HELP!I wanna learn about sailing.

[ben2go]

I am a slow motor cruiser kind of guy.Seeing the sail boats, on here and on the web,has me interested in learning.Thing is,sailing is not popular around here because of shallows in the lakes and there small size.Can't forget all the low bridges and power lines to run a mast into.Where can I start the learning curve on the web?It would be nice to glide silently across the water.:)

[Salty Sailor]

You need to find a crew position at your local club.
Try a few different boats to crew for to get a broad stroke of sailing.
Then if you need more there are courses to learn how to sail.
A dinghy sailing club is a good place to start.

[ben2go]

You need to find a crew position at your local club.
Try a few different boats to crew for to get a broad stroke of sailing.
Then if you need more there are courses to learn how to sail.
A dinghy sailing club is a good place to start.

That's the thing.Sailing is so unpopular in my area there are no sailing clubs.The closest sailing clubs are 250+ miles away.At the present, I can't travel because of responsibilities to my family. :(

[Pernicious Atavist]

How about learning to sail a canoe? Most will sail in less than a couple feet of water, they're inexpensive, and fun! There are a couple canoe sailors in your area. Check out http://canoesailingmagazine.com, and this article: http://canoesailingmagazine.com/index.php/Issue-2/Always-the-Sailing-Canoe.html

[JimD]

You can teach yourself to sail a dinghy from a book. Honest. It's a piece of cake. I taught myself to sail from this book by David Seidman

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oqDgjextL.jpg

You'll need a boat. A beat up second hand ten foot dinghy would do but you'd probably have to buy one from ebay. New ones aren't cheap. Of course you can build one but that's a lot of work and usually more money than buying second hand.

[ishmael]

I don't know about a web source, though I'm sure the basics are available. Second the idea of buying a little boat and just going. Sunfish, Laser? A friend who knows what's what to go along would be good, but not necessary. Make it simple and easy or you'll be less likely to go. There's an almost infinate amount to learn, but you don't need much to go, sail well, be safe.

Have fun.

[kc8pql]

I second Jim and Ish. Get a book and a Sunfish (and wear a swim suit and lifejacket ;)).

[paladin]

I started with a sunfish and three years later sailed around the world....no engine, don't rely on an engine and you probably won't need it...

[rbgarr]

Yup, get/borrow a Sunfish. They are popular in the south (I sailed one in Charleston harbor for several seasons and had a great time) and use this book and the videos/dvds for guidance:http://tinyurl.com/5bavbj

Something like his might work for you: http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/936736920.html

You're very sharp to be aware of power line issues. They are absolute killers. That shouldn't be a problem with a Sunfish as long as you keeep an eye out.

[John Boone]

Good advice has been provided by the guys above. You may find some helpful info and videos at this site

http://www.sailingcourse.com/homepagehtml.htm

Good luck and happy sailing.

Regards, John

[johngsandusky]

Read the books, practice on the water. I taught myself too. Start in light breezes. Mistakes are part of learning.

[Bill R]

Been in the same position not long ago. Read the books, acquired a 12' f****glass O'Day. Learned the hard way. Got wet a lot. I owe a lot to many forumites for their advice and patience on the water with me on their boats.

I have graduated from not being able to sail at all to being the world's worst sailor...;)

Just get a PFD, a small boat and go out and do it.

[Dan McCosh]

I would just buy one of the board boats--Sunfish, Laser, or one of the knock-offs. They usually cost from a couple of hundred dollars to about a grand. A book and a day fooling around would demonstrate the basics. Around here, most of the sail clubs offer learn-to-sail programs for a fee, using the club daysailers. There also is a Youth Hostel program that has a fleet. The major advantage to the board boats is that they are highly portable, and usually are rigged by slipping the mast into a hole in the deck, which eliminates all the complexity of rigging a larger boat. They flip over, but can't sink. Cools you off on a hot day. Might even find a fleet that races within driving distance--they get together for regattas.

FWIW--I learned to sail when my dad and I installed a sailing rig on an 8 ft. pram when I was about 10 years old. Then he pushed me out into the river. Neither of us had a clue. Took a couple of days, and the Coast Guard towed me back a couple of times. (No wind and a strong current taking me to Toledo.) A few basics would have helped.

[rbgarr]

The guys at Western Carolina Sailng Club on Lake Hartwell sail Force Fives, which are slightly more forgiving that Lasers and are more suitable for carrying two people than a Sunfish if that's a need.

They are pretty active and welcoming: http://www.wcsc-sailing.org/

[Driver Mark]

http://http://www.recreation.ucla.edu/insidepage.aspx?uid=01d1df4a-cdd1-44b2-ab26-9ad489d22cdc
hope this helps it gave me the basics. Click the "sailing" link and go to the Sailing Manual.
Mark

[donald branscom]

I am a slow motor cruiser kind of guy.Seeing the sail boats, on here and on the web,has me interested in learning.Thing is,sailing is not popular around here because of shallows in the lakes and there small size.Can't forget all the low bridges and power lines to run a mast into.Where can I start the learning curve on the web?It would be nice to glide silently across the water.:)

Get Howard Chappelle's book AMERICAN
SMALL SAILING CRAFT.

That will help a lot to understand the designs of boats and why they are the way they are.

