Greetings all, I'm Nick, and I'm new here (post #1. Right here).
First, I am a pedestrian-level landlubber, who is seeking to change that.
(btw, I did read the "Read This First" link pertaining to newcomers. I have searched for answers to my questions using the google-format requested, and have scanned other posts for answers. If I am rehashing something old, I apologize and if there is a thread i missed, please let me know).
I'm 51. Lots of aviation experience (pilot), but absolutely no sailing experience whatsoever. 2 years ago, on a whim, I purchased a used sailboat on craigslist for $800. Complete impulse purchase. It had been sitting in a storage yard for about 3 years previously. Thus, it sat in an overgrown patch of grass & weeds for about 5 years. It was far inland in Texas, and the overall condition seems good with no rot or hull damage that i could find.
In advance, please forgive me if my lack of nomenclature or sailing terms is sometimes completely lacking
The boat:
A 1977, 21' "Sea-Swinger" sloop. Crank-down centerboard. 21' mainsail. A jib.
I can find
absolutely no information on the internet on this boat. Googling "Sea Swinger" produces a few results which give information on boats called "Sea Swinger", but not this boat. My title simply says "Sea Swinger" under the manufacturer.
In the past month, I have pulled the boat out of storage, power-washed it, prepped & painted the hull (1-part "Brightside" urethane marine paint), inspected the sails and rigging, re-furbed the trailer with lights, paint, tires, etc. Cleaned the berth (which still needs some tidying), and am finalizing the refinishing of the wooden trim now.
I still have work to do in my take-it-as-it-comes style of doing things, but soem Before & After shots are included below:
(I tried using the "insert photo" button here, but it asked for an URL, rather than a file on my computer. My work-around is to attach the photos. You'll find them at the bottom of this post).
Now, I'm just trying to figure out how to do simple things like step the mast and setup the running rigging.
Since I can find absolutely no manuals or videos on this boat, I've been looking at manuals/videos for boats which seem somewhat comparable: older (70'is) San Juan 21's and Catalina 21's. These are helpful, but i can't find any how-to's relating to my style of running rigging.
So, after reviewing this forum, I've decided to come here for help. I'm simply going to attach some photos of what I am seeing, and if any of you experienced sailors wouldn't mind a bit of hand-holding, I'm hoping that someone can explain, in easy-to-understand-Newbspeak, how to go about setting up the mainsheet, I would be very appreciative.
Mainsheet Rigging:
I've seen lots of examples of mainsheet styles, and I think I have a rough idea of how it works, but I'm not really sure of how to setup the mainsheet. I'll include some photos at the bottom of this post. Basically, I see two blocks attached to the end of the boom (and a caribiner too, i have no idea why that might be there). There are two blocks on the stern, equidistant from the the tiller on either side. A couple of cleats at the aft corners of the boat. There is no traveler (at least the rail-type i've seen on a few other boats).
So, can anybody either direct me to a site explaining the how-to of my particular boat, or perhaps just explain it to me here? Please do not underestimate my cluelessness. A description along the lines of "take the rope and start here.....then......and then.....
that simple.
My Goals:
I want to learn to sail on this boat at my local (Texas) lake. With enough experience, I hope to then move onto bareboat sailing in the Caribbean. I'm a frequent visitor to Thailand also, and have often envied those sailboats exploring those beautiful islands. I want to do that too someday.
My experience:
None. I want to learn to sail as inexpensively as possible (kids in college, etc.). To that end, I am reading all I can, watching how-to videos, and talking to friends who sail. A couple of sailing friends have volunteered to take the boat (and me) out to help me get started. (btw, they're a little unsure of the mainsheet rigging setup. Nobody in this picture are exactly ocean-voyage ready...
To that end, I also hope to participate in this site as things progress, and I hope to learn as much as possible from all the experience I see here.
That's pretty much it.
In advance, if anyone is willing and able to give guidance to a Newb, please know that it is much appreciated.
Nick
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