The MOST POPULAR sailboat ever made!! Captain Q just bought one!! EP 18

[@davidries5794]

When I was 13, my father had a temporary assignment in New York City for the summer. He didn’t want us kids living in the city, so he rented a cottage in Connecticut a couple of blocks from Long Island sound. He bought me a Sunfish, with the wheels that go in the centerboard slot. Every day that summer, I would pack a lunch in the morning, haul the boat the two blocks to the beach, then haul the 200 yards across the beach (that was pretty hard.) I’d rig it up, and hit the water. I would sail until it was nearly dark, then haul it home for dinner. Every single day. Loved every minute of it.

[@YachtHunters]

that's a great heartwarming story of the birth of a really good sailor I hope you have graduated but still have the Fish in the back yard thank you for sharing

[@elelegidoriginal]

Similar here, my father and I built a 10 foot wooden sailing dinghy when I was around that age. I sailed it whenever I could. These memories can be the best of one's life.

[@seanhartman6496]

You just gave me a great idea for moving around the little 8’ US Sabot I just got when you mentioned wheels that fit in the dagger board slot. Thank you so much!

[@faithfamilyfriendsforever6777]

Sounds like a sales pitch. click link below 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇lol.

[@Boris_Chang]

When I was a young lad, my dad won a Snark in a church raffle and being a chemist, he brought home epoxy resins and painted it over the foam. It was so much fun. I brought it to college with me and would drive to a nearby lake and spend the day swimming. and sailing. I cannot remember what happened to it.

[@OnDVD]

I love his deep understanding of not just how these boasts work but the history behind them aswell

[@jroc2201]

Excellent

[@BaruBear77]

My family had a sunfish when I was a kid. I had so much fun sailing her laughing all the time when we capsized. The smaller the boat the more fun you have...

[@AdventureOtaku]

My dad had one too, and it was such a blast…

[@friarfox]

On the subject of Sunfish, I have a little story. Back in the winter of 1980, yours truly had a sales conference to go to in Key Biscayne FLA. Being that it was a highly stressful "justify your job" meeting, another branch manager "Bob" and myself were tearing up the beach bar pretty good with my friend Jack Daniels . The regional manager spies us and suggests we go do something else so not to get profiled by the vp. Well they had a Sunfish rental shop so naturally my drunken friend and I found our Jimmy Buffet spirit and rented one. I had all the experience of 2 days in Guadeloupe on one of these in a protected bay prior to this episode. Here we are heading to England in 3 foot swells with our hotel a tiny bump in the distance when I say to Bob. "You want to try steering?". "Whatever you do, let go of the sheet if we start to tip". We decide to jibe and head for home when a gust hits and Bob naturally pulls in on the sheet. We are now in the water with an upside down boat clinging to a slimy hull when I notice the centerboard is gone. Off in the distance, maybe 50 yards, I spot it floating away. My drunk brain says "we are going to need that thing" so I swim to retrieve it for what seemed like an hour there and back. We get it back in and proceed to right the boat like two drunk turkeys on an ice rink but we manage finally. The boat is not right. It's full of water like a sponge . I figured there was water between the fiberglass layers or something but we are lucky with a wind blowing towards shore. The thing was about 2 inches below the water the whole time but we made it back. The kicker in all this was that back at my office I pick up a paper on Monday only to read a small column on page 3 with the headline, "Key Biscayne beaches closed due to unprecedented shark infestation." I wish you better luck than I Captain Q.

[@YachtHunters]

hahaha terrific!! I love the twist at the end of that one!!

[@JorgeGonzalez-do7gt]

Love that you too sailed a Sunfish on Key Biscayne! I just posted a comment about my memories on a Sunfish as a kid!!!

[@mystisith3984]

🤣 A case of "we need a bigger boat" if I ever saw one.

[@alpsskiingrocks]

"I wish you better luck than I..." You obviously had great luck or you would have been an addendum to that shark article.

[@sancs1]

And the best new sailing channel 2020 award goes to Captain Q! Do you agree?

[@YachtHunters]

You are all very kind!! Thank you from both of us!! and Happy New Year!!

[@GChuk]

100% 10/10 will watch again and again :)

[@mikebhicks7933]

One of my real favorites - have to start with a 10 and then because of personal preference add another 10.5 for a score of 20.5 :-)

[@fernandopratesi5378]

Proud to “like.” You guys could win an award in the “making dreams come true” category. I got the sailing bug in a non-sailing family, so thankful for you and your tutelage!!

[@YachtHunters]

We are inspired and motivated by your support so thank you! it's a good bug to have!! Cheers!

