New to sailing...where to start?

[Tim]

I am very interested in taking up sailing and I would welcome any advice or opinions you may have on my questions.A little about myself. First, I have never sailed a boat, yet I have spent about a one-quarter of the past 10 years of my life offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. You see, I work for an oil company and maintain computer systems for dozens of productions platforms scattered throughout the gulf. I've spent countless days on field boats traveling from one platform to another, and one thing has always been constant-whereas most offshore personnel HATE to travel by boat, I LOVE it and only recently has this realization finally hit me. Second, you can have your Colorado ski trips, I'll take sand over snow any day! I have aways promised myself that when I retire, there will be the sounds of waves breaking in the distance. Recently, those two points finally clicked together in my head and I realized that sailing might be something that I would enjoy very much.So here I am. I have a few basic questions that I hope will point me in the right direction.To begin with I plan on taking a 3-4 day basic sailing class that is offered by various marinas in the New Orleans area. I figured this is the safest and least expensive way to make sure that I really do enjoy sailing before considering purchasing a sailboat.Now, assuming that I do enjoy sailing, as I am sure I will...what type/size of sailboat would be a reasonable first purchase? I would like a boat that is small enough for me to handle by myself and learn on, beginning in nearby lakes and bays. Yet large and safe enough that when I feel it is time to stretch my legs I could take her out for coastal cruises along the gulf coast(I will usually sail her by myself). Since I live only a couple of hours inland and I want to avoid the expenses of slip fees and overall convenience I was thinking a trailerable boat might serve my needs? Something along the lines of a Catalina 250 or Hunter 240? Any other manufacturers you could reccomend?Is a trailer sailer capable and safe enough for extended coastal cruises, say 5-7 days? Also, any opinions of ballast vs keels? If coastal cruises are part of my plan with this boat would a fixed keel be a necessity?As for budget, I make a pretty decent living, but I don't want to spend my money unecessarily. A ballpark figure would be 25-45K. It would not have to be new, but atleast in very good condition.I hope my post wasn't too long, and thanks again for your advice and opinions!Tim

 

[Mike Terry]

Find a local Yacht Club...

...in your area who offers one design racing of smaller boats. Lasers, JY15s, or even some of the larger Olympic classes. Join the club and spend a season learning to race in their fleets. Offer to crew (alway availabilities) in the larger boats for a race day or three.Before you buy a boat, you need to know if you are a "racer" personality, or a "cruiser". In addition to honing your sailing skills, you'll determine a lot of the boat essentials (for you) from your experience in such a fleet.Then you'll have a much better chance of being happy with your first compromise (also known as a boat purchase).When you're done with all of that, you'll buy a Macgregor 26X. ;-)

 

[Jeff D]

Getting Started

You are off to a great start by taking a sailing class. You will learn the basics quickly. These are the same regardless of the size of the boat. I would then hunt down a crewing position on a race boat. There is always the need for deck apes and it costs you nothing. You will learn a lot from racing whether you ever want to race again or not. Crewing on a crusing boat is OK but racing gets you acquainted with all points of sail. It is easy to tell which skippers have raced and those that have not.First boat could be something as simple as a Sunfish or laser. You should be able to get one for $500- $1000. Renting is always a possibility as are sailing clubs. Once you are somewhat profiecient in one of these boats, you can pretty much sail anything.I would also be pursuing boating courses from the Coast Guard Auxillary or Power Squadron in preperation for running a cruising boat. As to what kind of boat in your price range, you should have no problem finding something and there should be no rush. There are a lot of boats out there. You will want to ask a lot of questions of other sailors about their boat ( preferably from somebody not wanting to selll their boat ). The type of boats vary so much, cruiser, racer/cruiser, all out race etc. Also, be looking for a place to keep your boat. I know you are talking about trailering but setting up and taking down a rig is time consuming which eats into sailing time. Dry storage with mast up is a good compromise.Have fun figuring all this out. That is part of the enjoyment.

