Mark wrote:
I've been freshwater sailing half a dozen times (Lake Michigan and
smaller reservoirs), and every time I go, I get a step closer to
wanting a sailboat.

"A step closer"???

If you don't already want a sailboat, then you will never capture the
passion. Forget it. Take up golf!

Just kidding.



A friend has a 21' sloop (don't know the make) at a fair-sized
reservoir nearby, and we've been out on it several times, always had
fun. I have learned what I think are the basics about tacking,
jybing, reaching, etc. I believe I can safely handle a small
sailboat.

Here are some questions, and I thank you in advance for tolerating all
this newbie crap:

1) For someone with my limited level of expertise, what would you all
think is an appropriate "first boat"? I'm attracted to the idea of
one with a cabin and at least a little bunk space for the occasional
opportunity to spend a weekend on the water with the wife or a couple
kids.

A cabin, even a small one, can be handy for lots of things other than
sleeping. Locked & rainproof stowage, a good place to put on sunscreen
or change into dry clothes, a porta-potty, etc etc.

As to the issue of "first boat" I'd really suggest starting out with
either 1- lessons in small tippy boats or 2- getting your own small
tippy boat. Basically, smaller boats are much more responsive and will
teach you a lot more about the physics of sailing than any amount of
study & practice on a bigger heavier boat.


2) Aside from OJT, what are some good resources for someone who wants
to learn more about the mechanics of sailing and about sailboats in
general (construction, amenities, etc.)? Any good books out there? I
have already read to shreds my copy of "Sailing on a Micro Budget".

Larry Brown? He's got the word all right. But IIRC he doesn't really
spend much time on "how to sail." A good book is "Learn To Sail The
Annapolis Way" by a guy named Barta. Another is the Glenans sailing
manual. Yet another is from the Time/Life sports series which I believe
is simply called "Sailing." Lots of good pictures in that one. I'd
suggest going to the local library and reading at least half the books
they have.

Boat constronstruction... Get Ian Nicholson's "Surveying Small Craft."
Nothing else compares.


3) As far as more advanced learning goes, what do you all think about
these sailing courses offered out of places like Florida.

Why go to that expense and trouble when you don't know anything about it
yet? Take the local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron course,
mostly oriented for motorboats but the remember much of what you have to
learn is generalized for all boats.

Frankly, if you want to blow some money on a great sailing vacation, go
to the Bitter End Yacht Club. They can turn you loose in a variety of
boats in the near-perfect sailing environment. The level of skill you'll
be exposed to will run from fellow newbies to int'l stars & champions,
so you can learn a LOT. And you can relax every night.

Another goot option is Steve Colgate's sailing school in Florida. You
can start out learning to really sail (and you'd be amazed how many
"sailors" aren't very good at it) and then tackling the many tasks of
handling a bigger cruising boat, such as navigating & anchoring.

... On the
internet, I've read about these week-long trips that leave Miami, sail
out to and around the Bahamas and back, purportedly to teach open
water sailing techniques. Has anyone here done this, and is it worth
it?

IMHO, no. You're paying to be a tame deck (and likely galley) slave for
somebody who might not know much more than you, but has figured out how
to go cruising and have other people (you!) pay for it. Bareboat
chartering can be a lot of fun, once you've got a good enough handle on
how boats work. And the threshold isn't that high,


That's about it for now, but I'm sure I'll be back with even more
questions. Thanks for your help.

OK, good luck. We'll be waiting for you!

Reading and taking courses can get you through the winter and you'll be
ready to jumpt-start your sailing career come spring.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King