Author Topic: Any sailors here?  (Read 817 times)

Offline Dowding

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Any sailors here?
« on: February 12, 2004, 04:56:32 AM »
Me and my mate are thinking about going halves on a boat. Since we haven't even half a clue between us about what this involves in terms of where to start/learn, I thought someone here might be able to point me in the right direction. I caught the bug a few years ago sailing these 2-man catamaran things in the Carribean, but haven't had the cash until now to actually take it up.

I think it will be lake based sailing only, and I've seen lots of stuff for sale on ebay. The prices really vary, but I seem to remember a Laser would be a good start. What's the cost of ownership like? Are lessons in the basics expensive? It would have to be stored at the local lake, since neither of us have the space to keep one at home.

One day I'd like to buy a sea going boat, but that would be a long way off.
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Offline Nilsen

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« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2004, 05:10:53 AM »
Ive been sailing since i was 2.  Dont have alot of time now im afraid (visiting sick person in Bergen)...

2 tips...

1. contact your local sailing club. If they are anything like here in norway, they will give you cheap dingy lessons (yes, you should start in a small boat like a laser) and more advanced courses.

2. Dont buy a boat yet.... The club will most likley have boats for rent and when you take courses you will prolly use their boats anyway.

Ill give you some more hints when i get home.

Offline Dowding

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« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2004, 05:14:16 AM »
Cheers, Nilsen.
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Offline lasersailor184

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« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2004, 07:41:24 AM »
Quote
1. contact your local sailing club. If they are anything like here in norway, they will give you cheap dingy lessons (yes, you should start in a small boat like a laser) and more advanced courses.



A laser will destroy you.  It's a difficult sail for a newbie.


Look around to try a sunfish.  It's like a toned down laser, except it's a lot more stable.


While you can fit two people on it (my record is 8 kids), it's really a one person boat.  All two person boats are really a HUGE step up from a sunfish.



However, you could try looking for JY 15's.  They are pretty stable for a two person boat, and easy to sail.  However, it's still a lot more difficult then a sunfish.
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Offline Ripsnort

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« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2004, 07:46:13 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
A laser will destroy you.  It's a difficult sail for a newbie.


Look around to try a sunfish.  It's like a toned down laser, except it's a lot more stable.

 


...I caught the bug a few years ago sailing these 2-man catamaran things in the Carribean, but haven't had the cash until now to actually take it up.

I believe Dowding is saying he's got some experience.  A Sunfish would bore him within a day.  I learned to sail on Hobbicat by myself within a day...

Dowding, I'd personally I'd start looking in the 18-22 ft. class of boats. This will give you many years of enjoyment.

Offline lasersailor184

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« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2004, 07:49:12 AM »
Oh, lake based sailing?


Don't try anything with a round bottom.  The wind can easily do a 180 on you and it rolls a lot easier because of the round bottom.



Now that you mention it, a hobie 18 or 16 would be a decent choice.  It's rather easy, stable, fricking fast.
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Offline Ripsnort

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« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2004, 07:54:21 AM »
Yeah, Hobbicat for "Sport" sailing, fast, exciting.

"Catilina"- style boat for sport (not as fast as a Hobbi) and relaxation.

Offline Dowding

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« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2004, 07:55:16 AM »
Thanks for the advice, guys. I wouldn't say I had that much experience, but I spent pretty much the whole week on the things because it was an all inclusive resort and they were free to hire. :)

I'll check out what you guys recommended on the net.
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Offline Curval

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« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2004, 08:04:31 AM »
Sunfish are cute and fund.

My father just bought a replacement for the one that disappeared from our dock during Hurricane Fabian for the kids.

Just as well because the old one was so full of body filler from previous bashings we, and the weather, gave it that the darn thing weighed almost double what it was when we got it.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2004, 08:07:31 AM by Curval »
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Offline lasersailor184

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« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2004, 08:39:11 AM »
Hehe curval.  My grandfather has a sunfish almost exactly like that.

If you get some help, you can usually carry around a sunfish by yourself.



However, this one took 5 people who were struggling to carry it.
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Offline Otto

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« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2004, 10:57:01 AM »
Don't start with a Catamaran!   There only virtue is speed.  You want something that is stable and comfortable to sail.  Ask some knowledgeable locals what is available in your area.  Try for a 'test drive' if possible.

I've owned many sailboats.  My current is a Capri 18 and I love it!

Good luck...

Offline LePaul

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« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2004, 11:51:08 AM »
Whatever you get...check out where I work when you are ready to work on the nav-station..

http://www.thecapn.com

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« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2004, 12:46:10 PM »
I've been sailing in one form or another for about 30 years now. I've owned power boats (stink pots) but I really prefer sailing. Try and find a sailing club or association, its nice to try something and get input from people before you make that purchase. This is my current boat, she's a Catalina 320 and I bought her new in '97. If anyone would like to go for a spin durring the con just let me know.

Offline MC_Honky

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« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2004, 12:58:33 PM »
Sailing in Dallas??

Offline FUNKED1

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« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2004, 01:00:06 PM »
HARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!