[@joemamaurmama]

One of the earliest entries into the Sailing Hall of Fame. Down here in NJ, at our Beachwood YC, we run a youth sailing program. The kids learn on Opti's first, then graduate to Lasers and Sunfish. I've sailed the same 1963 Sunfish, (parents in law bought it brand new) for many decades. Fair winds to her !! Well done once again guys!

[@brianonthewater]

Captain Q is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs.

[@symphonyfarm2009]

I learned on a sailfish in Nantucket! We went out in 25 knot winds and got that puppy to plane!!! .....it was the greatest broad reach tack I have ever made in my life....never to be repeated!

[@kphelgerson]

I learned on one in Narragansett Bay between Jamestown and Newport, RI. What a blast. It is still with me, literally, behind and in my barn (boat and all the parts).

[@eventhisidistaken]

That sounds awesome. I recently bought a sunfish, after years of racing IC24s (a J24 with converted cockpit for racing instead of cruising). I can't wait for some warmer weather to go have fun with it. At some point, if I really get into it, I'm going to have to choose which one I want to race. I already spend more time at the yacht club than my wife is happy about.

[@jamzempire]

Wish someone would teach me to sail 😫

[@kphelgerson]

@@jamzempire As a 16 year old, I picked up a thin paperback titled "How to Sail" or something like that. Read it cover to cover. Got in the Sunfish, and did it. It was a blast. No fear of sinking, no thought of drowning, always in a lifejacket. Never flipped it in the ocean. Took it inland to a lake once and my friend and I went out, and I wanted him to be a part of it so he got to hold the mainsheet. At the first tack he didn't know to be willing to loosen it a bit until we got going and we blew right over. Once, only, in years of sailing. Many times leaning backwards and seeing the centerboard slice through the water on a strong tack near the then Newport Bridge. It was the "Save the Bay" time of the 70's and our game was to try to fill the cockpit with floating crap. We'd spot something and sail to it, then take off for House on the Rocks or Fort Wetherill or something and divert to whatever we saw on the way. Passed within 50 feet of the stern of the Courageous 12 Meter yacht once. She is still berthed in Newport along with others. See 12myc.org/courageous. They yelled at me. I was a kid. It was such fun. Now I have a San Juan 21 that I am refurbishing. I am going to take lessons from the local club or a knowledgeable sailor before I take it out. It has a few more lines to deal with! Never be afraid to ask for a local to help you. Prior to the Internet, we had a saying that you could probably find the answer to almost anything within 6 phone calls. Ask around.

[@alancyr8728]

Gotta like it 8:07 of the video - Captain Q wearing his PFD in the driveway !! He IS prepared !!! Love these videos. Very well produced and excellent content.

[@YachtHunters]

Gotta make sure you've prioritized safety 😉 Thanks very much, Alan. Happy New Year!

[@MrDavidJMa]

Learned to sail on a Laser in New Zealand. If you can sail one of those you can sail pretty much anything! Great video Captain.... keep 'em coming!

[@jolyonrussell7021]

(I started in a “P” class in the Tamaki Estuary )-- I like the history and explanations Captain Q gives, I only wish some of these affordable yachts were over here in NZ

[@nick_john]

I remember the Laser. Used to see a lot of them at the lake where used to sail growing up. Never sailed one but I remember it being super fast! I sailed a Sidewinder which was a bit larger at 16 feet and had a sloop rig.

[@winterwatson6437]

lasers are the most fun i’ve had racing, but i’d probably prefer a sunfish for pleasure sails. i’d jump on a good opportunity to get one of either for cheap

[@jonathanmartin2480]

Capt. Q, you are a treasure! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@YachtHunters]

Wow, thank you i just hope you are having as much fun as we are...

[@Mylifelovingit]

Brilliant boat to learn on. Rating is 10 points because it floats and 10 points because Captain Q owns it. Full 20 point boat.

[@gabereiser]

Capt. Q in my feed? Yesss! I need more Captain Q in my life.

[@prfginz]

I have owned my Sunfish for about 10 years now. I paid $100 for it. I have painted it, carved a new rudder, and finally replaced the sail a couple of years ago. I can sail it by myself, or bring a friend with me. I sail it in the pacific here on the California coast. A couple of times I have put holes in it when beach launching, and waves tossed it hard onto the beach, but, it is easily repaired when this occurs. I love this boat, and always tell people that a bigger boat does not necessarily equal bigger fun.

[@YachtHunters]

keep drinking our Kool aid Stephen We are with you all the way ( did a few patches myself fortunately on the bottom so the world wouldn't see my handiwork

[@openup007]

Love ‘em me some Captain Qs for breakfast! I learned in one day, how fly downwind and then how to tack upwind on the Delaware river with one of these beauties! Well done Captain Q & 1st Mate Ran-Day!

