Anyone short handed want to show a sail newbie how it's done..

[Seajet]

I offered a go on my A22 as she has a decent sized cockpit and goes well, so a taster for sailing.

I was going to leave the power shower, double oven, dishwasher and bath to the smartarses we'd overtaken on the way

 

[Greenheart]

If the OP is serious about switching to sail, it's worth him looking at the rather rare type of sailing yachts which permit a degree of motor-boat comfort and versatility.

I think the popular fin-keeled open-cockpit sloop is in many respects a very poor way to 'sell' sailing to newbies, in the shallow waters and variable weather of the English Channel.

I'm continuously surprised by the rarity of sailing yachts with interior steering positions, and with adjustable draft. There's no need to tell me that the additional windage of a high coachroof and the superior weatherliness of a deep fin, are the reasons for this...but considering how frequently designers make big compromises in their yachts' performance aspect, it's odd that the comfort of an indoor helm (and the significantly longer season which that permits) and the ability to anchor in waist-deep water, are so unusual.

If I had a motor boat, I'd really enjoy the freedom to blast upwind, dry out without the boat lying on her ear, and (assuming I'd chosen a boat with non-Mediterranean design cues) I'd enjoy being able to steer her in my pyjamas during cold, drenching weather.

I'm sure many motor-boaters' incomprehension at sailing men's tolerance of deep discomfort, stems from our readiness to steer outdoors in grim weather, and to restrict ourselves to narrow deep-water channels and limited anchorage areas.

So if a motor-boater is planning to switch to sail, he'd be well advised to look at yachts whose design errs on the roomy, comfortable side rather than towards performance...because while it's easily possible to love a fast, sleek sloop simply because of its purity, that taste isn't likely to originate mainly from a dislike for high fuel bills. A motor-boater who is dropped into the very noticeable inconveniences of a performance sailboat, is likely to revert to power very quickly.

 

[Seajet]

Isn't a sailing boat with all that going to be VERY expensive ?!

I've not come across a boat with a deck saloon / pilot house yet where one could keep a decent 360 degree lookout; better to spend the money on top class waterproofs and a proper boat !

 

[Greenheart]

I daresay you're right Andy, but I'm equally sure that the fun which is possible aboard a sailing-boat recedes instantly in the eyes of motor-boaters, if steering necessarily involves donning layers of expensive clothing in order to stay outside in dismal weather, being deluged!

I think their resounding response would be "why would you want to do that to yourself?" I mean, I like picnics in the warm sun, but if it rains, I don't enjoy picnicking in a raincoat.

The tragedy of wheelhouse cruisers is how rotten most of them look, and how stodgy the performance is aboard the ones which look appealing, in their hefty traditional way.

But if a motor-boater accepts the low speeds of a displacement sailboat, I reckon he'll be happier aboard one which doesn't require uncompromising discomfort & inconvenience.

I suppose in effect, the wheelhouse sailboat has a flying-bridge and interior helm...whereas most sloops just have an unsheltered flying bridge. So..."sir will also need these costly waterproofs..." ...I can't see that being a popular choice - like slicing the roof off your car then expecting to enjoy using it, wide open, regardless of the weather.

...if the gent in question already loves sailing, it won't be necessary to persuade him of the appeal of an open-cockpit boat. But if he's used to an inside helm, he'll miss it when it's gone.

I reckon the same applies to shallow draft. Even poor-performance sailboats can make some upwind progress; but paying for better upwind power by accepting the impracticalities of a deep fin keel will seem a very high price to pay, to a non-sailing man.

Maybe the OP should look at catamarans? I often think many of them answer most of my criticisms of more popular monohulls - not perfectly, but well worth considering one.

 

[Lucky Duck]

The Moody Eclipse range does a reasonable job of meeting that criteria.

One of our club members cruised his Eclipse 38 extensively but has now moved over to the "dark" side

 

[Greenheart]

The Moody Eclipse range does a reasonable job of meeting that criteria.

