new used boat

[kevi914]

I am a new sailor and just bought a 1974 MacGregor 224. It''s not the most beautiful boat, but it is my first and I got it for a good price. I am going to sail this weekend on a local lake. Any pointers for a beginner? I have taken a basic keel boat class. I would also like to meet other sailors from Colorado.
Thanks

[sailingfool]

You''re at the start of a long learning curve - fortunately you learn the most important stuff early in the process. I suggest that you try to line up a buddy for the first few days who is an experienced sailor (offer beer and let him/her drive) - having some experience on board will see you throught the first tests more smoothly.

zzYou might hang around the launching area and chat up other sailors - if you let them know you''re just starting, you are likely to have soem advice and help offerred. Sailors love to talk about sailing...

Also, you should avoid rushing out on your new boat any friends who are not experienced sailors (girlfriend, wife or kids) until you have had a few successful days. You don''t want a "learning opportunity" to scare the dickens out of them so they don''t want to come back in the future. Any first intros should be short and very carefully managed.

Take any opportunity you can to sail with experienced sailors.

Good luck and have fun.

[mikehoyt]

Welcome to the wonderful world of sailing and boat owning. Dust off your wallet because it will start to get used a lot!

Become aware of the "Boat Buck" one Boat Buck equals 100 normal dollars.

Wouldn''t trade this life for thousands of boat bucks!

Mike

[Magic_Moments]

Being on the boat with other people and being on your own boat alone the first time is pretty cool. I motored out into the lake and then started figuring out how to raise the sails. Always remember to check the gas tank before you start. It is possible to cooly sail up to the gas dock, but you won''t feel cool doing it.

I went with a friend on his new mid 70''s McGregor this summer and I have a few comments. Remember to attach the rudder before launching the boat. Remember to close the drain plug (if there is one).
Tie an easy to release knot in the ends of your jib sheets so they don''t get away if you lose control of them for a second. I watched a guy in the marina fly the sail straight out from the top of his mast one day. I think it took them 10 minutes to get it back on deck. He didn''t have the foot attached for some reason.

Have fun, watch the boom and wear a life jacket.

Ken

[chuckg]

Howdy,
Being a former Colorado sailor, I can extend the following info: when you see large clouds approaching from the west, start your engine and be prepared to either reef or take down your sails. The vast majority of front range lakes and reservoirs get wicked wind shear and microbursts in advance of approaching thundershowers and it well advised if you are new to sailing to learn how to control your boat when the wind picks up rapidly and shifts directions. Sometimes the best tack is back to the dock or loading ramp before the storm hits..there will be plenty of powerboaters scrambling to pass you when the skies turn grey(or green). Also, since your boat is water ballasted, don''t forget to drain the ballast when you haul the boat..much easier on your tow vehicle''s tranny. Colorado is a fun and challenging place to sail and places such as Chatfield, Carter, Dillon, Shadow Mtn. and Navaho have a small but devoted sailing fraternity that will lend you plenty of advice.