What boat for a newbie solo sailor?
- Thread starter MissFitz
- Start date
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
Going a bit more modern, a Beneteau First 211 or the Jeanneau Sun 2000.
Both quite sporty and small.
By the way folks.... I have never had a sailing or navigation lesson in my life.....
Both quite sporty and small.
By the way folks.... I have never had a sailing or navigation lesson in my life.....
Lee_Shaw
Well-Known Member
Plastic folkboat derivatives are the boats of choice for newbie singlehanders, they're all much of a muchness so which one to choose would depend on how tall the prospective solo sailor is, or how cool he is.
If he's uber-cool he'll go for a Twister (tall) or a Marie Holme folkboat (midget), if he's just cool (which is quite an achievement for a midget) then a CO26, if he's completely uncool (but quite tall) he'll go for a Halcyon 27.
As I say, they're all much of a muchness sailing-wise.
If he's uber-cool he'll go for a Twister (tall) or a Marie Holme folkboat (midget), if he's just cool (which is quite an achievement for a midget) then a CO26, if he's completely uncool (but quite tall) he'll go for a Halcyon 27.
As I say, they're all much of a muchness sailing-wise.
photodog
Lord High Commander of Upper Broughton and Gunthor
[ QUOTE ]
By the way folks.... I have never had a sailing or navigation lesson in my life.....
[/ QUOTE ]
Ahhhh... yes... I was gonna add something suitably droll but decided that could be a bit of a own goal there.......
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
By the way folks.... I have never had a sailing or navigation lesson in my life.....
[/ QUOTE ]
Ahhhh... yes... I was gonna add something suitably droll but decided that could be a bit of a own goal there.......
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
mainmarine
Well-Known Member
A Leisure 17, sails like a big dinghy, we had one when the children were small enough for the four of us to sleep on for weekends. The Westerly Centaur a floating caravan by all accounts but you can soon sell it again, if it's a good one, Shrimpers and Crabbers sell well also if he doesn't take to them, not much head room.
Searush
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Thanks everyone, very helpful advice, I'll pass it on.
Searush - I've just put a pic up so I wouldn't be mistaken for a bloke! Clearly it's not working, will go look for one in a bikini...... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Whoops, sorry, not wearing me glasses. It's the name you see, now if it had been "Sea Bitch" I may have been more alert! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Tell yer mate to buy a cheap boat he likes the look of to play in. But think about where he sails & how he wants to sail. I frequent shallow water & dry out on the beach with grandkids so a bilge keeler is essential. Others like long fast passages & want a fin keeler, others want a boat that is steady on the helm & seakindly so pick a long keel. Others want trailability, others don't know if they want a mobo or yacht & get a McGregor 26 which isn't quite either /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
He should try as many boats as he can & talk to owners, most will invite you aboard & admit to what they would like to change. Very useful info. Good luck.
Thanks everyone, very helpful advice, I'll pass it on.
Searush - I've just put a pic up so I wouldn't be mistaken for a bloke! Clearly it's not working, will go look for one in a bikini...... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Whoops, sorry, not wearing me glasses. It's the name you see, now if it had been "Sea Bitch" I may have been more alert! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Tell yer mate to buy a cheap boat he likes the look of to play in. But think about where he sails & how he wants to sail. I frequent shallow water & dry out on the beach with grandkids so a bilge keeler is essential. Others like long fast passages & want a fin keeler, others want a boat that is steady on the helm & seakindly so pick a long keel. Others want trailability, others don't know if they want a mobo or yacht & get a McGregor 26 which isn't quite either /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
He should try as many boats as he can & talk to owners, most will invite you aboard & admit to what they would like to change. Very useful info. Good luck.
MissFitz
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Whoops, sorry, not wearing me glasses. It's the name you see, now if it had been "Sea Bitch" I may have been more alert! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Cheeky! I admit Sea Hound's not much of a name for a girl, but it's a fine name for a boat /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Whoops, sorry, not wearing me glasses. It's the name you see, now if it had been "Sea Bitch" I may have been more alert! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Cheeky! I admit Sea Hound's not much of a name for a girl, but it's a fine name for a boat /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
halcyon
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
if he's completely uncool (but quite tall) he'll go for a Halcyon 27.
[/ QUOTE ]
Do you mind, the Halcyon 27 has character. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
It's also a good sea boat, mine has been to America, West Indies and the Med.
Fitted with windvane steering it's also a good single hander, he could even do the Jester challenge /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Open to offers.
Brian
if he's completely uncool (but quite tall) he'll go for a Halcyon 27.
[/ QUOTE ]
Do you mind, the Halcyon 27 has character. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
It's also a good sea boat, mine has been to America, West Indies and the Med.
Fitted with windvane steering it's also a good single hander, he could even do the Jester challenge /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Open to offers.
Brian
nathanlee
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I completely agree. I was trying to ensure that a complete novice didn't think they could buy a boat & learn to sail with no understanding of the theories.
