My wife and I just purchased our first sailboat, a used Catalina 22. I have a limited amount of experience, mostly since buying the boat (one month) and sailing instruction at a summer camp (15 yrs ago). I have taken a general boating safety course and feel very comfortable on Kerr Lake. Very recently we decided to go on a week long excursion in the Pamlico Sound and Neuse River. We plan to take a leisurely pace around and explore, staying on the boat some and off. Many people I have talked with, mostly non-sailing people, think we are crazy. That we are to inexperienced. At first I was very excited about the trip, but after talking with these people I''m beginning to doubt myself. I honestly feel that I understand what we are under taking, (especially weather). We don''t plan to make a 3 day passage anywhere, just nose around a bit and explore and enjoy our new boat. I would like some input from more experienced sailors. Any thoughts both good and bad would be appreciated.
Novice asking for advice
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Go for it................
Be patient enough to let the boat teach YOU.
Read as much as you can - sail trim, boathandling, chart reading, etc.
Take ALL advice from other boaters with a grain of salt.
Dont hurry, but be safe (conservative).
Keep a sharp eye for developing local weather (not covered by NOAA broadcasts) - rapidly developing thunderstorms, etc. If it looks bad and the radio says its going to be GOOD, expect the worst.
Be sure to make your wife a **full and equal partner** in ALL decisions and handling of the boat - MOST IMPORTANT - if you dont follow this you wont ever get a larger boat and/or you will learn to sail ALONE or not at all.
Never ever SHOUT unless to prevent a catastrophy.
Never follow a tight schedule or press hard to reach a port .... unless weather is really threatening.
Get a MUCH bigger anchor and longer rode than the one you have.
Get mosquito netting for the companion way, hatches and opening ports.
Keep it FUN.
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Welcome to the sickness called sailing!
Be patient enough to let the boat teach YOU.
Read as much as you can - sail trim, boathandling, chart reading, etc.
Take ALL advice from other boaters with a grain of salt.
Dont hurry, but be safe (conservative).
Keep a sharp eye for developing local weather (not covered by NOAA broadcasts) - rapidly developing thunderstorms, etc. If it looks bad and the radio says its going to be GOOD, expect the worst.
Be sure to make your wife a **full and equal partner** in ALL decisions and handling of the boat - MOST IMPORTANT - if you dont follow this you wont ever get a larger boat and/or you will learn to sail ALONE or not at all.
Never ever SHOUT unless to prevent a catastrophy.
Never follow a tight schedule or press hard to reach a port .... unless weather is really threatening.
Get a MUCH bigger anchor and longer rode than the one you have.
Get mosquito netting for the companion way, hatches and opening ports.
Keep it FUN.
----------------
Welcome to the sickness called sailing!
Hi Novices, I''m a novice of 3 yrs. Go for it. No one could be greener than me,I took off alone with my dog. I took lessons, read and studied, but there''s no substitute for going out and doing it. I learn something new every day, so does every sailor. Be safe, watch your weather, and know your charts. Have a great time and keep on sailing.
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I think you would feel more comfortable and confident if you had more information and resources. This kind of venture can be very rewarding and serve to add to your ability and confidence if you approach it will caution, care and diligence.
You have taken the best first step, in asking for the opinions of other sailors. I have owned many boats over the years from very small ones to quite large ones, both power and sail. There is always a learning curve with each new boat. I have found that there is not better way to learn how to handle a new boat than to spend a great deal of time in controlled conditions just going through the basics. Take it easy on your trip in the beginning and you will do this.
Then, I would do as much research relevant to the trip as I could. Get as many books on small boats, trailer sailing, cruising in small boats and about local sailing as you can and read them.
At the same time, think safety. When Navy warships go out on missions, safety is the #1 consideration on the cruise. It is first and foremost, always, even for the most well trained and seasoned crews. The same should be your mantra. Get the most safety equipment recommended for your trip and... back ups for back ups. I don''t think you need a 406 EPIRB, but... perhaps two VHF radios (monuted and hand held) and a cell phone. Back up battery for the boat. etc. Certainly LOTS of weather info and a weather radio. No doubt there are a lot of people who could give you a lot of advice in this regard. Of course get the most complete USCG safety and signalling kit you can.
I am not suggesting that any amount of equipment or communication gear can replace experience. But I think that having the most options available for safety and communication puts one in the best position should they be in an adverse situation. Many people end their trips or have to be assisted because: their boat batteries ran out, they had no flares, they had no cell phone, the cell phone batteries ran out, they had no water and it was dangerously hot, they had no charts... etc.
best of luck,
You have taken the best first step, in asking for the opinions of other sailors. I have owned many boats over the years from very small ones to quite large ones, both power and sail. There is always a learning curve with each new boat. I have found that there is not better way to learn how to handle a new boat than to spend a great deal of time in controlled conditions just going through the basics. Take it easy on your trip in the beginning and you will do this.
Then, I would do as much research relevant to the trip as I could. Get as many books on small boats, trailer sailing, cruising in small boats and about local sailing as you can and read them.
At the same time, think safety. When Navy warships go out on missions, safety is the #1 consideration on the cruise. It is first and foremost, always, even for the most well trained and seasoned crews. The same should be your mantra. Get the most safety equipment recommended for your trip and... back ups for back ups. I don''t think you need a 406 EPIRB, but... perhaps two VHF radios (monuted and hand held) and a cell phone. Back up battery for the boat. etc. Certainly LOTS of weather info and a weather radio. No doubt there are a lot of people who could give you a lot of advice in this regard. Of course get the most complete USCG safety and signalling kit you can.