Always quite admired the Westerly Riviera 35, myself...acceptable windage, available with bilge keels for drying out upright, interior helm, and two double cabins each with a loo.

 

[wipe_out]

dancrane,
You make a valid point.. I guess in this instance it's fortunate that I am coming from an open express cruiser rather than a full blown flybridge motorboat..
Of course even on the open express cruiser we can put the bimini up, zip on the front, sides and back and sit in the full canopy.. I'm guessing full canopies are not an option on sail boats in the rain?

 

[photodog]

Geez, you guys!

We came from power, and I just don't recognise a lot ofthe cobblers talked here.

Expensive clothes; we still use the same clothes that we bought when we had our powerboat...
Blocks and sheets; I have bought 3 blocks in 9 years...
Need a bigger sail boat than power; we went from a 35 foot power boat to a 31 foot yacht. I expect if the op is in a 26 foot power boat a modernish 30 foot yacht will offer more space and accomodation than he needs.
Fuel is the only difference in cost; cobblers.. Fuel is a lot more for a power boat, but the depreciation is also a huge one. Bought properly a yacht will show little or no depreciation over a decade.

Bought properly you can enjoy a yacht for a considerable time with no exceptional costs... Get something with decent sails, and that has been well serviced.

The op should go out and do a day skipper course, and then do some charters. Then look for something around 30 feet and circa 1999-2001 vintage from a reputable builder.. Ergo, beneteau, Jennaue, or Bavaria.

Spend 40k.

Job done.

 

[photodog]

dancrane,
You make a valid point.. I guess in this instance it's fortunate that I am coming from an open express cruiser rather than a full blown flybridge motorboat..
Of course even on the open express cruiser we can put the bimini up, zip on the front, sides and back and sit in the full canopy.. I'm guessing full canopies are not an option on sail boats in the rain?

Don't try to replace a powerboat with some ******* combo sail power thing.

Get a decent normal yacht...sailing is different from power, it brings different pleasurers. Abandon all hope ye who enter here.

 

[Grumpybear]

Geez, you guys!

We came from power, and I just don't recognise a lot ofthe cobblers talked here.

Expensive clothes; we still use the same clothes that we bought when we had our powerboat...
Blocks and sheets; I have bought 3 blocks in 9 years...
Need a bigger sail boat than power; we went from a 35 foot power boat to a 31 foot yacht. I expect if the op is in a 26 foot power boat a modernish 30 foot yacht will offer more space and accomodation than he needs.
Fuel is the only difference in cost; cobblers.. Fuel is a lot more for a power boat, but the depreciation is also a huge one. Bought properly a yacht will show little or no depreciation over a decade.

Bought properly you can enjoy a yacht for a considerable time with no exceptional costs... Get something with decent sails, and that has been well serviced.

The op should go out and do a day skipper course, and then do some charters. Then look for something around 30 feet and circa 1999-2001 vintage from a reputable builder.. Ergo, beneteau, Jennaue, or Bavaria.

Spend 40k.

Job done.

Absolutely spot on. And while you are at it, ignore the fanatics who want to divert a simple discussion onto the everlastingly recycled dead ground of crying up their own boats and crying down everyone else's.

 

[lustyd]

looking at something like £600 in fuel alone for the return trip..

2 years ago we went Chichester to Weymouth and back on my dads 29ft mobo. That cost £150 in diesel and is a similar distance to a cross channel trip. As I said, wrong boat or poor driving. There are motor boats which are reasonable to cruise in. I'm really not trying to put you off I promise, hopefully you'll enjoy sailing. I assume you're on a mooring which you can put a bigger boat on with a keel for same money? That was what I was getting at with the size, in a marina you'll add a fair bit for 10ft!

 

[Greenheart]

Wipe_Out has said that his powerboat was open anyway, so the open-cockpit issue doesn't arise - he's not used to being able to shut horrid weather outside.

