Beginner Sailboating
If you have not already, read some of the other articles on this site to get a better idea if sailing is for you. In this article I am going to cover what type of boat is best for someone just starting out with sailing.
There are quite a few different types of sailboats. There are beginner sailboats, wet and dry. For the more advanced there are catamaran sailboats which I talk about in this site and there are sailboats with cabins and even those that need crews.
As the name suggest, on the wet type of beginner sailboats you are going to get wet a heck of a lot. On a wet sailboat you sit on the deck of the boat. These boats are much smaller and easier to manage for someone beginning with sailing. Dry sailboats are of course where you are sitting up on a chair and stay out of the wash. These feel more safe for the beginner so may be the best choice. Of couse cabin sailboats are those with cabins you can go into, ranging in size. You can even stay overnight in one of these.
As I've said in previous articles, starting with a smaller sailboat is the best idea for beginners. They require less skill to learn and a lot less maintenance as well. They are just as much fun though. Because they have fewew lines and sails and bits and pieces, they are much easier to get started with. They also don't require as much wind to get really get doing. The skills learnt on a small sailboat can be transfered over to the larger size.
It's best to start with a sailboat with one and one. Meaning, one mast with only one sail. This makes it so much easier to learn sailing with. This is what I first learn t how to sail on. Most small sailboats are built to this specification any way. You will also want to purchase a single hulled sailboat and one that is made out of fiberglass not wood. Much easier to repair and transport. Make sure if you are buying a boat for adults its at least 12 feet in length and at least 10 feet in length for children. The idea is to have enough room for 2 people.
Having a boat with a centerboard or a dagger board is key. This allows you to sail in shallower waters.
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