On Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:49:15 +0000 (UTC), Brian Welcott
wrote:

And an engine greatly enhances safety in many circumstances.
What I am suggesting is that you should well know your inclinations
before selecting your boat.
You may be a stinkpotter at heart, and find a trawler more suitable.
There are also motor-sailors available if you want to hedge your bet.

There's some good advice there but also some anti engine inuendo that
we could do without. I've done a lot of sailboat distance racing in
the past so I'm well aware that it is possible to sail 100% of the
time regardless of conditions. Waiting for wind however is not half
the fun and some people find it to be pure torture, especially with
the sails slatting around, the sun beating down relentlessly, and a
cloud of black flys moving in for the kill. It is also a big issue
for people with jobs who have to schedule time off in advance and
return promptly when expected.

It is also a fact that the average cruising boat is not set up for
efficient light wind sailing. That requires a lot of attention to
minimizing weight, top notch sails in flawless condition, an
obsession with keeping the bottom/keel/rudder smooth and clean, etc.