[@YachtHunters]

Oh wow!

[@nickgilmore5197]

This was my first boat and has a special place in my heart. Great for kids to learn to sail.

[@jimglass1161]

Another great video Captain. I've been sailing for 40 years and I learn something new every episode.

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you.... we're still learning as well!! Cheers, Jim!

[@johnnylightning1491]

I've never had a sailboat, and probably never will, unless I get one of those. It looks like a blast. Keep the good stuff coming Cap'n.

[@YachtHunters]

just keep checking Craig's list near and far from you and also go to www.laserperformance.us/

[@johnvalenti6190]

I would leave a comment, but I’m too busy searching Craigslist. And seeing how long the drive to Indianapolis is .... Great episode!

[@mmg781]

I learned to sail on my dad’s Sunfish back in the 80’s. Great times, and the fundamentals stuck with me through a several decade-long sailing hiatus that ended last year when I bought my first sailboat, a 1985 O’Day 192. My kids love sailing and the tradition continues! Thanks for the great video Cap’t Q!

[@YachtHunters]

I love to hear the stories of the passing of the mantel happy new year

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Oh, come OOOONNN bro! You can't release a video at 1:30am!!! I'm supposed to be asleep, now I'm gonna be watching sailboat videos for the next two hours

[@YachtHunters]

😂

[@andecap1325]

Smaller is better for more fun,less stress,can do everything yourself single handed! I learned on a sunfish at scout camp.

[@danlorti]

This is my favorite of Captain Q's videos so far! After watching it I feel like I can sail!!! Great video. Keep them coming.

[@carlosrosa1965]

A genuine pleasure. I love your passion, your sense of Humour, the Teamwork with your wingman. Wishing you sincere peace, health and joy for you your wingman and your clans for 2021.

[@gavinjones7006]

Brings back memories of sailing Optimist dingy back in late 70s early 80s. A little different yacht.

[@johnauner671]

The OK Dinghy was a more challenging boat - especially when I was 120 lbs.

[@bradleypollard4922]

I’m an American living in Northern England. This reminds me so much of learning to sail dinghies here in Yorkshire. Thrilling way to learn the points of sailing!

[@mhub3576]

Maybe Captain Q should put out his own fashion line. Complete with suspenders secured with square knotted small stuff. 😄

[@johndodds7949]

Good job guys it’s not all about 26ft and above...I so love the fact you came to a fun value toy that will make anyone smile 😃. I was grew uk in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 sailing optimists, then a dabchick and windsurfer (Yes I know they call us pole dancers)..a privilege life in Africa. We joined a local sailing club with my kids here in UK 🇬🇧 I just think the biggest smiles are on the small dinghy ⛵️ boats in a nice breeze.

[@LaughterOnWater]

Captain Q, you're such a great story teller! We so enjoyed hearing about your Sunfish. Stay safe out there!

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you

[@johnbrooks1188]

Congrats on the new yacht! Back in the early1980s, my USCG buoy tending cutter had a Sunfish, which got sailed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Bahamas, Virgin Islands - wherever we were for more than a day or so. Spent a month working the buoys and lights in Gitmo, and it was great to have a dinghy to sail. Especially fun for sailing in warm crystal clear water that you can swim in!

[@YachtHunters]

spent a week in Antigua years ago with access to a sunfish Boy was that heaven no shock when the spray hit thanks for your memories happy new year

[@noodleheimerswest8758]

John: I served 2-years on CGC CONIFER (WLB-301) on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the late 1970s. Now, I sail Sunfish on inland lakes in Arizona … every chance I get. Both great boats - the old 180’s and Sunfish!

[@MA_808]

I knew it had to be a Sunfish when I read "The MOST POPULAR sailboat ever made!!". For a kid and newbie, they are pretty perfect.

[@johnnyhunter4345]

Easy way to self learn the concept of sailing in low wind, but wear a a swimsuit the first time!

[@YachtHunters]

but in the moon light .......

[@mikegrant8490]

The Sunfish may still be the largest number of highly competitive boats in their own racing one design class. Rigged to race standards of the strict one design standards and in a good stiff breeze, they are very capable of going greater than twenty knots. Even 25 knots is not unheard of. To get that kind of speed, you have to fully understand the real meaning of "trim"... the constant shifting of your body weight and hiking out to compensate for the power of the sail. A total blast to cover so much ground so quickly, wave hopping. You need good core strength with abdominal muscles and quadriceps strength in top shape for any long race. Remember that the original design was a board boat. If those of you who are considering one, get a copy of "Sail it Flat" a race primer for the Sunfish and learn all those inside tricks to wring out every last bit of speed.

