What's a good child-friendly boat to sail single-handedly?

[Pete68]

Hi,

My wife and I are looking for a 30' sailboat that I can sail single-handedly (she doesn't sail) and that's child-friendly (i.e., big cockpit, companionway stairs that a four year-old could climb, etc.). We live in the New Forest and would keep the boat on the Beaulieu or in Lymington.

I was looking at a nice Verl 900 over the weekend and the owner suggested a Beneteau First 30. I haven't sailed on that one...

Any suggestions / advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Welcome.

Better posted on Scuttlebutt forum than here.

Basic answer is that just about any 30' designed for family sailing is potentially suitable for single handed sailing. It is more about how the controls are set up, the ease with which you can reduce sail area and probably the reliability of the engine. You will get all sorts of suggestions from individuals that invariably reflect either the boat they own or would like to own, so best to have a look at a wide range within your size/budget and you will quickly find which appeal. You can then ask questions about specific boats. Probably best to buy a mainstream boat that is easier to sell on and try it for a couple of years. Very few people hit the right boat for them first time as they don't have the experience to know what they they like or not.