This is an awfully loaded question (and one stemming from complete
ignorance), but is there a general consensus within the sailing community as
to a size and type of sailboat that a novice should learn on if one is
thinking of purchasing a boat?

tia.

Todd.

"Jack Dale" wrote in message
...

There are worlds of difference among planning dinghies, fin keel
displacement boats, and full keel displacement boats.

Jack

Not to mention multihulls large and small of 2 and 3 hulls- not that I
recommend them for learning as they are too forgiving. Nothing beats a
dinghy for rapid learning as mistakes are rewarded with a swim.


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An old rule of thumb - "The boat should be as long in feet as your age in years."

The ideal boat to learn on is a small dinghy - perhaps 12 feet. On a boat like this
you'll do as many maneuvers (tacking, jibing, etc.) in an afternoon as some cruisers do
in a season. However, if you're older you may not be comfortable in a small boat. Many
sailing schools instruct in small keel boat, 19 to 26 feet - they are small enough to have
a "small boat feel" and large enough that its easy to get around the cockpit without
feeling like the boat is going to capsize.

-j

"Todd" none wrote in message ...
This is an awfully loaded question (and one stemming from complete
ignorance), but is there a general consensus within the sailing community as
to a size and type of sailboat that a novice should learn on if one is
thinking of purchasing a boat?

tia.

Todd.

Anything you learn in a dingy will serve you well in larger boats. And they
are incredible fun.

I'd suggest taking dingy lessons at a local sailing club.

Every boat is a compromise. I'd suggest you think carefully about how a boat
would realisticly be used, how often, how many crew, where stored, how much
to insure, etc. You may find it makes most sense to own a small boat and
charter a large one as needed.

Bruce



"Todd" none wrote in message ...
This is an awfully loaded question (and one stemming from complete
ignorance), but is there a general consensus within the sailing community
as
to a size and type of sailboat that a novice should learn on if one is
thinking of purchasing a boat?

tia.

Todd.

I would caution any newbie from jumping directly into boat ownership. Take
your time, learn to sail, and charter boats for the first year or so.
Chartering will provide you multiple benefits:

1. make mistakes on someone else's boat (always preferable)
2. the opportunity to sail different size boats with a variety of hull
designs
3. learn how to work with boat systems at a more leisurely pace

One of the best reasons to charter prior to buying is to learn, from
experience, how many days you would actually sail in a year. This will help
you decide how much money you should invest in a boat, if any. Several
friends have opted to continue chartering because they simply don't get out
enough to warrant the purchase of a boat and all that it entails. Take a
look at any marina on a beautiful Saturday and you'll see hundreds of
examples of people who thought they wouldn't be sitting at the dock.

Regards,

Louis
s/v Synergy
Westsail 32 #679
"Todd" none wrote in message ...
This is an awfully loaded question (and one stemming from complete
ignorance), but is there a general consensus within the sailing community
as
to a size and type of sailboat that a novice should learn on if one is
thinking of purchasing a boat?

tia.

Todd.

Learning on small boats is less expensive, especially when you break
things. I learned on dinghies. I think that most people will tell you
it is best to start out on dinghies, lasers, O'days. Good way to learn
sail trim, points of sail, sail handling, etc. Good luck!

On Tue, 8 Jul 2003 20:53:58 -0700, "Todd" none wrote:

This is an awfully loaded question (and one stemming from complete
ignorance), but is there a general consensus within the sailing community as
to a size and type of sailboat that a novice should learn on if one is
thinking of purchasing a boat?

tia.

Todd.