[donald branscom]

How about learning to sail a canoe? Most will sail in less than a couple feet of water, they're inexpensive, and fun! There are a couple canoe sailors in your area. Check out http://canoesailingmagazine.com, and this article: http://canoesailingmagazine.com/index.php/Issue-2/Always-the-Sailing-Canoe.html

I disagree.
Canoe's are a poor choice. They really are not made to sail. The bottom flexe's in rough water and do not have the strength.
If they get much water in them they become unstable.
Canoe's are good for quiet streams and calm small lakes.

Don't make me list all the canoe deaths.

[JimConlin]

There are videos, too. This is a good one.
http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/landfallnav_2028_109881775

Available through Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Sail/dp/6302127432)

[JimD]

Btw, you don't have to get dumped in the water a hundred times to learn to sail despite the fact that many people will claim its a prerequisite. I've never capsized a sailboat. So feel free to shop for the most stable boat you can find.

[ben2go]

The guys at Western Carolina Sailng Club on Lake Hartwell sail Force Fives, which are slightly more forgiving that Lasers and are more suitable for carrying two people than a Sunfish if that's a need.

They are pretty active and welcoming: http://www.wcsc-sailing.org/

Lake Hartwell has closed it's ramps.The lake is between 21 and 23 feet low.They are having to move the water intakes farther out in the lake to provide water for Anderson and Occonee counties.This was the first place I thought about.It's still over 2 hours away from me.

[ben2go]

Thanks guys.I got some reading to do.May just rig a mast on the ole 10 foot flat bottom jon.LMAO

[rbgarr]

AFAIK the low lake level doesn't stop the club members from sailing.

I used to drive to Lake Murray outside of Columbia (two hours or so from Charleston) to sail there with friends. It's doable on a summer weekend, especially if you have someone with a boat that offers a ride. People always looking for dependable crew and ones they can teach from scratch are valuable. Consider the crew wanted/available list on the WCSC site.

Skiiers often have to travel several hours to get to their recreation sites. Some golfers do the same (those nuts!)

Good luck whatever you decide and send pictures of yourself under sail!

[boylesboats]

Books just gonna get ya sailing in the armchair... "Armchair Sailor"
You'll be better off learn to sail in a dinghy, hands on.....
It just like this way...
Learn on tricycle first, then bicycle with training wheels and later without training wheels... Who taught you how to ride a bicycle?

[MiddleAgesMan]

The guys at Western Carolina Sailng Club on Lake Hartwell sail Force Fives, which are slightly more forgiving that Lasers

I was thinking it's the other way around. My Force 5 had 91sf of sail compared to 75sf for the Laser.

They are 15 pounds heavier, though, and having the ability to carry a second person along certainly makes them more suitable for training.

[Dan McCosh]

To learn to sail, first you should understand how the wind moves the boat, on various points of sail. Then how you know where the wind is, and whether the sails are trimmed correctly. You can read about these concepts, then try them out. That's pretty much all there is to a sailing school program.

[ben2go]

Books just gonna get ya sailing in the armchair... "Armchair Sailor"
You'll be better off learn to sail in a dinghy, hands on.....
It just like this way...
Learn on tricycle first, then bicycle with training wheels and later without training wheels... Who taught you how to ride a bicycle?

Taught myself to ride a bike.My dad died when i was little tot.

[ben2go]

To learn to sail, first you should understand how the wind moves the boat, on various points of sail. Then how you know where the wind is, and whether the sails are trimmed correctly. You can read about these concepts, then try them out. That's pretty much all there is to a sailing school program.

Bingo!This is the info I wanna know about.The mechanics of sailing.How does the wind act on the sail in a head wind or cross wind?I think I grasp the concept of a tail wind catching in the sail and pushing it forward.

[rbgarr]

I was thinking it's the other way around. My Force 5 had 91sf of sail compared to 75sf for the Laser.

They are 15 pounds heavier, though, and having the ability to carry a second person along certainly makes them more suitable for training.

I may be dancing on pinheads but I could tack the F5 more confidently and keep the boat right side up more easily than the Laser, especially when gybing downwind in stronger winds. I think it was because the boom set a little bit higher and I didn't have to duck as much. The F5 Junior rig has 62 sq ft sail area.

In any case it sounds like ben2go has his answers.

F5
http://i38.tinypic.com/2psrv3a.jpg

Laser
http://i36.tinypic.com/6z583s.jpg

[ben2go]

That looks fun.Little scary seeing the gunnel that close to the water and hangin off the other side.I know he's holding a line with his feet and left hand.

[ishmael]

Learning that a sail is a wing was one of my ah ha moments. Maybe fifteen years old. It's an airfoil, and moves the boat because of lift. The lift is in various degrees, but never comes from directly ahead. The lift comes from the faster movement of the air across the leeward side. This creates low pressure and lift. It's the same principle as an airplane wing. The lateral resistance of the hull makes this possible. And when you are reaching or running it's not there. The wind is pushing you then. You get close to about 43 degrees and it just don't lift anymore. The sail luffs, meaning it's no longer a wing, but a useless rag hanging on a spar. You can learn that, directly, on just about any boat.

Good recs here. A small boat that gives you a real feel of how this dance works. They can be had for very reasonable prices.