Photodog, your objection to motor-sailors must echo the thoughts of keen sailors everywhere. The trouble is that motor-boaters who consider turning to sail to escape a large motoryacht's need for fuel, aren't necessarily keen sailors yet...so a design which plunges them into unaccustomed discomfort, slow progress and limited ability in shallow water, may not seem like something they'd choose to do for pleasure!

I hope Wipe_Out decides sailing is fun for its own sake, not only as an alternative to whopping fuel bills.

I'll never want a motorboat, I don't need convincing of the virtues of pure sailing. But I reckon I could be talked into buying a boat with an indoor helm. Or a centreboard, or both.

View attachment 36187

 

[colhel]

Thanks all for the offers.. I guess Seajet was spot on that my timing was a bit off..

Onesea, I may take you up on the offer.. As I mentioned I will be going to Bournemouth and back quite a bit over the next few months so if I can steal a day perhaps we can do something..

We're in Cobbs Quay if you fancy a go. Only 23 ft though, but in service through the Winter

 

[Tomahawk]

I suggest going down to the local yacht club and blagging a lift on a racing yacht for the forstbite series... Owners are always looking for keen crew. If you are reliable, turn up and learn, you will always get a seat on board. Just being out on the water will learn you a lot.

 

[Plevier]

Wipe_out
I sail a typical 32ft AWB from Shoreham and will be taking part in the club's races most Sundays until Christmas. (What is this "lay up" business?) PM me your contact details if you'd like to have a go I'm bound to be short handed sometimes!

 

[ip485]

I can do eastbourne. Pm me if you are interested. Pretty much weekends.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

Why not bite the bullet and do a skippered charter or even a flotilla sail somewhere nice and warm?

 

[Uricanejack]

Geez, you guys!

We came from power, and I just don't recognise a lot ofthe cobblers talked here.

Expensive clothes; we still use the same clothes that we bought when we had our powerboat...
Blocks and sheets; I have bought 3 blocks in 9 years...
Need a bigger sail boat than power; we went from a 35 foot power boat to a 31 foot yacht. I expect if the op is in a 26 foot power boat a modernish 30 foot yacht will offer more space and accomodation than he needs.
Fuel is the only difference in cost; cobblers.. Fuel is a lot more for a power boat, but the depreciation is also a huge one. Bought properly a yacht will show little or no depreciation over a decade.

Bought properly you can enjoy a yacht for a considerable time with no exceptional costs... Get something with decent sails, and that has been well serviced.

The op should go out and do a day skipper course, and then do some charters. Then look for something around 30 feet and circa 1999-2001 vintage from a reputable builder.. Ergo, beneteau, Jennaue, or Bavaria.

Spend 40k.

Job done.

+1. I am a convert from power.
A sailing course is an excellent way to get an introduction to sailing. Probabaly the best. Charter before you by is a great way to get the feel of diferent boats. The types are many and varied. who know what will suit you best.
Finacialy no form of boating makes sense.

 

[rib]

x mobo here,with a very decent yacht,in the best sailing area(Falmouth)open all hours and seasons.if you can put up with the travel,have been known to help novices.if you fancy it

 

[the-drifter]

wipe_out

I have done the exact same thing due to the cost of fuel, and yes there is a difference, sailing requires time. there is a transferable cost such as courses ect, and the boat you purchase may or may not have the kit needed for a sailboat. so there will be additional cost. you will spend only on what you need rather than have all the kit they tell you. safety first luxury later

I must say the since i have switched to sail it has been fantastic- although i miss the power a little, i enjoy the fact that you have to plan and plan again. it is no longer its a nice day lets go. its more of, it is a nice breezy day with no rain day where do you want to go, you can sail further and you can enjoy the company of others in the silence, for example and F4-5 no rain 7 hours of sailing from Poole to the solent and back, ( yes the tide times are v. important)

My boat will not be coming out of the water until Jan. so you more than welcome to come out with me, i usually go out every other weekend depending on weather. even if we were to potter around outside the Poole entrance your welcome to join. i am using this time whilst it is quiet to gain experience and understanding.
It will also allow you to know the type of boat you want in terms of layout and design, its a minefield.