[@williamtoppari6855]

O ok I no I

[@williamtoppari6855]

O I pop

[@susanc.8009]

My dad built 2 sailfish from kits back in the early 50’s in our basement-one for me and one for my older brother. It started a lifelong love of sailing for me. They were fun to capsize, no problem to right and no bailing without a cockpit.

[@paulmadruga9786]

Thanks, now the price for a used Sun Fish just tripled ! Hey complete agree, small simple boats are all about fun!

[@YachtHunters]

😂

[@JorgeGonzalez-do7gt]

My earliest memories of sailing were on my friend’s Sunfish and it was during a Summer on the beach at Key Biscayne (Miami, FL) that I learned how to sail at age 14. I’m 56 now and I’ve been sailing with passion ever since!!! Love your videos!!!

[@YachtHunters]

What a great way to get into sailing.... and much better to dunk in the waters of Key Biscayne than the Gulf of Maine right about now! Thank you and Happy New Year!

[@stevegarneau61]

I really like this episode. There is a lot of positivity in small boats! And, I see these small boats abandoned in yards all over! It's a lot like the older Japanese motorcycles; many of them could, and can still, be found neglected in someone's side yard. I bet being so plentiful small boats can be had for cheap too. I learned how to sail on a Vanguard and now have a small trailer sailor that I take out, but a tiny boat would be more convenient when I don't have all day. Think I'll keep my eyes open and my haggling shoes on while driving...

[@YachtHunters]

until then, you could take a look at the Pearson "Vanguard" we interviewed Thank you for your note

[@stevegarneau61]

@@YachtHunters the Vanguard I learned to sail on was a 15 ft dinghy. It was a blast to sail around in the bay. I was a Marine stationed on Kaneohe Bay, on the island of Oahu and the scenery there is spectacular. I sail a Catalina 22 now; it works for me. : )

[@xpatsteve]

This brings back some memories. I learned how to sail on a Sunfish back in the 80s. Great boat and great fun!

[@johncrumpley8702]

I love it!!! Way back when I was much younger, I raced J/24's every weekend on Lake Erie... Much fun, but a lot of work. When I moved to Florida, I sold my J/24 and started racing a Sunfish on the St. John's River. I never met a greater group of sailors, and had a ton of fun. No muss... no fuss. Thanks Captain Q for sharing this video.

[@alwayslearningthankyou2708]

Valuable service you provide. Thank you!

[@fish1860]

My uncle built a wooden sailfish, a sunfish without the cockpit. I think it’s one of the best way a new sailor young or old can learn the basics of sailing. It teaches you boat handling in all wind directions without the distractions of a larger boat. The rest of the goodies on boats will be self explanatory. And I love this channel, being an old guy I get to see a lot of older boats I haven’t seen in years and forgot all about. Get job Captain Q

[@YachtHunters]

Thanks "old guy" i know "just how you feel" happy new year and many more to come

[@paulmaley7562]

Thank You! Had a sunfish as a child and this brought back great memories. Watched this with my wife and tried to convince her we need a Nonsuch....no luck yet. Love the channel.

[@YachtHunters]

Nonsuch is a great rig. Have you had a chance to check out our Episode 14? It's a similar rig as the Nonsuch - a Cat Ketch. Really clever approach to rigging/spars. You can see it here (if you haven't already) kzbin.info/www/bejne/omW7Z6OXlLuAZs0 Happy New Year!

[@sirfrydryk360]

I had sailed with a friend in his 14 foot sloop, but we only went out twice, I then got a chance to sail a Sunfish at a University in town and took Small boat sailing and canoeing class. I was stoked and for 2 months I was in heaven. Almost won the sail race on the last day in a sunfish but I held the sheet to tight and the wind took me over, but I came up and stood on the dragger board and she came right up and I was in the thick of it again and took second. The wind was quite high that day on the lake and my size and weight helped me gain so fast on the leader after I went over that he said he thought I was going to pass him b4 the finish line. Thank you for bringing this all back to me like this, but I have added some ballast to myself so I will save the life of a Sunfish and not try sailing one again. Thank you ever so much.

[@leers73]

Loved this latest Captain Q & Ran-day episode,!! I really laughed when Captain gave us the “big reveal”. Not what I was expecting at all. Great idea to show a beginners option! Many of us dream of a lifestyle on the water but don’t know where to start, so showing us what was a really simple and cheap way to learn the basics was a great idea!! You guys have absolutely smashed it. Well done!