 

[Steve]

Fellow Louisiana Boater

Hi, Tim. It's great to hear from someone getting interested in sailing. It's a great sport!By the way, I grew up in N.O. and worked offshore also. In Central Texas now.Crewing at the yacht club races is a fantastick way to learn and get familiar with boats. Give it a try. It's also an absolute blast. Most fun you could ever have at 4 miles per hour. I started crewing at the Austin Yacht Club last year and loved it. The spring opening day races start this Sunday and I can't wait.I bought my first small boat last year (O'day 222) and learned some good lessons while having a great time. Mainly what I learned (and you mentioned) was to get a boat that is easier to single hand. I'm selling mine to get a similar size boat, but one that is easier to sail alone. Basically you want to look for a boat that has as many of the ropes (sheets and halyards to us boat nerds) led back to the cockpit. Also look for jib sheet winches in the cockpit and a tiller that can be lashed down while you scurry around. All this will help you sail her alone.You'll learn more over time what is right for you, but a couple tips. As for the keel, the swing keel is good for "beaching" a boat or shallow water. It can also make downwind sailing faster because you can raise it and eliminate some drag. A heavy fixed keel can make the boat more stable.$25K-$45K is a lot of money in the trailer sailer market. You could get a lot of boat with that. In fact there are plenty of used 20-22' trailer sailer boats in the $3000-$5000 range. That's what I'm looking at right now. Take your time and figure out what you want and how/where you'll do most of your sailing.Have fun with it! -- Steve

 

[Robert B.]

New La. Sailor

Hi Tim, Mike and Jeff have given you some good advice. I followed that advice when I returned to sailing after a number of years being land-locked. There are many sailors in New Orleans and on the North Shore (My boat is in Mandeville.)  You could contact the folks at the New Orleans Yacht Club, the Ponchatrain Yacht Club, or in Slidell. They are all great people and would be more than willing to talk to you. You should also feel free to send me an e-mail and I would be happy to show you around. If you are set on a trailerable boat, you may also want to post your questions on the www.trailersailor.com website. There are several local guys there who are extremely helpful and knowledgable on all sorts of trailerables.Good Luck,Robert

 

[Frank Sears]

My Story...

A couple of years ago I made the same changes. I went from tennis to sailing. My wife and I took a 2 day basic sailing class and had fun. I started seaching the internet and the library and read every thing I could lay my hands on. Hitched a ride on any sailboat that would let me board her. Even a deck hand on in a race or two. I didn't think racing was fun. Most of the time I was ballast. Due to storage and up keep costs I made the descision that I wanted the largest trailerable boat I could find. Something I could live on for a couple days. That narrows my choises down to a half dozen boats. I went to the Annapolis boat show and looked at the McGregor, Seaward and Hunter. I liked the Hunter and Seaward best. On desk I liked the Seaward, below desks the Hunter. At the show, Crazy Dave says "Hey in two weeks I'm having an open house at Kerr Lake. Why don't you come on down and you can sail the H260." We did and had a great time. The 260 sailed a heck of a lot easier to sail than the 22 footer we took lessons on. Which sounds odd, but true. I was ready. I did want to pay for a new one so I started searching the internet and all the local boat shops. I was looking at Seawards and Hunters. After looking at a couple of Seawards I dropped that line, so I'm down to the Hunter. I couldn't find any. None. Well there was one in Texas and one in California, but I'm in Maryland. I ended up buying a new one. Sailing her is nice. She is too big to trailer, so I drop her into the water in the spring and pull her out in November. Anyway, that's my story and I'll stick with it.Take your time. Take the sailing class. A try to find anyone that will take you out. Each boat is different and there is always give and take.Good Luck and have fun!

 

[Todd Alt]

Small advice

When I purchased my first sailboat of any size I received some good advice from a sailor in my home town. He told me "to buy every foot of boat I could afford, and that I would appreciate every bit of deck that was under me once I got the hang of it" He was right. A big boat is just as easy to sail as a small boat, and sometimes even easier to handle. If you intend to "stretch your legs someday" - you will not regret having stretched your idea of what you might need. You will feel safer in big water, and save yourself the hassle of moving up so soon in your sailing career.

 

[Tim]

Thanks for the info...

Thanks for the info. I believe that I would probably fall in to the cruising crowd rather than racing, so I imagine I would probably be happier with a boat that leans more to passenger comfort rather than speed. As far as sailing lessons or helping crew a boat, I would be happy to hear if anyone has any personal recommendations in the New Orleans or Mandeville area. Either locations is fine, since I live in Lafayette and the drive would be about the same.I was at first thinking that maybe getting a small open sailboat would be the way to start and then moving up to a 20' or so, then maybe a 27-28' when I get more experienced. That seemed to make sense to me, but I have seen many opions that say it is not worth the hassle of always selling and buying as you move up from size to size and that a 24-27' sailboat is just as easy to learn to sail on if it is set up correctly and you act responsibly. This way you could keep the same boat for a much longer period of time, getting accustomed to her instead of always thinking about what you would like to have every time you sail. Does that argument sound good to you?Thanks,Tim

