Speaking of learning to sail...

[Pierre.Suave]

I could use some advice from those more experienced and knowledgeable on this subject. I am interested in purchasing a small sailboat to learn on, it does not have to be big at all, but I would prefer it to be big enough to allow me to learn to sail a real sailboat in the future.

This is what I am considering right now: http://www.teamvanguard.com/2005/base/content.asp?section=boats&dir=core&page=boats_index&boatid=17

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. used is ok too.

[DS1]

1. Why not take lessons first?

[Pierre.Suave]

4. I am taking lessons

my GF got me lessons for Xmas.

Aint she great!

[Zuiderelle]

2. A Corvette and a Sailboat

I want some of whatever you're making. :thumbsup:

[Pierre.Suave]

5. LOL

well, trust me, the hardship I had to go through to get here was not fun.

it involved a very lengthy lawsuit and financial hardships in the process.

[NightWatcher]

3. that's a good size, I guess

I learned on a laser class when the Olympics were here in 96.



Once you get the basics down step up in size. I am so rusty, but I'd love the practice. Let me know if you need a crew. I could also be convinced to be a pirate for the right booty (sorry, I had to go there)

[Pierre.Suave]

6. Thats funny

the Laser is made by teh same company as the boat I linked above.

[cobalt1999]

7. Vanguards are nice boats.

You want a boat that has all the major sails (main, jib, spinnaker).

However, what I would do is look at what type of boat your local sailing clubs or yacht clubs use. In my town in Florida, Hobie Cats and J boats are big and there are many weekend regattas for these types. Time on the water will improve your skills and getting out among others, especially racing, will definitely hone your skills.

Is there are local Vanguard club?

[Pierre.Suave]

8. I will check into that

I did not think of that. But I suppose throwing myself into the deep end and either sinking or swimming is a good way to learn.

[Callalily]

9. That's a nice boat,

but I would suggest "test driving". See how it handles compared to other boats. Ask yourself what type of conditions you're willing to sail in. If just casual, day sails, the Vanguard is fine, but if you feel once you've mastered the art of sailing you may want a bigger, more sophisticated boat, I'd wait to purchase.

Good luck and enjoy yourself.

[Pierre.Suave]

11. That is part of the plan

and I will wait a few years before buying anything larger than this boat.

[bikebloke]

10. Snark

I learned to sail on a tiny styrofoam boat called a Snark. Apparently, sailing is like riding a bike. My father shoved sailing down my throat. So when I was old enough to do what I wanted, I skipped out. Many years later, a friend remembered I mentioned it. So he dragged me out to see what sailing was like and then kept telling me it was my element. I should get a job sailing. It was like I had last been sailing the day before.

[Pierre.Suave]

12. A boat very similar to that

is what gave me my rudimentary sailing skills that I am now honing with a boat that has, as mentioned above, all 3 sails, and why I want the Nomad linked above.