First Sailboat

[S/V Delphinus]

S2 also makes a great boat. They have a 9.2, 10.3 and 11.0 models. The 10.3 and 11.0 make a center cockpit version as well as an aft. The aft is probably easier to singlehand but the center gives you an aft cabin which is ideal for long stays upon a sailboat. We got an 1983 11.0C for our first sailboat, we have a crew of 5 (3 adults and 2 kids) and its a perfect Bay boat (we are in the Chesapeake) and we hope to do some coastal cruising in her as well as we get our confidence level up as well. Our 11.0 draws 5.5 feet which I know was a factor in choosing our slip in our marina. Just my opinion.

[jorgensk]

and it's just an opinion, because this is my first season sailing. We took a short 4 session sailing class which included on-the-water lessons. I was happier learning how to sail on my own boat. Our boat (an Aquarius 23) is rigged very differently than any other, which I think is the case with everyone. So if you learn on one boat, the feel will be much different on your own boat and you'll feel like you're starting from scratch.

I've also been told "you must learn on a small sailboat in order to learn properly". It all depends on why you want to sail. If you want to race and be very strategic in your sailing then you'd probably be better off on a small boat (under 20 feet). If you are more of the cruiser mentality, wanting to have fun and no stress, I think a larger boat is fine to start with. We chose our A23 precisely because we didn't want to go into the water when we make mistakes!

Good luck, and enjoy!

Kristy