Looking for the Sailboat that's Right for You
The type of sailboat you buy should reflect the type of sailing that you want to do. Here are a few considerations you might want to take before you invest in a new or used sailboat.
(PRWEB) 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.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb222462.htm