Where should I start?

[billangiep]

An addition to the great advice above. Join your local yacht club,lots of free advise, crew and captains willing to help.

[Flexible]

Well thank you everybody for all the responses. I was not expecting so many. I picked up Seidman's The Complete Sailor this morning and also ordered some videos from our local library system. I think when the season rolls around I will end up taking a class or two and hiring an instructor for a few trips. Most of the time it will be just me and my wife on the boat and I was concerned that it would be too much to handle. I don’t want to end up hurting someone else or ourselves.

[AjariBonten]

Hey Flex,
So what kind of boat did you get?

[Flexible]

It's a late 80's Hunter.

[AjariBonten]

That's great, should be a lot of fun.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

While Chapman's is a great reference book, it's not very readable. The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is probably a bit more applicable to sailors IMHO. Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor, is far more readable than either, and explains things much better at a basic level IMHO.

I have a third grade education -Chapman's - it was very readable....and it can be used as portable ballast...

[max-on]

Flex, 31 ft is not too much to handle, we sail our Dehler 33 without any problems and it is our first boat. In addition to the reading material, which is a must, I also recommend a weekend or three day basic sailing class, which both you and your wife should attend - it will make things easier and more fun as it will mostly be the two of you on the boat. The last thing you want is for your wife to be 'afraid' of the boat, which can happen if she does not know the basics and you are an inexperienced captain. I would also recommend having a knowledgeable friend or instructor go out with you on your boat a few times, talk not only about sailing but also about seamanship, managing the boat, talk about local conditions, things you should know, ets. This will be good as he/she can explain things and show you things on 'your' boat, and will be available for you to ask questions.

I would have a rigger go over the rig with you, make sure it is in tune, and that nothing needs to be replaced, have a sailmaker check out the sails and give you an evaluation of the condition, a blown out main or jib will induce a lot of heel and makke the boat not fun to sail, and have a mechanic go over the engine, check the fuel filter, etc., you want the engine dependable, and answer any questions you may have.

Last, ask us any questions you may have, we are here to help. My best wishes with the new boat.

Oh, as you are new here, pictures are in order.

[chucklesR]

Flex
My first boat was a 86 Hunter 31, you can learn on it. First thing to do if find a friend who knows sailing and take him/her out with you. If you have any questions PM me. I've got friends in the Cleveland area.

Chuck

[lharmon]

Flex;

My wife and I purchased a 30 foot sailboat about 4 years ago. I had a fair amount of experience sailing dinghys and a few keel boats - 30 years previous.

What I did was find a week long course and took a learning vacation. It was awesome. When I steped on our boat I knew enough to make it move, be safe and dock, etc. It was a great investment and made our first season with the boat much more enjoyable.

If you can spare the time and the dime I would seriously consider a long course from ASA or US Sailing. The costs are similar so pick a location you would like to visit. I went to Blue Water Sailing School in FL. Basically we went cruising for a week and learned a whole lot. You'll be much further ahead with boat systems, navigation and rules.

Best of luck in your new adventures.

[thesnort]

Excellent videos by the guy from Estoril. Study those for how to use your sheets. Good info there!