[Dan McCosh]

Bingo!This is the info I wanna know about.The mechanics of sailing.How does the wind act on the sail in a head wind or cross wind?I think I grasp the concept of a tail wind catching in the sail and pushing it forward.

I think the books listed in this thread explain the mechanics. In our classes, we use a big model boat with a sail, and a fan, to demonstrate. I tried looking at Howstufworks.com, but it seemed way to complicated. Might try searching for other web sites.

[rbgarr]

It's alot of fun, especially in warm southern waters!

[ben2go]

Learning that a sail is a wing was one of my ah ha moments. Maybe fifteen years old. It's an airfoil, and moves the boat because of lift. The lift is in various degrees, but never comes from directly ahead. The lift comes from the faster movement of the air across the leeward side. This creates low pressure and lift. It's the same principle as an airplane wing. The lateral resistance of the hull makes this possible. And when you are reaching or running it's not there. The wind is pushing you then. You get close to about 43 degrees and it just don't lift anymore. The sail luffs, meaning it's no longer a wing, but a useless rag hanging on a spar. You can learn that, directly, on just about any boat.

Good recs here. A small boat that gives you a real feel of how this dance works. They can be had for very reasonable prices.

Being a former pilot and line service guy,I can relate to lift, like on a wing of an aircraft.

[rbgarr]

In truth, the air does not move faster across the leeward side. In fact it's best to slow it down there especially in combination with a jib, i.e., there's no 'slot effect' as commonly thought of. Sit in the 'slot' sometime and you'll see that the air there is practically calm.

What cause sails to work is very different and more difficult to visualize. See the explanation by Tom Whidden (former president of North Sails) in this book: http://tinyurl.com/5zpf5j
(http://tinyurl.com/5zpf5j)

[MiddleAgesMan]

In sailing the "wing" is adjustable so you can present it at the correct angle to the wind. The angle of attack is controlled by the boom which is controlled by the sheet (rope or line) in your hand. Pull on the sheet to bring the boom in (to sail closer to the wind) and let it out to sail further away from the wind.

As you can imagine a boat won't sail directly into the wind; about 45 degrees to the wind is the norm. This means you have a 90 degree window of impossibility but the boat will sail on any other point around that circle, through about 270 degrees. If you have enough speed/inertia you can turn the boat directly head to wind briefly but your momentum needs to be enough to continue past head-to-wind at which point you set a new course 45 degrees to the wind in the new direction--BTW, you've just tacked.

Another thing it's good to know is how to sail dead downwind, a point of sail when the sail is no longer a wing--it's just something to catch the wind and move you along with it. When you can get the sail to act as a wing you'll go faster than dead down wind.

Now get out there and give it a shot! :)

[MiddleAgesMan]

One more thing--without a keel or centerboard the wind will just push most small boats sideways regardless of how the sail is set. You need all of the centerboard when going into the wind, maybe a little less on a broad reach then less again as you approach dead down wind at which point the centerboard has no lift effect and it just slows you down. Speaking of centerboards, they are foils, too, working in water instead of air.

[ben2go]

This is what I'd like to eventually learn to do.I understand I gotta crawl before I walk. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDToL593cmU

[ben2go]

Oh,forgot to mention.I just went thru this site, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing ,I pretty much understand everything.However reading isn't experiencing it first hand.I also did a little reading on dinghy sailing.

[rbgarr]

And between crawling and walking these kinds of things happen:D: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JATSpxlB3uE

[Chip-skiff]

Rather than struggle with a new craft, a do-it-yourself learning curve and no local water, take a vacation to someplace with good sailing and enroll in a course. A week or two will make a great difference in your knowledge, ability, and confidence.

You can study and be obsessive— it's good to know the jargon— but the best thing is to get out on the water with a firm grip on the tiller and mainsheet.

That is, your body has to learn how to sail, along with your mind.

[Scot]

OMG... nobody has yet suggested The WoodenBoat School? It's one heckuva nice way to learn to sail, and with a variety of boats, and toppity-notch instructors.

http://www.thewoodenboatschool.com/seamanship.php

-Scot

[JimD]

Oh,forgot to mention.I just went thru this site, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing ,I pretty much understand everything.However reading isn't experiencing it first hand.I also did a little reading on dinghy sailing.

Then its time to find a cheap boat and put the theory to practice. They say it takes a few hours to learn to sail and a lifetime perfecting it. Bon voyage.

[boylesboats]

Taught myself to ride a bike.My dad died when i was little tot.

Nobody taught me to ride a bike either...
You can teach yourself sailing same way... Just get yourself a small dinghy with sailing rig, put on USCG approved class I or II PFD..

Just some reading, learn about wind behaviour, know more how to tack or jibe... You'll be fine... It'll be fun, but you will get wet... guarantee... It'll be better in warmer water...
The reason I mentioned dinghy with sailing rig.. Just in case you get "knocked down".. Dinghy is much easier to right by single sailor...

A jon boat is poor choice for sailing rig...

A small catboat like a "Beetle Cat" can be joy to sail, many experienced sailors honed their skill on a Beetle Cat...

