Looking for the Sailboat thats Right for You



March 28, 2005 -- The type of sailboat you should purchase is of course greatly dependent on what you intent to do with the watercraft. Here are some questions that you might consider to help you narrow the scope of what you should get.

How much boat do you want
Are you looking for a sailboat to sail for a few hours during the daytime Or are you looking for a sailboat to take on long excursions The type of sailboat you get should match your intentions. For example, a smaller one-design sailboat is great for day sailing. However, you would not want to take a small watercraft out for an evening sail, and certainly not for an overnight outing. Conversely, a large sailboat equipped with cabin, bunks, and all the amenities of home is not always appropriate to take out on short excursions.

Many small one-design sailboats are designed for racing. They can be taken out for a pleasure sail as well. However, if you intent to take inexperienced landlubbers with you on a sail, some of the smaller sailboats might not be as appropriate as other boats.

Naturally, you probably don't want to invest in more than one sailboat, so you really need to consider your main intent.

How much money do you want to spend
The price of sailboats varies greatly. You can spend as little as $1,000, or as much as $100,000. Even within a certain size range, prices can vary greatly. Other financial considerations are the cost of mooring, winter storage (if required in your climate), and fuel, should you intent to get a sailboat with a motor and use it often.

Although the wind is free, sails are not. A new set of sails can cost from $1,500 to $6,000. This is not an investment you'll need to make often (unless you are an avid racer), but the cost still must be considered.

Where will you sail your boat
If you are on a large body of water, like an ocean or one of the Great Lakes, a large sailboat is feasible. However, a small sailboat should not be taken into unprotected open water. If you are looking to sail your boat on open seas, you are best off buying a larger sailboat. Small lake sailing, protected bays and inlets are perfect for smaller sailboats.

Day Sailing versus Cruising
Both day sailing and cruising (overnight sailing) can bring great enjoyment. Day sailing and cruising can both be done in a larger watercraft. Day sailing is appropriate only for a smaller sailboat (under 20 feet).

Sailboat Racing
Sailboat racing is a great team sport. You might be surprised to think of sailing as a team sport, but most races are manned by at least 2 people per boat. Think of the Olympics or America's Cup. Larger boats are used in both these events, but the crews are comprised of 7-10 or even more people.

Local yacht clubs often sponsor sailboat races. A team that practices together under different conditions, and that knows each other's strengths and weaknesses can perform much better than a team that has never sailed together before.

Sailboat racing can also build friendships not only between team members but also among the fleet. Great friendships can form from these team events. Additionally, sailboat racing can build confidence, team spirit, and cooperation in a way unlike any other team sport.

Conclusion
Whatever sailboat you end up purchasing, you'll no doubt be very happy with your experience. If you are a first-time sailor, remember to take sailing and navigation lessons, get the right gear, and most of all, have a great time!

For more information on Sailboats and Sailing, visit the Official Yacht Site at http://www.official-yacht-site.com.





Looking for the Sailboat thats Right for You