WARNNG : BUCKET LIST TYPE STUFF

[PapawBrett]

Retired, Widowed, and living alone (with my GSD). Been thinking about trying a little shorthanded sailing for a couple of years now. Looks like the 'thinking about' part is almost over. Supposed to get a 1993 Precision Boat Works 15' daysailer w/ trailer this coming Saturday. Looks clean online, have spoken with Broker (who also owns a second-generation boating business) repeatedly, Seller and I have agreed on price. Boat (yes, sails and lines and mast/ boom included), Trailer (Broker is putting two new trailer tires, inspecting/ greasing bearings per my request), clear titles for boat and trailer - $1900. Guessing that's acceptable for an 'old man daysailer'. First trip will be trailered three hours back home (Charlotte, NC area). Will be trailering to several lakes within an hour/ hour and1/2 from whereI live.
All New to me. Probably should looking some sailing lessons at a local marina.
Any (serious) advice and (reasonable) assistance would truly be appreciated.
Papaw

[PapawBrett]

The American Sailing Association website seems informative...
Any other sources come to mind ?

[leecea]

Any (serious) advice

1) The boom swings from side to side when making any type of maneuver and it can sometimes be unexpected. Even on a small boat it can travel quickly and with enough force to inflict a serious injury. Until you gain experience, the safest thing to do is to try and keep your head below the level of the boom whenever possible.

2) Wear a PFD (aka life jacket)

3) Be aware that if you leave your starting point with the wind behind you, sailing back will require tacking and will probably take a lot longer. Plan accordingly.

[ChrisJHC]

You can learn to operate the boat in a weekend.
You can then spend the rest of your time learning how to sail it!

Well worth investing in a basic “learn to sail” course - not sure what they’re called in the US.

[Renegde_Sailor]

The Annapolis book of seamanship is a great resource to learn from. It is what I used.

https://amzn.to/4cLvH8Y

[PapawBrett]

Originally Posted by Renegde_Sailor

The Annapolis book of seamanship is a great resource to learn from. It is what I used.

https://amzn.to/4cLvH8Y

Thanks, Ordered and should be here early next week. Appreciated !

[ohdrinkboy]

This is a great community on Lake Norman. Good place to learn on their boats. https://www.lnsailing.org/

[Renegde_Sailor]

Originally Posted by PapawBrett

Thanks, Ordered and should be here early next week. Appreciated !

Outstanding!

Also I will mention I had my German Shepherd aboard the first 6 years I had my boat until he died at 13 1/2 years old. They are amazing dogs.

Mine absolutely loved the boat. I would strongly recommend getting him a life jacket though because Sheperds as great as they are have their moments and most I have seen are not the best swimmers.