[watson1990]

While I was you ,not too long ago, I am now a fairly decent sailor.
I grew up on one of the largest lakes in the east and , at 14, I always had my own ski boat and a 20' daysailor.[ yes ,I was one of the fortunate ones]
I decided that I wanted to learn what the rest of the world called "that thing" not just what we 3 brothers called it so in 2001,at the age of 50, I enrolled in a class in the British Virgin Islands. You don't need to go to that extreme but it sure was fun . after 2 weeks and about 3 grand I knew what everybody called everything, but I also understood the mechanics of sail...Broad reach,beam reach, gybe, [how about a chicken gybe??? ] P.S. ...take an ASA course !! nothing else ...they are great and when you get your "ticket "from them ,it means something.
after two weeks and only coming to the home docks once,I learned so much that I felt very confident . I honestly knew that i could handle MOST of what mother nature might send my way, in that particular theatre...i.e. the Sir Francis Drake Channel.My first bareboat charter [which is me as captain and no one else from the company aboard ,only friends taking care of the sheets and grabbing mooring balls at the Bitter end yacht club [ do a google search on that one !!! wow !!]my first charter was a brand new benneteau 47' ! thats where i started !
I am telling you this not to brag...really ... but to show you what a good "foundation in sailing" can do for you.I truly don't expect to meet any of the folks here on this web site ,,maybe one or two at Gritty's for a beer now and again but not much more

I am now invited , phone calls asking me if I could make it , for the annual "International Rolex Regatta" in St Thomas this coming March , right after that is the
B.V.I. Spring festival and then 3 more days with the B.V.I. Spring Regatta..about 15 or so days of racing.

I tell you this only because i want you to know that if you get a GOOD SOLID FOUNDATION in the principals of sailing ,backward and forward, you can have one HELL OF A BALL.
I would look around at the different marinas in your area , or even the "continueing adult education programs" .Read everything you can written by Hal Roth and don't worry about what you have for a sailboat [within reason] just get something that floats more often than not ,,,and GO SAIL. yeah ,you might look like an ass but from what you say ,there ain't any sailors in your area so they won't know if you are doing it right or wrong...plus ,,,Who gives a rats a$$ what they think..you aren't going sailing for them ...its all about you ....and this time ......its okay !The only thing that is important is that you do it!
Watson

[rbgarr]

Has anyone (on the Forum here) taken an Elements of Seamanship course at WB? The description Scot linked makes them sound like an ideal way and place to learn, very popular and scheduled frequently.

I'm embarrassed to say that whenever I've been to WB for a visit or session I haven't noticed or come across people there for an Elements course. Not in the dorms, camping or mealtimes! I take every chance I can to use boats on the waterfront too. I've always thought that the others on the water are kind of like me or playing hooky from their scheduled class to get some sailing or rowing in on an irresistible afternoon. I'm convinced the 'rock garden' off the eastern tip of Babson Island is the site of The Holy Grail.

What classrooms do the sailing courses use? I've only seen/taken classes in the old stable building and boathouse loft where the fireplace is.

The Havens and 12/12s with an instructor in with you sounds like the best way to learn possible. Fabulous boats... and without an instructor or solo, very forgiving,

And now that I see Paul Gartside's Skylark is in the fleet it gives me a fresh reason to get up there!! My mission "should I choose to accept it" is to compare the Skylark's sailing feel with a Beetle cat's.

http://i34.tinypic.com/14c6srk.jpg

[ben2go]

That's a lot of info.I have been looking into a sailing school at Lake Murray down in Columbia,SC.It's about 2.5 hours south of me.It's an ASA approved course.I've tried to find a small sail boat close by(with in a few hours drive),but so far I have only found one.It's around 18' very small cabin cruiser with a beam of around 6'.It appears to be a fibergl@$$.It has sat in the same place since I was a kid.They keep it washed down,but never use it.Maybe I'll make them an offer after some more research.I'll try to get a pic monday, when I take the kids to school.When I say small cabin,I mean you have to crawl inside of it.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I think the books listed in this thread explain the mechanics. In our classes, we use a big model boat with a sail, and a fan, to demonstrate. .......

The classic way to learn about the mechanics of sailing is to go sail a dinghy - but that's not the only way.

There are some very active model sailboat clubs - the principles, and indeed the racing rules, are the same.

Worth googling some dark evening.

[ChaseKenyon]

In learning sailing and the art of wind usage to go where you want in timely fashion You will go through the levels ability fairly fast if you study and practice even just in you mind. So as someone who ran a successful Sailing school in Winsted,Ct for several years on a skinny 2.5 mile long lake I would recommend a boat you can grow into. I used to race sunfish and super sunfish in JH and HS. All you can learn about sailing on them is limited by the intentionally limited control variables they present you. They are intended for the permanent novice sailor.

My best teaching boat was an HOD. If someone truly mastered all aspects of the boat they could sail a 30 ft. cruising boat just as well. Yet at the same time the HOD (Hampton One Design) could be single handed as a leisurely day sail picnic outing boat.

From where you live it would be an easy weekend jaunt to go up to Virginia Beach and/or Hampton to pick one up. If you don't need fancy and are willing to do a little bit of tlc you can get a nice one with decent sails and a trailer that is serviceable for around $800 to $1500.

