where would i find a manual on my sailboat to learn how to sail her on my own

mk11blue · #1 (**permalink**) 04-19-2010

i have an Annapolis 1976 26' sailboat and am interested in taking her out alone before i am forced to sell her. Can any one help me to locate a manual of such to teach me how to sail her? Any feedback would be appreciated

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 04-19-2010

I would recommend Dave Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor. It is about $16 at a local bookstore and one of the best sailing primers I've seen to date. I'd point out that there is rarely a manual for how to sail a given specific boat, since most of the sailing skills are very generalized and apply to almost any boat. Even boats with different rigs—gaff, gunter, ketch, cutter, schooner, cat, etc—can generally be sailed by a sailor with experience on a different type of sailboat with only a short bit of experimenting and learning.

However, IMHO it would be less painful and faster for you to take even a brief learn to sail course rather than try and learn from a book.

mk11blue · #3 (**permalink**) 04-19-2010

thank you for that! appreciated!

mk11blue · #4 (**permalink**) 04-19-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I would recommend Dave Seidman's book, The Complete Sailor. It is about $16 at a local bookstore and one of the best sailing primers I've seen to date. I'd point out that there is rarely a manual for how to sail a given specific boat, since most of the sailing skills are very generalized and apply to almost any boat. Even boats with different rigs—gaff, gunter, ketch, cutter, schooner, cat, etc—can generally be sailed by a sailor with experience on a different type of sailboat with only a short bit of experimenting and learning.

However, IMHO it would be less painful and faster for you to take even a brief learn to sail course rather than try and learn from a book.

okay, this may sound silly to some but what is "IMHO"

Stillraining · #5 (**permalink**) 04-20-2010

IMHO= In my humble opinion.

Dog That was a very Nobel post....well done!...Good on you sir.

sailingdog · #6 (**permalink**) 04-20-2010

Did I get a prize???

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillraining

IMHO= In my humble opinion.

Dog That was a very Nobel post....well done!...Good on you sir.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 04-20-2010

I would add that a couple of outings with an experienced sailor along to show you the ropes and keep an eye on you would not be a bad idea prior to you singlehanding the boat.

kredit · #8 (**permalink**) 04-20-2010

my first solo was alone with no experience but desire and common sense and... in light wind. Nothing can go wrong except staying on land and reading books. Follow the ropes ,they usually lead to things called sails! Oh,and you have a motor if you freak out...

mk11blue · #9 (**permalink**) 04-20-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by kredit

my first solo was alone with no experience but desire and common sense and... in light wind. Nothing can go wrong except staying on land and reading books. Follow the ropes ,they usually lead to things called sails! Oh,and you have a motor if you freak out...

oh yeah. the motor....good back up plan. i think i'll place her in a different slip then, because i would be a little worried maneuvering around in the area she was in.

i just love being out there! just never sailed on my own.

mk11blue · #10 (**permalink**) 04-21-2010

any input on where abouts i could do these "lessons" and how many would i need, i wouldnt figure many, im a pretty smart woman and catch on real fast. would it be better to find an experienced sailor in my area that would like to show me the ropes and give me pointers ADVICE please... all of you guys are great. what would be the best route?