Good starter sail boat?

[Concerto]

My suggestion is completely different for the OP. Moving from a mobo to sail is a complete change and some people do not find the boat heeling is something they can cope with. So why not try sailing by either joining a club and crewing with a number of owners or charter a boat to see you like it.

 

[shaunksb]

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+1 for the Jenny 29.2 Suggestion or the very similar Dufour 30 Classic. Both these boats have a 32' alternative if the OP wants a little bigger and pricier.

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[doug748]

Well I currently sail a Bav 39 around Atlantic Spain and Portugal having sailed my Bav 32 from North Wales to Portugal, so I have a fair idea how they behave. They are comfortable boats, but not, in my opinion and experience, as forgiving, as boats with a little more form and displacement.

This is simply my opinion having owned and sailed a variety of boats.

Excellent input. There are a lot of generic views on this site that are clung on to in the face of the evidence of real experience.
But I do like the Bavarias. The earlier 320 I think carried more ballast and may well suit the OP as being that much more affordable? Have you sailed the 320 Sportline?

I always think, as the others have said, that setting out to buy a dream boat without actually doing much sailing can lead to disappointment.

 

[Wansworth]

My suggestion is completely different for the OP. Moving from a mobo to sail is a complete change and some people do not find the boat heeling is something they can cope with. So why not try sailing by either joining a club and crewing with a number of owners or charter a boat to see you like it.

That's a good idea, wives especially not used to heeling can be put off

 

[Seajet]

A lot of people here seem to be suggesting silly large boats at prices above the OP's stated budget; I suggest a reality check folks.

 

[TSB240]

Following the usual forum pattern of recommending your model of boat!

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/classifieds/boats-for-sale/hanse-301.html

Seems to tick most of the ops Boxes