It is the strictest one design class in the country so you can not get a dog just because it is an older boat. Check it out and contact or call me if you wish.

http://www.shorenet.net/hamptonone/intro.htm


hope you like it. You can also go to the library or have a library loan get you the issues of Wooden Boat magazine with feature articles on the HOD.


Chase:D

603-938-5282

[Dan McCosh]

The classic way to learn about the mechanics of sailing is to go sail a dinghy - but that's not the only way.

There are some very active model sailboat clubs - the principles, and indeed the racing rules, are the same.

Worth googling some dark evening.


I was only referring to the shore part of the class. We teach in Flying Scots. The Adult Learn to Sail program has about 35 students a year, out of which we are averaging about two marriages a season.

[ChaseKenyon]

Oh BTW they are very shallow draft about 8 inches with the pivoting centerboard and rudder up. Here is a good deal of info:

could not get a working link here (http://http//www.shorenet.net/hamptonone/sailahampton.htm)

On the above link check the specifications link and the why sail a Hampton links. These boats can fly. With a 500lb fully rigged weight, and 175 sq. ft. of sail you can get them up on a plane with just a good steady light breeze. It is a boat you can grow into and has the assoc. for help learning. You also are on this forum so I might assume you could even build your own. I own no 173. A very old boat with a double diamond set of mast stays with running back stays, plus all the down hauls and such. I have raced Fastnet, Dragons, Solings, 507s, I14s, and many others, and still my favorite sailboat is the HOD.

Chase:)

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I was only referring to the shore part of the class. We teach in Flying Scots.

I had surmised as much - and I still say that model sailing is a fine learning format.



The Adult Learn to Sail program has about 35 students a year, out of which we are averaging about two marriages a season.

See - it's a dangerous game - a one in nine chance of getting married..

How many divorces?

[Dan McCosh]

I had surmised as much - and I still say that model sailing is a fine learning format.



See - it's a dangerous game - a one in nine chance of getting married..

How many divorces?

So far, none. The adult class tends to attract singles, and women outnumber the men about 2-1. I think it's about equal to a coin laundromat or the produce section in the grocery story as a pickup spot.
The class is open to all, and has become an avenue to add membership to the sailing club as well. We also run a juniors program, starting at about age seven, through high school.

[rbgarr]

I have been looking into a sailing school at Lake Murray down in Columbia,SC.It's about 2.5 hours south of me.It's an ASA approved course.I've tried to find a small sail boat close by(with in a few hours drive),but so far I have only found one.

Maybe wait until after you try those lessons? Who knows, sailing might not be to your liking after all.

[JimD]

... it's a dangerous game - a one in nine chance of getting married..


That's only a 50% better chance than playing Russian roulette with a six gun. You'd have to be crazy or desperate to take odds like that.

[Dan McCosh]

That's only a 50% better chance than playing Russian roulette with a six gun. You'd have to be crazy or desperate to take odds like that.


Hey! This group started out as something called the "Sailing Singles".
A friend of mine, a former member, (until he found his true love there), claimed that as a boat owner, he often went out sailing, and the crew handled the boat while he reclined in the cockpit, while some fed him grapes....

[Chip-skiff]

Trouble with those 18-ft. glass trailersailers is that you need help to step the mast (and if it has a keel rather than a centerboard) a deep-water launch ramp. Plus they're heavy. So you need a hefty vehicle to trailer one.

A light dinghy or skiff, 15 ft. or less, with an unstayed mast and a dead-simple rig (leg-o-mutton, lug, etc.) will be easy to launch and sail, giving you the freedom to concentrate on learning the fine points of wind, steering, and trimming.

To find a decent wood boat at a decent price, the best all-around resource is probably Craig's List, if you don't mind scrolling through a lot of dross. I checked the local (Denver) list for over a year before a nice little wood skiff showed up, with a good trailer, for $850. There were quite a few deals on f-glass boats, but I really wanted a woodie that I could work on. And, yea, it came to pass. . .

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2866161043_80b5b37635.jpg?v=0

[rbgarr]

he often went out sailing, and the crew handled the boat while he reclined in the cockpit, while some fed him grapes....

Sounds like the thing for Jamie. Oh wait, he's got the reclining and grape-feeding thing down pat already.

Never mind.

[ben2go]

I'm werkin on a pic of the boat I mentioned.It's pulled by a small SUV.I can't tell if it's a keel boat or if it has a dagger board.It kind of reminds me of Duckworks i550.

[Tylerdurden]

I came from a long background of power and finances put an end to that. I prefer live aboard style boats instead of dingy's and sunfish "wet" boats so I built a Stevenson weekender. The mast can be constructed to easily fold over and the draft is reasonable. Later I built a larger version called the vacationer as I needed more room for the kids.
All this was inland sailing as both boats are not suited for outside protected waters. That is a good start for someone such as yourself as the getting "wet" is fun for kids and those that are into it but a lot of us are not. A simple 2 to 5 hp out board will get you home when you get frustrated or conditions are working against your experience.
I was still nervous when I moved up to an ocean boat but that falls away quickly when you get out there. Good luck and have fun.

