Mike Silva wrote:
Thanks for all your comments. The reason I mentioned both a keel boat
and a centerboarder is that I really, really don't want to end up
dumping my family in the water, and I'm not sure how far I want (or
need) to go to assure that. When I sailed as a teen the only times we
capsized is when we were pushing too hard, and I'd never do that on a
daysail. But that's no guarantee, right?

Not really... are you near a sailing club? That would be the best way to
get started again IMHO. Learn about local conditions while refreshing
your sailing, and get a chance to check out several different type boats.


So, maybe a good question I need to ask is, is a bigger centerboard
boat (say 18-20 feet) a "safe enough" choice for daysailing with the
family? I would tend to think yes, but my experience doesn't really
allow me to answer the queston by myself.

Given reasonable skills and reasonable circumstances, sure. No prob. The
question is what happens when a T-storm rips thorugh while you're out
for a sail on an otherwise-nice day. Or something... because Murphy was
an optimist!

You might also consider a boat like this...
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...39014035lhmlmJ

Loses something in cockpit space & in performance (the boat pictured
will keep up with a Flying Scot most of the time, but not a Buccaneer or
Highlander), but you get more reserve stability (which is the ability to
come back from large angles of heel, as opposed to initial stability in
the normal range of sailing attitudes) and some shelter, some privacy, a
place for the kids to nap or play, etc etc. We found it to be very handy
for family daysails.

Another option is to go smaller... get a boat that is no problem to
capsize & recover. Might be more fun for the kids.

Hope this helps

Fresh Breezes- Doug King