New to sailing

[David]

We are moving from a power boat to a sail. We are looking to retire and go full time to see the West coast snd beyound. We are looking to by a 1993 38'morgan. We know little about Sailing but cant live without the ocean and adventures to come.Please share yoyr thoughts and sugestions Thanks.

 

[Capt Ron;-)]

Start Small

David, I'll say the same as I've given for years while teaching, and to crew , and advice I recieved, and ignored.If you are loathe to buy a small yacht at first, then charter, rent or call up some delivery skippers and offer your services, all expenses are paid on these trips.This way you will get a better handle on the exact yacht for you.I like Morgans, but get a good SAMS or NAMS surveyor it is a very sound investment, and never fall 'in love' before the survey.

 

[william]

Welcome from the dark side

A big adjustment will be speed on passages, the morgan 38 will be travelling at approx. 7-8knots best, consider this while planning trips. I prefer daylight travel, so for example, a trip from the cape cod canal to newport, 40nm I'd leave at 8am to make it there at 4pm, more or less. Check your weather reports, use your charts, and enjoy yourself.

 

[Capt Ron;-)]

Island Packet Cat

David, If you decide, since you have already owned boats you have an idea what you want, to go on with a 'coastal cruising' yacht. Island Packet made 27 catamarans that fit into a standard berth, and have twin Yanmars, so they will spin on a dime like a trawler, with twin lever controls at the binnical, excellt auto-pilot, and the main furls into the mast, I not crazy about these systems, but this furler seems to work okay.I brought this one up from Mexico last year, it is slow, but I was impressed by the well appointed salon, double staterooms, adn double heads with baths & showers. Very comfortable, fuel efficient, but slow I'm afarid. For coastal cruising, we found her a great vessel, but I never recommend a cat for the ocean.

 

[David]

Good advice, Thanks

I took your advice and got a 27' Ericson to learn on and this will give my wife and I a chance to get some sailing in before we get the one we want. I only spent 8k so not a bad evestment if we dont like it. I am also taking sailing classes at Orange Coat Sailing. So far it is a dream come true. Much better than a motor yacht.