time as I'm sure most others. They have to be smart though. I had two friends out who had never been on a sailboat. Heeling was a new concept so I took the second reef in 15 knot winds to keep them comfortable. If someone was interested in passage sailing then I would make sure they understand that this is not that, then take them sailing anyways because its fun. I'm not familiar with day charters but I would think these boats are probably not a good representation of the market the OP is looking in, maybe he is but I would recommend chartering a boat indicative of it. My hope is this adds to your commend and not contradict it.
You already know that you do not want a fixed keel. Without saying it you've already made it clear that you understand the tides at Lake Manitoba in January are different than they are in the Caribbean. I think to have a sailboat at your lake front you would be wanting find a small beach launch sailboat. Most likely you will find that the perfect sail boat is three feet longer two knots faster and on sale for half price 3 weeks later on Craigslist. You would probably be best to check a few local yacht clubs to get dinghy sailing lessons as they will supply the boat-and maybe a certification if you want to rent a boat. Do that while the water is still soft, it will you put a whole summer ahead of the next sailing season.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,077
Well Welcome @LakeMan. You post your first Hi, guys and already you have 25 responses and a couple of them are of differing opinions. Is that not the coolest.
So here is my 2cents. Worth 2.75 cents in Canada... (Ha I crack myself up).
I like the "beater boat" idea. My first sailing experiences was with ta sailing club. They provided introductory lesson/experiences and let you out on their boats. You break it you had to learn to fix it. The beater is much the same.
The idea of learning the experience is one best enjoyed on the water. Be it with your own 14-19 foot boat that you found locally for cheap, or as a member of a club. Kind of depends if you are a joiner or loner. There is good things said about both. When you have survived and you and you want to know more (and there is so much more to learn) then the classes or sailing with an experienced sailor/friend makes a lot of sense. There is truth in being "I do not know what I do not know or need to know" condition.
@capta is so correct in that some lessons are so structured that they detract from the experience. Now days there are a number of options available. If you are a "I got to get a certificate" guy then the formal lessons are the resource. If after the first "Oh my god the boat is leaning, Will. it tip over and drown us" experience and your wife still wants to participate in this "bucket list" idea. Then Take Lessons together. Great way to help each other. You will likely find you pick up on different ideas and these will serve you well as you take this fun to higher levels.
For Lake sailing I enjoyed a 15 foot Montgomery. Sturdy, sloop rigged, tippy but dry boat. In fact there was only one way you could tip it up on it's side to where the man touched the water, and it was not a likely procedure to attempt by 99% of sailors. It was big enough to have space for 2 in the bunk. It was a great one person boat. I beached it all the time or anchored in 2 feet of water.Trailerable and rig-able by one person. but it was like camping in a Pup tent.
It was a boat that when I had finished with was still of interest to others. That is what is called a moving on boat. After you use it you can sell to or give it to the next new to sailing sailor and Move On.
Look for a moving on boat that can give you fun and instruction. Cheap to buy and own. Play together and move on and up. Or you could be like some here and become a "Collector". Parking your boats on your property as a memorial to your experiences.
There are really no rules. Your Boat your choice.
Fair winds and stay in touch.
So here is my 2cents. Worth 2.75 cents in Canada... (Ha I crack myself up).
I like the "beater boat" idea. My first sailing experiences was with ta sailing club. They provided introductory lesson/experiences and let you out on their boats. You break it you had to learn to fix it. The beater is much the same.
The idea of learning the experience is one best enjoyed on the water. Be it with your own 14-19 foot boat that you found locally for cheap, or as a member of a club. Kind of depends if you are a joiner or loner. There is good things said about both. When you have survived and you and you want to know more (and there is so much more to learn) then the classes or sailing with an experienced sailor/friend makes a lot of sense. There is truth in being "I do not know what I do not know or need to know" condition.
@capta is so correct in that some lessons are so structured that they detract from the experience. Now days there are a number of options available. If you are a "I got to get a certificate" guy then the formal lessons are the resource. If after the first "Oh my god the boat is leaning, Will. it tip over and drown us" experience and your wife still wants to participate in this "bucket list" idea. Then Take Lessons together. Great way to help each other. You will likely find you pick up on different ideas and these will serve you well as you take this fun to higher levels.