[RFNK]

It's a pretty funny thread this one but I don't think too many people have actually helped this poor bloke much! Paladin says he sailed a Sunfish around the world (but advised to do without a motor) (okay, okay - I know what he really meant too), someone else referred to a Laser as a board boat, someone stated that you can't sail a canoe safely because the bottom is too flexible :rolleyes:, someone else advised to sail models, and others suggested (I think) that either sailing or sailing model boats is a good way to get married :eek: ! Anyone knows it's a good way to get divorced! Crikey! Who'd be silly enough to seek advice on this forum? Thank goodness one kind soul recommended a book to read, and someone else sent that picture of a beautiful boat!!

[JimD]

Thank goodness one kind soul recommended a book to read...

Kindness is a way of life for me.;) And it's a great book. Better than most I looked at. Quick question: If he finds a pre-enjoyed popular production design like a laser are there books specific to those particular designs? I dunno. Just asking.

[rbgarr]

Who'd be silly enough to seek advice on this forum?

Hey! ben2 go is a friend of ours. No one else can call him silly except us. :)

[ben2go]

LOL!

I have looked into the boats that have been mentioned here.There are books and websites about the Laser,One Design and a couple others mentioned.There's a beginner Laser that I really like but not fesible unless I can find one cheap,which I doubt.I think it's called Picco.Anyway,as I promised,I snapped a pic of the only boat I could find with in an hour of me.Well,I found a 18'Hobie Cat but I'd rather have a mono hull.The Hobie was in iffy condition anyway.

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb17/ben_2_go/sailboat.jpg

[Dan McCosh]

That looks awfully nice if you want some utility, as opposed to just learning to sail. You would probably need a little help learning how to rig it, but it looks pretty forgiving in terms of sailing.

[boylesboats]

It's a pretty funny thread this one but I don't think too many people have actually helped this poor bloke much! Paladin says he sailed a Sunfish around the world (but advised to do without a motor) (okay, okay - I know what he really meant too), someone else referred to a Laser as a board boat, someone stated that you can't sail a canoe safely because the bottom is too flexible :rolleyes:, someone else advised to sail models, and others suggested (I think) that either sailing or sailing model boats is a good way to get married :eek: ! Anyone knows it's a good way to get divorced! Crikey! Who'd be silly enough to seek advice on this forum? Thank goodness one kind soul recommended a book to read, and someone else sent that picture of a beautiful boat!!

I did my best sir.... I wasn't gonna spend my whole freakin' evening, typing sailin' lessons...

[Rob Hazard]

Go to WoodenBoat School. Take Elements, take Craft of Sail, take Skills of Coastal Cruising, take the Ketch Course. You'll learn a lot and have a great time doing it. You'll get out in a variety of boats that you'll never get to sail otherwise.

And the food is great too!

[Chip-skiff]

I snapped a pic of the only boat I could find with in an hour of me.

It has a fixed keel. (Looks familiar but I can't come up with a name.) In any event, if you're in an area short of water you'd have to haul it many miles just to daysail: a major investment of time and resources. Plus I can't imagine it being inexpensive.

If you can't find a sweet little woody, most of the small production craft mentioned would be good: Sunfish, Pico, etc. Laser-wise, start with a Radial or the other reduced-sail-area version. The full-size rig can be a handful even for experienced sailors (lots of hiking— fun once you get the hang of it, but a trial for back & knees).

[ben2go]

It has a fixed keel. (Looks familiar but I can't come up with a name.) In any event, if you're in an area short of water you'd have to haul it many miles just to daysail: a major investment of time and resources. Plus I can't imagine it being inexpensive.

If you can't find a sweet little woody, most of the small production craft mentioned would be good: Sunfish, Pico, etc. Laser-wise, start with a Radial or the other reduced-sail-area version. The full-size rig can be a handful even for experienced sailors (lots of hiking— fun once you get the hang of it, but a trial for back & knees).


Knees,back and ankles are problems for me.A car wreck took the back and a warehouse accident took the knees and ankle.Glad you said something.I didn't even think of that issue.I was looking more at the fun and escape from life aspect of sailing.

[Dan McCosh]

Knees,back and ankles are problems for me.A car wreck took the back and a warehouse accident took the knees and ankle.Glad you said something.I didn't even think of that issue.I was looking more at the fun and escape from life aspect of sailing.

In that case, a fixed-keel is the way to go. Not at all athletic.

[ben2go]

I think these little boats are cool.Check the specs on it.I believe it would sail the skinny waters around me. http://www.gaboats.com/boats/blivit13.html

[ben2go]

In that case, a fixed-keel is the way to go. Not at all athletic.

That's good to know.

Thanks everyone for the good info and opinions.I'll have to check cost on everything and see if and what school I maybe able to attend.It's hard to get away from home when you have school age kids.May have to send them to their grandmother's next summer. =^)

[RFNK]

If you have back problems DON'T buy a trailer sailor like the one you photographed! As pointed out, no problem sailing it but you need to put the mast up and down each time you want to sail. This is time-consuming but also quite strenuous unless you have a really good system or setup to raise and lower the mast. I've seen so many people get into strife doing this, and it would be very easy to ruin your back doing it. The `ga'? boat you have as a link looks nice but it's a techy little thing that doesn't look like a beginner's boat. Go for something really simple like an old Laser - the full rig is only a problem in strong wind and you can rig a Laser in 10 minutes - you will still have to do a bit of hiking but they're actually pretty forgiving boats (how cold is the water where you'll sail?). There are plenty of books on how to sail a Laser. There are loads of other basic fibreglass boats that are a bit bigger and probably easier to sail but don't have a heavy mast to put up etc. Do a search on ebay and you'll see plenty. Otherwise, if you want a simple wooden boat to start with, see if you can find a Mirror or similar that needs a bit of work. All the advice about sailing classes sounds wise to me! Oh, a Hobie 18 is probably the last boat you'd want to try to learn to sail with!! A little catamaran (14') though could be a really good choice, especially in your shallow waters. Just be careful you don't somersault it on a sandbar (don't worry, just let everything go before it happens and it won't!). Rick

[rbgarr]

That's good to know.