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you, Lee!! Time to get shopping for your first boat, eh? 😃

[@750count]

I love all the videos but this one is great for the simplicity and joy of sailing Going to forward this to my friend that I am always saying to that the smaller boat the better for learning on This one fits that perfectly Thank you

[@revon0521]

You guys are awesome. I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and humor, especially these days. Subscribed and grateful for this channel.

[@svechappe6075]

My spouse's first sailboat was a Sailfish and mine was a Prindle. Great boats to learn how to sail on. Oh, and I want some Captain Q socks!

[@peterbedford2610]

So many people have great memories from these boats

[@dlpaolino02886]

Wow love your videos Captain Q! Watched them all. What a flashback about the Sunfish. That’s how my Father and I learned to sail! Absolutely the best way to learn. Immediate feedback when you are doing something right or wrong. We had the Harken pulley and a “Barrington” board centerboard. We moved on to slightly bigger boats an O’Day 20 and then a 26’ Rhodes Meridian Seafarer (both fixer uppers). This was in the seventies and eighties....I’m 50 now and My Father is 82. We’ve strayed away from sailing lately but live vicariously through your videos. The funny thing was My Dad and I always had Dinty Moore when we went overnight on Narragansett Bay or out to Cuttyhunk. Look forward to more videos. Keep up the good work Randy and Captain Q. Happy New Year!!

[@YachtHunters]

you are good men !! Any believers in Dinty Moore can sale with me anytime www.hormel.com/Brands/Hormel-Dinty-Moore/Dinty-Moore-Cans/DINTY-MOORE-Beef-Stew

[@billbelchee1441]

My father built one of the early Sailfish in 1960. Sail number 5355. We lived in the coal mining country of southern West Virginia and really got some stares when we raised the sail in our front yard. I loved that boat. Learned to sail in Masonboro Sound at Wrightsville Beach, NC.

[@txkflier]

In the Summer of ‘69, between dropping out of college and entering the US Air Force, I lived in Rockport, Texas. I had so much fun sailing rented Sunfish and Dolphin Sr’s at the Ski Basin there.

[@inixio11]

loved the episode. I would love to know about a new knot in every episode with a little history behind it? I loved the figure eight ...

[@YachtHunters]

The figure-8 always comes in handy. You got it.... we'll do more with the essential knots! Happy New Year!

[@GChuk]

This is a cool idea!

[@inixio11]

@@YachtHunters Brilliant...! Thank you very much. Happy New Year to you too.

[@hullpros7380]

Great video, worth watching! Keep up the good work, the two of you are a fantastic team of knowledge. Thank you!

[@barryhugo]

I had that exact boat back in the 80's. I broke the mast in high winds so be careful with it. I gave it away and got a Hobe Cat. A small catamaran may be what you want if you like to go fast.

[@Diamond_Hand_D]

I love all your videos but this one was especially fun. My uncle had a hobie cat that we used to sail and I always really enjoyed it. I would love to see another one of these low cost boats that you could actually have a couple of passengers on. Thanks

[@YachtHunters]

just hang on i have the perfect step up coming soon as i can find one ( really)

[@kuyasam208]

Captain Q that was a very nice presentation indeed ! Wishing you all the very best at your sailing adventures ! Please say Hi! ( from me ) to Randy your videographer who accompanied you with such a nice attitude of understanding and cooperation ! God Bless !

[@judsonquiaoit8256]

I remember fondly sailing these in Mobile Bay with all kinds of commercial and military traffic coming and going. We terrorized the shipping channels those days...

[@vegermite]

I love this guy,,,he is so genuine

[@YachtHunters]

😊

[@kiwikeith7633]

So long ago, my plaster cast removed and on the mend - I found myself on a crowded beach in sweltering heat. A guy had some craft much like this SunFish. I was no sailor at all, but recalling that to sail is to swim, I negotiated to rent on on the proviso the guy taught me to sail it. He agreed. So we put it in at the waters edge, pointing out into the bay. Woosh!! and I was out in the tide wondering what to do. He shouted, "that board in the middle - push it down!" so I did. Soon a puff of breeze caught the sail, the tiller snapped around and a rope moved much, so I steadied both. Soon the craft surged forwards out to sea in the direction of South America. Not fancying a long sea voyage, I eased off the rope, and waited. The wind drifted the boat back and its boom snapped over reminding me to keep my head low. But soon I got the hang of operating this - and not long after I noticed a keeler heeling over, stuck on a sand-bank with outgoing tide. So I orbited the keeler, which annoyed it's master, who soon shook his fist at me. Well that was my first sailing lesson, and I went on to sail other rental craft, Sunburst and Catamarans. Great fun.

[@HazzardThom]

Thanks Captain Q! Your videos have been immensely fun to watch and also helping us learn so much about boats as we begin our sailing adventures. We started out with an old Snipe this past summer and are restoring it through the winter. Thanks for covering a dinghy!