For Lake sailing I enjoyed a 15 foot Montgomery. Sturdy, sloop rigged, tippy but dry boat. In fact there was only one way you could tip it up on it's side to where the man touched the water, and it was not a likely procedure to attempt by 99% of sailors. It was big enough to have space for 2 in the bunk. It was a great one person boat. I beached it all the time or anchored in 2 feet of water.Trailerable and rig-able by one person. but it was like camping in a Pup tent.
It was a boat that when I had finished with was still of interest to others. That is what is called a moving on boat. After you use it you can sell to or give it to the next new to sailing sailor and Move On.
Look for a moving on boat that can give you fun and instruction. Cheap to buy and own. Play together and move on and up. Or you could be like some here and become a "Collector". Parking your boats on your property as a memorial to your experiences.
There are really no rules. Your Boat your choice.
Fair winds and stay in touch.
That’s the best line I’ve heard in a long time. Care to share some pictures of the tide? Maybe from your snowmobile? Ha!
Even your map makes it look so cold. If we're to meet perhaps you should come here? lol
Just wondering, what is the bridge clearance on Hwy 68?
Edit: Just checked Craigs List ads for Winnipeg and there is only one sailboat for sale ... a Hobie type catamaran.
Next stop, Minneapolis (10-hour drive): there are several listed but they quickly get larger so pulling something up on your beach would require a block and tackle rig, power winch, or snowmobile tow rig.
Catalina 16.5 no trailer $1,200.
13-ft Guppy at $1,875 but the trailer wheels are too small for highway towing. Would need to rent a flat-bed trailer or retrofit.
Couple Catalina 22s.
One thing that hasn't been discussed, are mosquitos a problem? Whats the rainfall situation?
Lessons: given there is only one sailboat listed it appears that getting lessons in the province might be difficult and it's a long drive to anywhere else.
When does the sailing season end?
Limited choices available.
Edit: Just checked Craigs List ads for Winnipeg and there is only one sailboat for sale ... a Hobie type catamaran.
Next stop, Minneapolis (10-hour drive): there are several listed but they quickly get larger so pulling something up on your beach would require a block and tackle rig, power winch, or snowmobile tow rig.
Catalina 16.5 no trailer $1,200.
13-ft Guppy at $1,875 but the trailer wheels are too small for highway towing. Would need to rent a flat-bed trailer or retrofit.
Couple Catalina 22s.
One thing that hasn't been discussed, are mosquitos a problem? Whats the rainfall situation?
Lessons: given there is only one sailboat listed it appears that getting lessons in the province might be difficult and it's a long drive to anywhere else.
When does the sailing season end?
Limited choices available.
Last edited:
LOL. The summers are beautiful and the waters are warm. But when November comes. Watch out! Its pretty cool and the lake turns into a freezer.
Lol. Mosquitoes are bad at dusk but during the day you don't notice them. Boating season ends usually at the beginning of October. Water starts getting coooold. Lol. The bridge at 68 is pretty high. Im not sure really. Good question though.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,077
Is that because they already sucked you dry the evening before and are hoping you’ll regenerate before supper time comes again?
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,077
A hobbie is a lot of fun. Bathing suits. Speed. Close to the water. Sailing on a single pontoon. Just plain fun, like a motorcycle compared to a camper van.
You’ll learn some sailing skills but you’ll really play. And none of that is bad.
You’ll learn some sailing skills but you’ll really play. And none of that is bad.
Lol. Sitting around a camp fire at night is unbareable unless u soak yourself in bug spray. Lol.
Planing ahead, ... more questions.
Pulling boat up on beach: Questions would be: how steep is it? This would determine how large a boat one can pull up. Something in the 22ft range will be really heavy for pulling up without lots of power. Also, it would have to be on a trailer and definitely if it is a boat with a keel.
Tow vehicle: What is available for a tow vehicle?
Pulling boat up on beach: Questions would be: how steep is it? This would determine how large a boat one can pull up. Something in the 22ft range will be really heavy for pulling up without lots of power. Also, it would have to be on a trailer and definitely if it is a boat with a keel.
Tow vehicle: What is available for a tow vehicle?
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,077
John... With a 22 foot heavy you just nose in to a steep shore, grab a rope, jump off the bow (rope and portable ladder in hand) and run up the beach to tie off. You’ll understand the ladder when you try to climb back onto the boat after playing on shore.
Someone I think made a plank and steps to attach to the bow so you can walk ashore.
Someone I think made a plank and steps to attach to the bow so you can walk ashore.