On Fri, 27 Oct 2006 09:51:49 -0400, Harlan Lachman wrote:

In article ,
Jere Lull wrote:

In article ,
Harlan Lachman wrote:

Does anyone have sail boat recommendations for a couple in their 80s?
Frankly, my dad has a lot of trouble moving quickly and so much less
strength that he makes me appear to be Atlas. He has tried powerboats
twice but frankly he loves to go out and sail on Long Island Sound.

I am interested in sail boats with equipment or specifically
earmarked for the older sailor which are designed to allow those with
less strength to succeed. He could keep it at a dock to charge up
electrical stuff...


My first thought is cat-boat: A single sail, stable and the newer
designs are pretty good sailing vessels.

Jere, any made with a highly reliable furling sail with either a
electric assist or great mechanical advantage.

I think they would like something of this ilk if it was large enough?

Any specific recommendation?

If you want a slightly bigger boat with a cabin and a head compartment,
look at a Nonsuch 26 or 30. These are very simply rigged, with a wishbone
boom and few strings to pull. I've seen a few of the 30s with electric
winches. I think it was a standard factory option. I don't know about
electric winches on the 26 but I'm sure it's doable. Both these boats are
exceptionally roomy for their size. Even the 26 has standing headroom and
a decent head compartment, as well as 4 berths. They're very well made
too, some of the nicest yachts around.

Otherwise, be careful with cat boats because that single sail is a large
one.

Matt O.