[@YachtHunters]

Great to hear! i just came across a view of Snipes racing in my library last nigh Cool little boats sort of a junior Lightening glad to hear you have that project and hopefully a fleet to jump into ..for some racing best way to sharpen sailing skills

[@SharksfootSoup]

Way to go captain Q! Just discovered the channel, really enjoying. I am a long time day sailor, and now that I have grandkids I want to move up from a bulls eye to something comfortable for weekending or short cruises. I’d love to see you do some episodes on how to search for a boat, and how to evaluate a boat. (Assuming, of course, that I don’t manage to snap up one of the gems you’ve already featured 😎) You have given us terrific examples of boats you like, and what things you are checking on your walk-arounds, but it would be really helpful to hear you talk through things in a systematic, general-purpose way. Thanks for all your work!

[@doncoxe644]

Thank you for another fun video, Captain Q and this one quite different, covering the ultimately accessible sailboat. I grew up racing Sunfishes on Cape Cod and continue to own one. I've had a number of them. Symphony Farm is correct in their comment that a broad reach in 20k+ wind is uniquely exciting - the best! Although if you're not super careful, in that same wind a downwind leg can result in a death roll before you know it. At 64 years old I own too many boats but my Sunfish is a favorite (and a Shellback dinghy but that's a different topic). I once sailed my Sunfish from Wickford Rhode Island to Block Island - and back - ten miles out to sea. What a fun adventure, and why not? That boat can sail. Hey, must mention; that your centerboard is too short. Someone cut it down and you'll want to get one at full length for nice upwind legs. Please keep making videos - you're doing a *fantastic* job (and Randy - Randae? too). They're a great service to all who want to sail.

[@kentblairl]

It looks like Capt Q has the 31 inch daggerboard from one of the wooden Fish. Check ebay/craigslist/fb market place for a 39 inch spoon tip board, period correct for a 1970, or a 44 inch Barrington board, rectangular tip. SHe will definitely sail better with the longer boards.

[@YachtHunters]

Hi Don Hey, I love your story about the run to Block Island. It's a great adventure and also to sail back. Reminds me of a time when I was in those same waters delivering a little 30-foot trailer that I thought had an engine problem and it stopped the engine and I was sure I had a lobster pot or some such on the prop. And then slipped on the facemask and stared down at those very same waters that you were sailing in with the recent news as of about an hour before that a record great white had just been caught off Montauk point. That was a very quick check of the prop. (turned out it was a errant shaft bearing and solved problem in Newport) But believe me I heard the background music from jaws the whole time I was in the water and I'm sure it would have been my background music making that same sunfish run that you did . Hats off to you. I do know that daggerboard is too short but this was a barn purchase and I just took what came with it of course I look at it now that I have a Shoal draft sunfish until I spring for a new board but thank you and Kent Blair, another responder, for your interest and your notes Happy new year and thank you for watching her episodes

[@billhungerford5930]

My wife and I rented one in Bermuda on our honeymoon many decades ago. We had a blast sailing across the entire i side loop of the island. Such an easy sail and so much fun. Great channel, btw!

[@YachtHunters]

Very cool! Glad you stopped by… thanks!!

[@jaredkobobel1107]

Great video. Learned to sail on sunfish in college, such a fun little boat.

[@MrDLux82]

Very first time I ever sailed was on a sunfish in Cuba. So easy to sail and very fast. Great fun!

[@YachtHunters]

Love to get them planing and then dump it into the water for a quick swim. Fun per dollar is right up there!! Cool to have sailed in Cuba!

[@dancurtis611]

I used to teach sailing on a Sunfish. Easy to learn on, very nimble and responsive. Truly a blast to sail, especially when the wind is almost too much. It's called a daggerboard, not a centerboard. When the wind is kicking up whitecaps, pulling the daggerboard about halfway up will eliminate the weather helm, and the boat will get up on a plane more quickly. Truly a fun boat to sail if you don't mind getting wet.

[@YachtHunters]

Great tip… planing on a sunfish feels like Mach 5… super fun!! Cheers

[@peterjarnes25]

Thank God for Captain Q and Randy!

[@Don-cq5fg]

Love these videos. I look forward to them every week!

[@PhilForeman]

First and best boat I ever owned!! Sailed on my Mid-western lake in high winds that kept a whole fleet of bigger boats ashore. Way to much fun!

[@munsonbosun2317]

any new episode is the best episode cap, you could be reviewing a diy plywood dinghy and it wont be underwhelming.

