I have a sailboat question! Please Help!?

Question

I am a beginner sailor and i want a small and easy to control boat. Not like a 22 foot one! But like the ones that are sort of the ones that they use in the Olympics. What would also be the price for one too?

Answer 1

I started with a McGregor 22' sail boat.  It was quite easy to learn sailing on.  I have since gone to bigger boats.

The most fun sailing was on a Sunfish.  It is tippy, can be knocked flat to the water or turtled in a moment of inattention.  but a bunch of fun, assuming you are not in freezing water,

To get into sailing, as much as I enjoyed Sunfish sailing, it has a lateen sail, you should have a mail and jib for learning purposes.  The International 505 is an olympic class boat, but the technical aspect can boggle your mind.  A Laser sail boat I think would be a good starter, and one you could sail for years to come and always enjoy.  A Laser will vary in price with your location, and the age/condition of the boat.

You could pick up a 22' boat that you could learn on, camp on, and enjoy for under $2,000 used, with outboard and trailer in some locations.

Answer 2

I know nothing about the actual act of sailing, but everyone that I know in the boating world says that Sabots are pretty much the standard for beginner sailors.

http://www.naples-sabot.org/

They are pretty cheap and excellent for learning the basics.

Answer 3

Your best bet is a Laser. They're plentiful and therefore one could be probably had cheap. Tired ones can be found for under $1000.

Answer 4

One of the best starting boats is the 14' Sunfish. But your weight will play a role in the boat that you choose. The optimal weight for a sunfish is 150 lbs. I had a Compac yacht 16' which has a weighted keel and can not tip over which makes a great platform for learning. Good luck in your search.