new old sailor

[samnelsonlch]

Newly retired, I'm about to plunge once again into sailboats. Many years ago I had a Catalina 25, then a Newport 28. Today I looked at a '79 Westerly Centaur (I'll never learn).
I had thought perhaps a Mac 26x, but the lack of wood and character bothers me. I guess the convenience of speed the Mac offers is being challenged by the character of the old Westerly.. something about teak and mahogany.
The Cat 25 was pretty easy to single hand... sometimes I got in over my head with the Newport. Both had roller furling headsails, the Centaur is hank on. I think I will opt for a furling on the Centaur (if I buy it) for the simplicity.
Primary use will someplace to go "mess about with boats".. day-sailing in a shallow lake. Newly retired so a trip out into the gulf of Mexico (50 miles) may be in order.
Any comments?
Sam

[PBzeer]

Welcome aboard. While the Mac's have their uses, and are good at what they do, it sounds like the Westerly would be a better fit for what it seems you want to do.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Nice to hear from you! I agree that boats have to have character & lines, it's not just about fast!....Dale

[lajimo]

Welcome. Your story sounds familiar - I had a 23' ft Sovereign back in 1980 then got out of sailing when multiple babies and job pressures came along. Got back involved a little over a year ago and found it helpful to refresh with some ASA classes. Took 101/103/104 - helped jump start me back into it.

[HPLou]

Welcome to SN and congratulations on the retirement. Forget about the Mac, you don't need the speed to get where you want to be, which is on the water. Enjoy the Westerly.