Thanks everyone for the good info and opinions.I'll have to check cost on everything and see if and what school I maybe able to attend.It's hard to get away from home when you have school age kids.May have to send them to their grandmother's next summer. =^)

Take them with you at least once, if it's affordable! Never too young to learn.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I think these little boats are cool.Check the specs on it.I believe it would sail the skinny waters around me. http://www.gaboats.com/boats/blivit13.html
http://www.gaboats.com/graphics/blivit13_400.jpg

With a dodgy back and iffy ankles???

When the wind blows, you keep that thing upright by hooking your feet under a strap and moving your butt as far outboard as it will go - and then leaning back.

This is great fun, and BRUTALLY hard on the stomach muscles, the back,the knees and the ankles.

[rbgarr]

"Other people's boats" sounds like the place to start for you given your mobility and flexibility limitations. Sailing small boats is not always very comfortable and takes some spryness. It's only on bigger boats (not trailerable, permanently rigged) that you can be relaxed and more comfortable.


Here's a cheap copy of that book on how sails work that I mentioned: http://tinyurl.com/6enpg3

Meanwhile, how about an electric motor on a nice shapely small boat for the quiet ride you're looking for?

[Tylerdurden]

I figure a nice sit down cockpit with a long tiller would work nicely.
Needs a flip up dagger board though.

[ben2go]

If you have back problems DON'T buy a trailer sailor like the one you photographed! As pointed out, no problem sailing it but you need to put the mast up and down each time you want to sail. This is time-consuming but also quite strenuous unless you have a really good system or setup to raise and lower the mast. I've seen so many people get into strife doing this, and it would be very easy to ruin your back doing it. The `ga'? boat you have as a link looks nice but it's a techy little thing that doesn't look like a beginner's boat. Go for something really simple like an old Laser - the full rig is only a problem in strong wind and you can rig a Laser in 10 minutes - you will still have to do a bit of hiking but they're actually pretty forgiving boats (how cold is the water where you'll sail?). There are plenty of books on how to sail a Laser. There are loads of other basic fibreglass boats that are a bit bigger and probably easier to sail but don't have a heavy mast to put up etc. Do a search on ebay and you'll see plenty. Otherwise, if you want a simple wooden boat to start with, see if you can find a Mirror or similar that needs a bit of work. All the advice about sailing classes sounds wise to me! Oh, a Hobie 18 is probably the last boat you'd want to try to learn to sail with!! A little catamaran (14') though could be a really good choice, especially in your shallow waters. Just be careful you don't somersault it on a sandbar (don't worry, just let everything go before it happens and it won't!). Rick


Water her I would consider warm compared to most areas.70's in summer and maybe 40's in winter.It's rare for my area waters to freeze over.We occasionally get an ice storm that last a couple days.Snow has become nonexsistent of the last 15 years.Even then it was just a light dusting.

[JimD]

Friend, with your bad back I don't think you need a Laser or similar skinny little sailboard. You need something very stable like a little cat boat. Something that doesn't require hiking and that will be very capsize resistant. Here's what you'd have to look forward to as a Laser sailor:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/100_2905.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/100_2905.jpg)

And probably this, too, on a regular basis

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Laser_Standard_160588_02.jpg (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ab/Laser_Standard_160588_02.jpg)

Realistically, can you handle that?

Something like an Arey's Pond 'Kitten' would seem more appropriate. 12 long, 6 feet wide
Thanks to its very shallow draft and generous beam, the Kitten is extremely stable and easy to handle

http://www.areyspondboatyard.com/images/apby12.jpg

http://catboats.org/images/c4s_images/c4s_147/147-36-photo-for-web(Sommer).jpg

[ben2go]

I could handle something like a laser in small doses.My knees would be the thing that would get me.My ankle doesn't bother me much, just when I over work it.My back flares up some times.I have two compressed discs in my back that I went through physical therapy to help correct.That flares up if I strain myself or over work myself.

[JimD]

I could handle something like a laser in small doses.My knees would be the thing that would get me.My ankle doesn't bother me much, just when I over work it.My back flares up some times.I have two compressed discs in my back that I went through physical therapy to help correct.That flares up if I strain myself or over work myself.


Ok. I tried. Good luck. :)

[ben2go]

"Other people's boats" sounds like the place to start for you given your mobility and flexibility limitations. Sailing small boats is not always very comfortable and takes some spryness. It's only on bigger boats (not trailerable, permanently rigged) that you can be relaxed and more comfortable.