I am not suggesting that any amount of equipment or communication gear can replace experience. But I think that having the most options available for safety and communication puts one in the best position should they be in an adverse situation. Many people end their trips or have to be assisted because: their boat batteries ran out, they had no flares, they had no cell phone, the cell phone batteries ran out, they had no water and it was dangerously hot, they had no charts... etc.
best of luck,
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Improvement comes by pushing to next level, but not too far, only you can judge this.
Prepare by studying the charts, have alternate ideas or plans, sailing is revision.
Beware of current and holding grounds
Prepare by studying the charts, have alternate ideas or plans, sailing is revision.
Beware of current and holding grounds
jfletcher,
I read your post and just had to respond. I too have just bought a used (1984) Cat 22, 3 months ago. In April I went to the Oriental School of Sailing, this was my first sailing experience. A wonderful school. Anyway, I had been researching a LOT of boats and finally decided that a Cat 22 was about right for me. It was pretty much a fixer'' upper and spent the first 2 months in my drive way. I now know every square inch of my boat. The first real sail I took was on Keer lake on July 4th. It was OK and I will most likely go back soon. But, more to your answer, we took our family vacation on 8/5 - 8/11. I dragged the boat to a marina in Havelock and rented a slip for the week. The family stayed in Emerald Isle, so I drove back and forth. It was a WONDERFUL (but HOT!) week. I think you will have a wonderful time. I would like to advise the following. GET A CHART and study it before you go. The Pamlico is, over all, not very deep, and there are several shoals that you would need to avoid. I was somewhast prepared because in the school we sailed the entire week in the sound. Also it is very handy to kind''ve have in your mind the overall layout of the area. I set 2 references that I kind''ve made my east and west bounderies, which were about 7 miles apart and this worked quite well, you can do a LOT of sailing in that much space. Take a pair of binoculars, the sound is much wider than Kerr lake and you will need them. I would also suggest that you try to make it to Oriental for a few days. It''s the "sailing capital" of NC and has some neat places to visit. I could go on and on, but it''s getting long. E-mail if you would like some more info.
I read your post and just had to respond. I too have just bought a used (1984) Cat 22, 3 months ago. In April I went to the Oriental School of Sailing, this was my first sailing experience. A wonderful school. Anyway, I had been researching a LOT of boats and finally decided that a Cat 22 was about right for me. It was pretty much a fixer'' upper and spent the first 2 months in my drive way. I now know every square inch of my boat. The first real sail I took was on Keer lake on July 4th. It was OK and I will most likely go back soon. But, more to your answer, we took our family vacation on 8/5 - 8/11. I dragged the boat to a marina in Havelock and rented a slip for the week. The family stayed in Emerald Isle, so I drove back and forth. It was a WONDERFUL (but HOT!) week. I think you will have a wonderful time. I would like to advise the following. GET A CHART and study it before you go. The Pamlico is, over all, not very deep, and there are several shoals that you would need to avoid. I was somewhast prepared because in the school we sailed the entire week in the sound. Also it is very handy to kind''ve have in your mind the overall layout of the area. I set 2 references that I kind''ve made my east and west bounderies, which were about 7 miles apart and this worked quite well, you can do a LOT of sailing in that much space. Take a pair of binoculars, the sound is much wider than Kerr lake and you will need them. I would also suggest that you try to make it to Oriental for a few days. It''s the "sailing capital" of NC and has some neat places to visit. I could go on and on, but it''s getting long. E-mail if you would like some more info.
Jfletcher hi
My wife and I when out one day and brought a 26ft yacht factional rig running back stays the lot. We have had our ups and downs from the loss of the mast to motor problem the mast was inexperience racing. We had little experince before the purchase I raced small cats the wife never been on a yacht. We have never had so much fun from 6 metre sea to 50 knot winds and all in between. Our yacht is flush decked and not much room more of a racer. But we go away for 2-3 weeks when we can coastal cruising around Tasmania. In summing up find a yacht club that is more socially based, people in the club can help you a great deal think safety and you will be fine. Marc A
My wife and I when out one day and brought a 26ft yacht factional rig running back stays the lot. We have had our ups and downs from the loss of the mast to motor problem the mast was inexperience racing. We had little experince before the purchase I raced small cats the wife never been on a yacht. We have never had so much fun from 6 metre sea to 50 knot winds and all in between. Our yacht is flush decked and not much room more of a racer. But we go away for 2-3 weeks when we can coastal cruising around Tasmania. In summing up find a yacht club that is more socially based, people in the club can help you a great deal think safety and you will be fine. Marc A
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mark,
do you know steve mcqueeeney from hobart?
eric
do you know steve mcqueeeney from hobart?
eric
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Hello. My name is Evan and im 13. My father owns a 1989 32'' Marinette. I never really liked cruisers that much, but i love sailing, even though ive never been sailing. Can anyone give me some advice on how to get started with sailing? If so, please respond. Thanks for lookin''!
-Ev
-Ev
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Ev,
Do you live near sailing areas such as lakes, bays, or sea? Some high schools and many universities that have close proximity to sailing, also sponsor racing and training programs. Often they have training programs open to youth who do not have to members of the school. Also, some yacht clubs have youth sail trainig programs available for a small fee and they supply the boats. Optimist dingys are very popular training boats in the Annapolis, MD area.
wlw
Do you live near sailing areas such as lakes, bays, or sea? Some high schools and many universities that have close proximity to sailing, also sponsor racing and training programs. Often they have training programs open to youth who do not have to members of the school. Also, some yacht clubs have youth sail trainig programs available for a small fee and they supply the boats. Optimist dingys are very popular training boats in the Annapolis, MD area.
wlw
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