Question:
I am interested in knowing what experienced sailors feel is the best
novice sailboat. I am interested in a boat that can sleep two and
preferably has an enclosed head (important to S.O.). Any suggestions
on boats to stay away from what be of interest as well.
What is your choice of best novice sail boat?
Answer:
I am perhaps being impertinent, but I suggest a dinghy. Yes, it
sleeps 0 and has no head. But it is drastically cheaper and will
teach you more about sailing more quickly than a boat with overnighting
facilities. Hang around your local sailing centers and see what
dinghys people sail; get one of those. If you want to learn in
a larger boat, I recommend taking lessons on one rather than buying.
As someone not long ago said, learning to sail by first buying a
big boat is like learning to play tennis by first building a court.