[/ QUOTE ]
And they definitely can't set off around Britain after having taught themselves like that. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Mind you, I bought a paraglider once and decided to teach myself to fly, so anything is possible, if only you have a brain and a bit of coordination... actually, that case is probably proof I don't have a brain, I suppose.
I completely agree. I was trying to ensure that a complete novice didn't think they could buy a boat & learn to sail with no understanding of the theories.
[/ QUOTE ]
And they definitely can't set off around Britain after having taught themselves like that. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Mind you, I bought a paraglider once and decided to teach myself to fly, so anything is possible, if only you have a brain and a bit of coordination... actually, that case is probably proof I don't have a brain, I suppose.
nathanlee
Well-Known Member
Oh, a leisure 17 was my first boat. Cheap, cheerful, ok for over nighters, and dead easy to sail. Not too slow either, really.
nathanlee
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Clearly it's not working, will go look for one in a bikini...... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I think this is a great idea! It's simple social colregs, and very sea(wo)manlike.
A bikini is clear markings of the vessels type and size, and if they're not flying the gold ring, then the vessel is not under command, and so safe to muster a boarding party.
Clearly it's not working, will go look for one in a bikini...... /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
I think this is a great idea! It's simple social colregs, and very sea(wo)manlike.
A bikini is clear markings of the vessels type and size, and if they're not flying the gold ring, then the vessel is not under command, and so safe to muster a boarding party.
Lee_Shaw
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Do you mind, the Halcyon 27 has character. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
It's also a good sea boat, mine has been to America, West Indies and the Med.
Fitted with windvane steering it's also a good single hander, he could even do the Jester challenge /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Open to offers.
Brian
[/ QUOTE ]
I've got one too, I love my Halcyon 27. They're not "cool" like a Twister or a Contessa 26 though. Twisters are actually superior to a H27 I reckons, but the CO26 is significantly inferior, but still cooler and more likely to command a higher price despite being less pretty and less spacious.
Do you mind, the Halcyon 27 has character. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
It's also a good sea boat, mine has been to America, West Indies and the Med.
Fitted with windvane steering it's also a good single hander, he could even do the Jester challenge /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Open to offers.
Brian
[/ QUOTE ]
I've got one too, I love my Halcyon 27. They're not "cool" like a Twister or a Contessa 26 though. Twisters are actually superior to a H27 I reckons, but the CO26 is significantly inferior, but still cooler and more likely to command a higher price despite being less pretty and less spacious.
KINGFISHER 9
Well-Known Member
What's this nonsense about needing to be a midget to sail a Folkboat? Rubbish ... what you really need is a pointed head and pointed feet !! ...
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
daveg45
Well-Known Member
my first boat is a dufour 425. Previous sailing experience was a comp crew course and a weeks charter in the med. Now clocked up 2500 miles in 14 months up and down the south coast from Falmouth to Southampton. 3 Channel crossings, force 7 round Portland bill during a 22 hour single handed trip. Over night anchoring in coves. All my sailing is single handed or with cew of very limited experience. Did the yachtmaster theory course and tought it was a a waste of money. Should be called Yacht intermediate course. Basically sailing is easy if you have the right attitude and right frame of mind. The danger of listening to othe r people is they often transmit their own fears and I found that held me back so now I try not to listen too much. As for hitting other boats once you are out of the marina you will be fine. Especially if there is any wind 'cos no one else will venture out!!!!!
BuzzFan
Well-Known Member
Hi Lucy - if you're mate has done a lot of crewing, I wouldnt call that a standing start.
learning to solo is easy in a forgiving small boat, provided you have a reliable engine, reliable furling sails, reliable autohelm etc., but quite possible in most small boats.
if he hasnt sailed dinghies, he'd benefit from a month or two in a laser - no books or training course will replace wind-reactions honed in a single handed dinghy.
if he hasnt done much pilotage & chart work yet has ambitions to wander outside chichester harbour, I'd deter him from buying a boat until he's completed at least an RYA day skipper 5 day practical course. He'll have a much better idea after such a course what will or wont suit him, it may prevent him from making an unnecessary first purchase.
re choice of boat, any popular make which is reliable (that word again!), light and either lifting/swing keel or twin keel would be my suggestion - beneteau first 24, hunter duette etc. the reason is a) mooring fees on a drying mooring will be far lower - £ 300-500 as opposed to £ 1500-2500, and when he goes aground it will matter less. an alternative might be a longkeel dayboat with cabin. If he can afford more, a twin keel small westerly would be sound choice, as they resell easily. Any of the contessa/folboat genres make great first boats if he's thinking of longer passages - seaworthy boats with long keels.
why isnt he posting on here himself?
learning to solo is easy in a forgiving small boat, provided you have a reliable engine, reliable furling sails, reliable autohelm etc., but quite possible in most small boats.
if he hasnt sailed dinghies, he'd benefit from a month or two in a laser - no books or training course will replace wind-reactions honed in a single handed dinghy.