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

That's what I did, Tim

When I was looking for my first boat, my mom kept encouraging me to go with something around 20 feet. I had done my homework & knew that I wanted to overnight on my boat, wanted an enclosed head, wanted to cook comfortably, and wanted to take friends out. Besides the fact that I own a Toyota Corolla and a trailer sailor would mean having to buy a big ol' truck! I decided to skip the "movin' on up" plan and bought a Catalina 27. Folks told me the learning curve would be higher but I don't think it really was. A bigger boat is less tender, just as "difficult" to dock, etc. (well, a 40 footer would be a different story!).I will echo some other advice here. Crew on other boats before you commit to buying. Not only will you learn how to sail efficiently, you'll also make cool sailing friends (we ARE the coolest!). Find out who organizes the races in your area and ask them about becoming crew. They'll probably give you a list of skippers needing crew & you just call them up and ask. Some are cut-throat and won't take "newbies" but most are out to have fun. You could also post your name & number on local sailing bulletin boards (try West Marine, marinas, yacht clubs).Good luck & welcome to the club!LaDonna

 

[Tim]

Thanks Todd...

You answered my next question before I had a chance to finish typing it

 

[JChiarito]

USCGAUX

The USCGAUX has a Sailing Class that is very good,,and not as costly as a YC. After you learn the Basic Sailing from them, then just get out on some freinds Sailboats, or invite an experienced Sailor to show you some tips on yours.

 

[Robert B.]

Send me an e-mail

Tim, Send me an e-mail at robert.bonney@keanmiller.com. I am more of a cruiser than racer, but have lots of friends who do both. I can help you get where you want to be. I live in Baton Rouge, so it would be easy to get togther.

 

[Red Beard]

Is there a Mrs Tim?

By the way...I'm from Colorado! If there is a Mrs Tim remember that the Admiral out ranks the Captain. And you will need to make her part of the dream, or you will wake up fast. I agree with Todd...Go BIG or you'll wish you did. Just like you, I decided I was gonna buy a sailboat and sail away. I started out like others...on the net...all the time. From snowy Colorado, me and the Admiral have gone to numerous boat shows, Oakland, Miami and even Denver. We got a fantasic deal on a new 2002 Hunter 260 at Denver Boat Show last month. I saw the same boat, but a 2003, with less options, for about $15,000 more then I paid in Denver at the Miami Show in Feb 2003(that still does included Florida sales tax and comm). I think I got real lucky, but I also did lots and lots of homework, too. I got 100% financing, no $ down, and no payments till June. How could one say no? The room on a hunter 240 does not compare to what you get the the 260. The two feet is the difference from having an enclosed head, and no head at all. The head was a must for the Admiral! I would have no fear in coastal cruising the H260 and the idea of leaving all that water ballast behind is the whole point in a trailerable boat. As far as all "production boats" go, I don't think that there is too much difference. What is important, is that you like the boat and it fits your needs. One thing I will say is that with every choice you get to make, there is and equal sacrifice. If I wanted to race and go fast, I would have brought a "stinkpot". BLUESKIES & HIGHTIDES...rb...redbeard58@sbcglobal.net

 

[nick maggio]

bigger

I was sailing hobie cats and wanted bigger and more comfort started looking at 240&260 and said no more trailering than looked at 280 hunter and I was sailing my 290 all last season and it was our best decision we ever made we love it ,we are talking bigger 340 or 356 in three yeas when we retire,good luck sailing your boat.

 

[tom b]

a catalina of course.....

that should get some more responses for ya...good luck.. i like that retiring idea...

 

[Robert]

MacGregors are nice.....

Hey Tim,I'm from Ville Platte and I spent 14 years working offshore on production platforms. I know what you mean when you say you enjoy boating and the BIG POND. Anyway, everyone here has given you excellent info. My first boat was a MacGregor 26S. I've been on Catalinas, a fine boat also. Used boats in this size range are reasonable as for as price, and can be used for what you are thinking about doing, but be carefull. If the bug bites too hard, you may wind up dreaming of a circumnavigation. That's what happened to us. My wife and I will be retiring early, in about 5 more years, then off we go! We are starting to look at bluewater vessels in the 30-32 ft. range already.I think you will enjoy sailing and I have met some truely inspiring and wonderful sailors.Good luck and good sailing.Robert.