[@MrBrewzr]

I just found your channel yesterday, I love your videos, I’ve been binge watching. I just love how much I learn watching, terms, history, all of it. Can’t wait to watch the next one.

[@dabprod]

A Sunfish was the first sailboat I ever sailed. 37 years ago we visited some friends on a private lake in NY State . They put me in the Sunfish and shoved it away from the dock and they said have fun and if you don't come back we'll come looking for you. I was scared to death. Had NEVER been on any sailboat before. Well, My wife and I ended up buying a house on that lake the next year and bought a used sailboat from a neighbor. Not a Sunfish, but very similar. Many years later it became waterlogged like you explained so I scrapped it. But MANY hours on the water having great fun.My favorite video I've seen was the Freedom Cat Ketch 35. A little rough but I think it was a very sound boat and could be single handed easily. Looking forward for more boats from you. Happy New Year.

[@YachtHunters]

Good for you for not getting scared off of that first experience. Sounds like how Ran-day learned to downhill ski! That Cat Ketch is perfect for short-handed sailing.... simple and really great controls.... and a nice low entry price point. Cheers and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@eamonncoady9823]

A fine gentlemans yacht. ample stowage for a bottle of rum and a crab salad. congratulations captain.

[@munbeam1]

My Grandma was from Biddeford. Thanks for walk thru for Sunfish.

[@YachtHunters]

Hi Angela So glad to hear someone who has heard of Biddeford I hope your grandmother is still here and with us. Feel free to come visit lovely Bedford the town is growing and if you were into investing real estate this would be a great spot. Miles of beaches a great River running through it lots of square footage available for commercial work. One of the last few places in Maine within a couple of hours of Boston. But it's also a great place to have a boat even a dinky little one like this sunfish. I hope you enjoyed our episode and will come back happy new year

[@munbeam1]

@@YachtHunters Sorry, but Grandma passed in '07 @ 89 yo. Lil bit of info. She was Miss Portland/Miss Maine Edith L Smith, 1935.

[@nomehdrider]

Captain Q and the great Ran-Day, so glad to see this video this morning!

[@YachtHunters]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@nomehdrider]

Loved it! Be safe, and happy New Year!

[@Navisworker]

Would love to see a video on 'Things that make a good Yachtsman'.

[@YachtHunters]

Excellent idea! We'll see what we can do!

[@Navisworker]

I watch a lot of the sailing channels and this was the first video I saw that speaks of the Classic Yachtsman. I never heard the term until now.

[@thefarmerswifeknits6190]

Captain Q puts on a life preserver before boarding the boat, even in the driveway!

[@robertcooke8320]

Thanks Capn Q for the video an bringing back a memory from the past, Great boats!

[@ericstanke3291]

I learned to sail on one these...a long time ago and I've had the absolute pleasure of introducing about two dozen people to the joys of sailing in a Sunfish. As you said they are so simple, it allows people to learn about catching the wind, coming about and tacking without fooling with a whole bunch of lines or being afraid of capsizing because they are damn near unbreakable.

[@paulyandle1286]

Two most enjoyable vehicles for me have been the simplest, most humble...a Sunfish and a Healey Sprite.

[@YachtHunters]

was that the Bug Eye ??? ( and btw your comparison of vehicles is spot on )

[@binghamtonrugbytv5817]

The sunfish is the boat I learned on as a kid and first started racing at six years old. I have taught many kids and adults as a sailing instructor and cut my teeth using fiberglass/epoxy repairing damage from students.

[@YachtHunters]

Your students must laud your efforts this is a life skill along with bicycles but more fun .... and if you're not careful way more expensive...hahah

[@SteveTeague-fl1xc]

About 55 years ago, my dad and I rented a sunfish and sailed all around Galveston Bay. We had a ball! Memories of the best kind were created that day...

[@lukequinn6195]

Pure class, keep it up boys.

[@aaronklein9467]

Guys - Thank you for your KZbin Channel. Happy New Year and safe sailing!

[@cliffordwilliams9597]

I just bought a sunfish this summer, I am delighted to see Captain Q speak so highly of it!

[@DLYChicago]

I have had a lot of fun on a Sunfish. My club uses it for our adult Learn to Sail classes. We once hosted the North Americans and had about 100 Sunfish on the start line. (I placed in the low 80's.) An easy boat to sail; a hard boat to sail well. As you improve as a sailor the Sunfish is able to handle your performance. Its light weight makes it easy to trailer or to car top; and you can launch it off a beach without requiring much of a marina facility, and can store it on a rack.

[@freesk8]

I grew up in the '70's sailing and racing Sunfish on Lake Michigan! So much fun! Awesome boat! :)

[@treywest268]

Congratulations on your new yacht Captain Q!!! From my days windsurfing, I would recommend an attached loud whistle on the life vest.