if he hasnt done much pilotage & chart work yet has ambitions to wander outside chichester harbour, I'd deter him from buying a boat until he's completed at least an RYA day skipper 5 day practical course. He'll have a much better idea after such a course what will or wont suit him, it may prevent him from making an unnecessary first purchase.
re choice of boat, any popular make which is reliable (that word again!), light and either lifting/swing keel or twin keel would be my suggestion - beneteau first 24, hunter duette etc. the reason is a) mooring fees on a drying mooring will be far lower - £ 300-500 as opposed to £ 1500-2500, and when he goes aground it will matter less. an alternative might be a longkeel dayboat with cabin. If he can afford more, a twin keel small westerly would be sound choice, as they resell easily. Any of the contessa/folboat genres make great first boats if he's thinking of longer passages - seaworthy boats with long keels.
why isnt he posting on here himself?
aknight
Well-Known Member
A couple of observations from someone who is only just beginning to singlehand (so the experience is still fresh):
- It's less about sailing skills, assuming you have the basic minumum, as about your state of mind. You have to get past that nervous moment when you first cast off from your berth or mooring and set off on your own. Leaving and entering the berth seem to be the issues that put off most people I speak to who'd like to singlehand but won't. Certainly, once you're out and on your way everything seems simpler. If your friend has web access and clicks on the link for my blog below, he can read about my experiences first and second time out - no two people will react the same way, but I tried to record honestly how I felt, and your friend might find that helpful.
- I had a few lessons designed to prepare me for singlehanding but they were a bit unsatisfactory as the teacher tended at some point to fall prey to the temptation to hijack the lesson and turn it into a general sailing skills session. Not that my skills couldn't use some help - which doubtless prompted the instructor's behaviour - but that wasn't the point. In the end, I just convinced myself to go one day, even though I hadn't finished the course of lessons, and that was that. It might have been better to take a friend along, even of the non-sailing persuasion - I suspect they might actually sit back and let you do everything unless you ask for help.
I sail a Pandora International, bilge keeler, by the way. Very easy to singlehand.
- It's less about sailing skills, assuming you have the basic minumum, as about your state of mind. You have to get past that nervous moment when you first cast off from your berth or mooring and set off on your own. Leaving and entering the berth seem to be the issues that put off most people I speak to who'd like to singlehand but won't. Certainly, once you're out and on your way everything seems simpler. If your friend has web access and clicks on the link for my blog below, he can read about my experiences first and second time out - no two people will react the same way, but I tried to record honestly how I felt, and your friend might find that helpful.
- I had a few lessons designed to prepare me for singlehanding but they were a bit unsatisfactory as the teacher tended at some point to fall prey to the temptation to hijack the lesson and turn it into a general sailing skills session. Not that my skills couldn't use some help - which doubtless prompted the instructor's behaviour - but that wasn't the point. In the end, I just convinced myself to go one day, even though I hadn't finished the course of lessons, and that was that. It might have been better to take a friend along, even of the non-sailing persuasion - I suspect they might actually sit back and let you do everything unless you ask for help.
I sail a Pandora International, bilge keeler, by the way. Very easy to singlehand.
Last edited:
TamarMike
Well-Known Member
I keep seeing "&"s in Searushes posts, are they smilies gone wrong, am I missing something on my computer or does it mean something?
Sequoiah1
Well-Known Member
What boat for a newbie solo sailor
When i first learnt to sail single handed it was in my dads Hurley 22 (he must have been very brave, I was 15) it was great boat and though it had an internal petrol engine (Stuart Turner) that either went at full speed or nothing. I soon learnt close quarters handling techniques including sailing on and off a swinging mooring. As a first boat, unless your friend is a real performance freak a boat like this should be ideal it was three years later before I did a dayskipper course.
When i first learnt to sail single handed it was in my dads Hurley 22 (he must have been very brave, I was 15) it was great boat and though it had an internal petrol engine (Stuart Turner) that either went at full speed or nothing. I soon learnt close quarters handling techniques including sailing on and off a swinging mooring. As a first boat, unless your friend is a real performance freak a boat like this should be ideal it was three years later before I did a dayskipper course.
jhr
Well-Known Member
I wonder if it's a glitch with the software or his computer, which means that typing an ampersand symbol produces this result? I've seen it before, elsewhere, so it's obviously a common problem although I can't replicate it on here.
dukes4monny
Well-Known Member
I have sailed on a variety of yachts and have my own Jag27. I was invited out on a friends bilge keel Pandora 22 the other day and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
She's a lovely little yacht that was a delight to sail, with an outboard in a well for propulsion.
Accomodation was respectable for the size of the boat and she would be ideal for anyone single handing.
She's a lovely little yacht that was a delight to sail, with an outboard in a well for propulsion.
Accomodation was respectable for the size of the boat and she would be ideal for anyone single handing.
