"Rodney Myrvaagnes" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 31 Jan 2004 11:37:20 GMT, "Wendy"
wrote:

OK, but don't assume that 'more serious'='bigger.' You couldn't
get
much more serious than a 49er, for example (not a
singlehander--I am
not suggesting it for you). It is only 15 feet long.

For honing sailing skills, and especially seat-of-pants
instincts, a
serious one-design fleet is more important than what the boat
is. If
there were a fleet of Europe dinghies that you could join
(womens'
Olympic singlehander) you could learn really fast. Everyone
would help
you, and you would see your progress objectively.

I learned to sail in a 12' sailing skiff that was a local
backyard built boat. It was very tender and if you switched your
gum to the other side of your mouth, you end up swimming. In
righting the boat you remembered what you did wrong and didn't do
that again. It was suggested to sail a Europe and along with that
I would pick the Sunfish, Laser, or a Force 5 as a learning tool.
Everything there can be applied to a large boat.

Leanne
s/v Fundy