Lessons are the main thing. Get them! Then she will have confidence in your
ability. Take her along to. Then if you go overboard, at a later date, she
can save you.

The other alternative is to let someone else skipper your boat for you, for
a season or so. There are plenty of old salts willing to pass on their
knowledge at no cost.

DP
"Matt" wrote in message
om...
Hello,
I'm considering buying a sail boat within the next year or so (still
have to learn how to sail one first). I'm looking at a family cruiser
between 28-30 feet long. My wife is afraid that I'll capsize the
thing our first trip out. I just can't believe they make "family
cruisers" able to capsize in normal conditions.

Let's assume I do everything wrong our first time out. I keep the
sail tight while sailing abeam of the wind (sorry about terminology,
still learning), we hit rough water, and a storm starts. Is there any
chance I can capsize?

Thanks,
-Matt