First sailboat?

Clyder

Clyder

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I'm thinking of converting from power to sail, and would like some advice please.

I would like a 30ft boat that would be easy to handle and forgiving. I've been looking at a couple of Sadler 29's and a Hummingbird 30. What do you guys think? Am I in the right ball park or am I aiming way too high? I've owned various power craft from 14ft to 23ft and have 7 years coastal experience on the Clyde.
 
Good questions from Magic.... you'd be well advised to do an 'introduction to sailing' type of course.... its easy to get yourself in a pickle if you don't have the basics, like which ways you can sail, and how to set the sail correctly.... you will have a headstart knowing the local water though....

But aside from that, the Sadler would be an excellent first boat.... fun to sail, excellent performance, and very seaworthy...
 
Sorry jumped the gun /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I've booked up with Sunsail for the RYA Coastal Skipper course, as has the wife. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
you might also look at a westerly Konsort. Good solid construction (apart from maybe headlining droop), reliable, about the same price with LOTS of room inside and good performance.

Derek
 
Welcome aboard, you could do a lot worse than a Trapper 500/501. 27ft 6inches of pure safe pleasure. Loads of space, pretty quick, viceless and a very good association. Also about half the price of others mentioned. If you are 2 plus 1 child excellent. 3/4 adults for the day comfortable, any longer you start playing musical bags. We are 3 adults in our syndicate and our saloon forms part of the sleeping arrangements, so every night bags are moved around the place. As we journey more it is becoming an issue that we shall have to address, but the learning in the interim has been fantastic. If you can, spend at least a night on board you intended purchase, with the full amount of your crew and their kit.
 
[ QUOTE ]
"requires 600nM" ? Surely "suggests" or "advises" ?
AFAIK the RYA doesn't check up on this.

[/ QUOTE ] I wrote "requires" because that's what I meant.

You're right that nobody whose sailing experience was a FEW miles short would be failed but Coastal Skipper isn't a course for those who've never set foot in a sailing boat before. A basic course in sailing keelboats would be a good choice. And then "own-boat tuition when you buy the yacht.
 
I think you've picked a couple of good 'uns. I was told that you should always get the biggest boat you can afford, she'll only seem too big to handle for the first half hour, but that was then not many people aspired to anything bigger than 35'. I would always recommend my own class of boat as being the most wonderful craft money could buy, but I recognise that if you (and missus?) have got used to the luxury of a motor boat then the privations brought on in a MAB ("Manky Auld Boat") compared to an AWB ("Average White Boat") might be too much to bear. The Sadler is the only one I'm vaguely familiar with and she doesn't fall into either category, just a nice looking boat that sails well, but the best way is just to go out and look at as many boats in your length/price bracket.
 
I dont know what your budget is but if you can stretch to it, take a look at a Hallberg 31. We recently bought a 1996 example as our first boat and, so far, have been absolutely delighted.

She is very forgiving, handles with ease in marinas, has a very comfortable motion and in a blow heels progressively rather than immediately scaring the pants off of everyone!

If you want any more info feel free to drop me a PM

Mark
 
To extrapolate a bit.

The sailing miles do make a difference. The other students, let alone the instructor, will soon spot a lack of experience.

It comes down to the way you "Feel" the wind and sail trim and just know what you should be paying particular attention to in differing conditions.

Having said that......You'll probably 'Kick Ass' during manouvering under engine /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Being a <font color="blue">"Cross Over"</font> Clayden I guess you have already covered the relevant shore based courses.

The thing is, at this level of competancy you would be expected to go "sailing" in almost any conditions. Don't scare yourself or SWMBO, <font color="red"> THIS IS MOST IMPORTANT </font>.


Before I annoy you let me point out that I have done exactly what you propose.

The way I did it?......

After 20ish years of mobo, fishing and pleasure on other peoples boats, I decided to go to sail. (Loads of reseasons)

1. Define objectives.

2. <font color="red">FOUND THIS FORUM </font>. Thanks People.

3. Undrtook yacht master ocean, shore based course. Enjoyed it.

4. Whilst '3.' was under progress passed RYA dhingy L1 and L2. (One weekend).
(SWMBO failed this despite years on her Dads mobo).

5. Finished YO so we went on a "Villa Flottila Holiday" on a moody 31S in the Ionian. Four days keelboat tuition (RYA Keel boat L2. SWMBO failed this too ) and a few days to explore. Then 1 week on flot'.

6. Rya Dhingy L3 (Spinaker on a 16'). SWMBO did not attend this one.

7. Bought my own 31' fin keel.

8. She is still teaching me.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif


On the Ionian holiday it became apparent that SWMBO hated any appreciable angle of heel. So it transpires that we use the iron mainsail more than the "Purists" would like.

So What.......
.
.
.
.
.
.
Go for it......... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

<font color="red">I LOVE MY LONGBOW </font>

Dave.
 
I'd never advise getting a bigger boat than you know you can find the crew for; perhaps 29ft is Ok for an experienced skipper and a novice crew, but I'd advise getting some sailing miles in before even thinking about chosing a sailboat for yourself.

A week's Day skipper course isn't nearly enough. The practical CC and then DS might make sense tho' especially with your Mobo experience.

No I'd still reccommend some crewing after further consideration. The Sadler's a nice boat tho'.
 
Further thoughts.....

First learn to sail, then chose your boat, not that there's anything wrong with the Sadler.

Never mind the Coastal skipper....RYA level 2 dingy....a good cheap introduction to getting the best out of the wind, learning the ropes etc...then sail as crew for a friend .....then if it's for you...go for the boat you like....
 
First learn to sail, then chose your boat, not that there's anything wrong with the Sadler.

Never mind the Coastal skipper....RYA level 2 dingy....a good cheap introduction to getting the best out of the wind, learning the ropes etc...then sail as crew for a friend .....then if it's for you...go for the boat you like....
 
Thanks for the advice....Oh, and I checked my course it's not Coastal its a day skippers course...thats strong drink for you. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Thanks for the info. I now have LOTS to consider before shelling out my wad. Thanks.
 
Even if your course is Day Skipper rather than Coastal you will be expected to be a reasonably competent sailor on all points of sail. Suggest you book in for a few sailing lessons (dinghy or yacht) before you go.
 
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