The right boat

[Cap Erict3]

A young man that I know was out sailing today in his 3rd boat. He is a live aboard and recently upgraded from a 28' sloop to a 35' ketch. His 3rd boat is a sweet little sailing dink. A 10' sloop that points very well.

Watching him battle upwind in a narrow channel back to his slip was entertaining. He is small, quick and nimble and handled the tacking well. The winds were gusting above 20 mph and I would have likely have faired less well ducking the boom and changing sides in the many tacks. I am neither small nor nimble and would likely have capsized.

When new sailors look for recommendations for a first boat, a boat similar to his #3 is the type I think best suits someone learning to handle the wind. They are a lot easier to drag out of the mud, off of an oyster reef or a beach when the wind teaches them about a lee shore.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Cap Erict3

A young man that I know was out sailing today in his 3rd boat. He is a live aboard and recently upgraded from a 28' sloop to a 35' ketch. His 3rd boat is a sweet little sailing dink. A 10' sloop that points very well.

Watching him battle upwind in a narrow channel back to his slip was entertaining. He is small, quick and nimble and handled the tacking well. The winds were gusting above 20 mph and I would have likely have faired less well ducking the boom and changing sides in the many tacks. I am neither small nor nimble and would likely have capsized.

When new sailors look for recommendations for a first boat, a boat similar to his #3 is the type I think best suits someone learning to handle the wind. They are a lot easier to drag out of the mud, off of an oyster reef or a beach when the wind teaches them about a lee shore.

I couldn't agree more. Plus, small, responsive sailboats like that, they teach you fast, and there is less overall financial hit!

Ann

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Cap Erict3

A young man that I know was out sailing today in his 3rd boat. He is a live aboard and recently upgraded from a 28' sloop to a 35' ketch. His 3rd boat is a sweet little sailing dink. A 10' sloop that points very well.

Watching him battle upwind in a narrow channel back to his slip was entertaining. He is small, quick and nimble and handled the tacking well. The winds were gusting above 20 mph and I would have likely have faired less well ducking the boom and changing sides in the many tacks. I am neither small nor nimble and would likely have capsized.

When new sailors look for recommendations for a first boat, a boat similar to his #3 is the type I think best suits someone learning to handle the wind. They are a lot easier to drag out of the mud, off of an oyster reef or a beach when the wind teaches them about a lee shore.

I too agree. The response of the boat is immediate and so are the consequences for errors! But the thrill is immediate too. And anything that much fun is sure to get you hooked!