Here's a cheap copy of that book on how sails work that I mentioned: http://tinyurl.com/6enpg3

Meanwhile, how about an electric motor on a nice shapely small boat for the quiet ride you're looking for?


I actually have a small boat with a small out board and a trolling motor.It isn't shapely tho,unless you like Jon boats. :D That's my fish busting machine.I call it bassturd. LOL :D

[ben2go]

How bout an OZ PDR?Simple to build,simple to sail. =^)

[boylesboats]

ben2go,
Did you ever make up your mind yet?

[ben2go]

ben2go,
Did you ever make up your mind yet?

About sailing.Yes it's something I wanna do.I haven't decided what boat would be good to start with.I will probably go down south next spring or summer and talk to some people about it.I'm always open to opinion and suggestions.

[Chip-skiff]

The grey and white skiff I posted a picture of is a Bolger Gypsy, homebuilt from plans. There's a book that covers the process: Build the New Instant Boats by Harold "Dynamite" Payson. I found a used copy on <www.abebooks.com>. There are other Phil Bolger designs in the book that might suit your fancy. All simple and inexpensive to build.

Before I found the Gypsy, I was looking at a build. My two favorites were the Goat Island Skiff (gorgeous, but maybe too fast for our limited waters) and the Chesapeake Light Craft Jimmy Skiff. http://www.clcboats.com (http://www.clcboats.com/)

Lasers, Sunfish, and other close-to-the-water types don't have any back support at all: try sitting on a hard floor without leaning on anything. The constant hiking on Lasers for racing leads to a condition known as Laser Knee. To get an idea of what you can tolerate, it really helps to try different boats, and taking lessons and rentals are ways to do that.

I've had serious back trouble (horse-wrecks and skiing with monster packs) but keep it controlled with regular exercise and activity. Sailing the Gypsy solo I'm happiest on my knees, facing forward (with non-skid kneepads) or relaxed on my heels. In really lazy air I slouch in the bottom or sit on a seat.

Bigger, beamier boats offer more comfortable seating, but the smaller ones (if you're careful) will do a lot more to get your muscles in shape– which has a lot to do with longterm back care.

So many things to consider. Oh well— that's life.

[Ethan]

Look into the Boston Whaler Harpoon's. They were made in 14' and 17.5' flavors. yeah, they're fiberglass, but they have a pretty active following, parts are available from 3rd party suppliers (new production stopped in the late 70's), and they were designed as a middle ground compromise between family day sailing and quasi performance day sailing. Stable and forgiving, but with some pep. If you're willing to do some fixing up, you can find one pretty cheap every so often.

[boylesboats]

About sailing.Yes it's something I wanna do.I haven't decided what boat would be good to start with.I will probably go down south next spring or summer and talk to some people about it.I'm always open to opinion and suggestions.

Really, a small boat like a dinghy or maybe a catspaw may be your best choice to get started on... Just a good "hands on" teachin' is the best way to go...

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

http://www.inter24metre.org/files/about24.htm

[Catherine Evans]

Great pictures on this forum site. Aside from wanting to learn sailing, I guess I want to learn swimming also. For safety measures.

[davidagage]

Ben2go, Where in Upstate are you? Greenville/Spartenburg area

[ben2go]

Ben2go, Where in Upstate are you? Greenville/Spartenburg area

Sparkle city AKA Spartanburg.Well northern Spartanburg County.

[davidagage]

You need to head North then, to Lake Norman. I spent lots of days sailing there back a few years. Lots of activity at the LN Sailing club on the west side of the lake and the yacht club off I 77 old exit 29 (If I recall).

Hartwell is kinda shollow-ish if I remember correctly, Lake Murrey isn't all that far from ya either.
And of course, a family holiday in Charleston is always a good option and you can get a schooling there too..

The sailboat in your picture looks like a good beginner boat too, not to big, not too small...

[ben2go]

You need to head North then, to Lake Norman. I spent lots of days sailing there back a few years. Lots of activity at the LN Sailing club on the west side of the lake and the yacht club off I 77 old exit 29 (If I recall).

Hartwell is kinda shollow-ish if I remember correctly, Lake Murrey isn't all that far from ya either.
And of course, a family holiday in Charleston is always a good option and you can get a schooling there too..

The sailboat in your picture looks like a good beginner boat too, not to big, not too small...


Hartwell has been closed to all boating activity,or it was a few weeks ago.Quite a few people have been killed because of low water levels.I went down to go bass fishing with a friend and all the boat ramps were locked down.He called DNR and Army Corp. of Engineers and both said that all boat traffic has been stopped, even for those that live on the lake.At that time the lake was 22 feet below full pool and falling.The local news reported that water flow out of Hartwell and Thurmond lakes has been restricted to reduce the rapid drop in lake level.There are to many consumers of water on Lake Hartwell.Until they can cut back on how many people use water out of the lake,the level will drop faster than nature can supply.Don't mean to rant but I really hate to see Hartwell dry up.It was the last place I went on vacation with my father before he died.I was a little tot and barely remember it.

[ben2go]

Bad news for Lake Hartwell.
http://www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/western_carolina_sailing_club_contracted_crane_thu rsday_to_haul_boats_out_o/12184/

http://www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/lake_hartwell_boat_ramps_closed/10218/