[@DaveHalstead]

My 2nd boat, a Sailfish w no cockpit hole, was a blast. I car topped on my 72 corolla.My new wife was a trooper and hung w me thru it all. Great times informally racing others on Lake Washington in Seattle. Some guests were not so impressed with the potential for getting wet. Very wet! Finally sold it and then had opportunity and access to a Columbia 22 then later a San Juan 24. Great family trips to the San Juan's. Someone else, said it. "If you can sail one of these, you can sail anything."

[@inediblenut]

Finally! A boat in my budget. Thanks, Cap'n. Happy New Year!

[@YachtHunters]

Enjoy! check out Craigs list or go to www.laserperformance.us/

[@DillonMcGlinn]

Great video!! My ideal retirement: train for triathlon all morning and sail in a sunfish all afternoon! Have fun with yours!!

[@singerap]

learned to sail on Lake Eire in one of these while I was a camper at camp Fitch. Lots of fun.

[@YachtHunters]

I think my first was the Sailfish up near Point Abino in Canadian shore near Buffalo...great warm water and sandy beach to learn around

[@A3Kr0n]

It doesn't take long to see this guy is pretty sharp whatever he's doing.

[@gregzeszotarski9927]

Best episode ever, I would rate 10s on everything. Might even get this old guy sailing someday. Thanks.

[@Lando62]

My intermediate sailing class taught on Lake Merritt in Oakland was on the Sunfish. Great fun. El Toro there was the beginner sailing boat. Fun! Good video.

[@FRDETsdfs]

An epic episode. Thanks for paying homage to a great design, albeit a simple one. It doesn't take much to get out on the water and enjoy sailing.

[@UsreaOrg]

Thanks for sharing. I have some additional historical info to add. When I was a teenager my father started a company in Michigan called Wayne Fiberglass. The first boat they sold was a derivative of the Sunfish boat (they purchased one of the first Sunfish boats made) and they copied the boat, made their own molds, and made improvements to the original design. Years later My father sold the assets of the business, and about that time Sunfish incorporated all of the improvements that Wayne Fiberglass developed. As a young teenager I helped make many of these boats. They also developed the first fiberglass paddle boards, both with and without recessed sitting. I still own one of the original paddle boards today.

[@YachtHunters]

This is some fantastic background, thank you!! What an interesting turn of events looking back at all the things that were converging to make this happen. Thanks and Happy New Year!

[@atxsailor452]

All great sailors but the Scheel 45 is also my No. 1 choice!!! Happy New Years to you both. Thanks for the great work!

[@YachtHunters]

Clearly you have superior taste 😉 Happy New Year to you as well!! Cheers!

[@alikhalayleh2856]

Thank you, I was thinking of getting into sailing again and was worried about the budget. My grandad taught me a fair bit about sailing, some of your mannerisms reminded me of him. I'm looking forward to watching most if not all of your videos. Thank you.

[@YachtHunters]

Thank you, you should do it!!

[@gratefulbruce]

Mine was purchased by my father in 1975, it's an AMF Alcort sunfish. I have the original sales receipt. All original except the center board which I replaced with the newer larger version (better for upwind performance) I also bought a new sail. Fun little boats.

[@evandj2961]

Great memories. The Sunfish and Laser were great boats to learn sailing when you are younger but might not be such a great idea once older. I remember flipping one of these things while racing and as a 120 lb. lad had one heck of a time trying to right it; pretty sure I would kill myself if I tried that now...... going to have to talk my son into “joining me” just for insurance.

[@kenz5469]

I'm 75 and still sail a Laser and Sunfish regularly

[@jacksmith4402]

The cheapest way to have fun in the 70s. I was the designated commodore of our 7 sunfish fleet. Thanks for the memories.

[@YachtHunters]

Great fun per dollar ratio!! 👍👍

[@georgecav7458]

I bought a filthy neglected Sunfish and trailer for $100 off Facebook Marketplace, spent half a day cleaning it, watched a whole bunch of YT videos on how to sail it, having never been on any sailboat before, and fell in love with sailing. I then went out and bought a Macgregor 26S for the next summer. The Sunfish is such a fun & excellent boat to learn on. I find that my larger 26' boat is easier to sail than the Sunfish and am so happy that I bought that little Sunfish on a whim.

[@YachtHunters]

Dont sell the "fish" YOur Mac is a fine boat and a mega yacht by comparison Enjoy them both sailboatdata.com/sailboat/macgregor-26s

[@georgecav7458]

@@YachtHunters I've become a boat hoarder, says the wife. I'm keeping the Sunfish :)