Selecting a ship

[Adventureseeker]

Hello Hello! My name is Lee and I am new to this forum. Anywhoot, I want to buy a ship in hopes of sailing her through the Caribbean. I am giving myself 5 years in order to finance this journey and learn what I need to. The question that I wish to present in this forum is: Which rig is better, sloop or cutter? I have been told that sloops have a better ability to sail closer to the wind, but more sail area means you cruise faster, right? Why then are a yawl or ketch such slower rigs? I want to buy a racer/cruiser in the 35-45 foot range, any suggestions?

[camaraderie]

Lee...welcome. The sloop is the most efficient use of a GIVEN amount of sail area. They point a bit closer to the wind and therfore cut down passage times a bit. The main advantage of ketches is to break up the sail area to give you:
1. Greater ease of handling
2. Easier balancing of the boat in heavy weather...more choices.
3. Lower main mast to help clear bridges.

I assume your purchase of a boat will be at some point in the future. In the meantime, I would not presume to recommend a boat to you given your lack of experience. I suggest you read some of the books on the books to read list thread here and get some time on the water and sailing lessons. Then you will have a much better idea of the things that are really important to you in buying a boat.
Have fun!

[Cruisingdad]

Ditto what Cam said, Lee. Just hand around here, sift through the BS, have some fun and read up. You will start getting a feel for what makes sense for you!!

- CD