What's the Best Sailboats for Beginners?

[@ThatGuy-cw8gb]

Even cheaper than buying a boat is join a sailing club! Volunteer to be crew on any race boat that’ll have you. I’ve had a ton of fun and met some really great people this way! Also they taught me to sail and all it cost was some dues and some beer. Spent my vacation days this summer on a 10 day live aboard sailing cruise. Got ASA 101, 103, and 104 certified in the San Juan islands. Way more fun than most other vacations I’ve been on!

[@sailorstu]

So very true, I don't think you even have to join the club in the beginning. Just mingle with the sailors and you will get invited along. Even if you can't afford the beer. Plus if you can cook a good meal, you are pretty much guaranteed invitations on every trip. I actually help out a certified Sailing instructor from time to time, and even make a little coin on the side for doing so. Which is a wonderful way to get out and enjoy something you enjoy with similar minded people.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Absolutely. Clubs, clubs, clubs. You can usually get away with "hanging around" for good amount of time before someone taps you on the shoulder and says, "It's time to join". You can generally find used gear cheap or even free. Crew on race boats and learn the craft there. Now that I think about it, plenty of people stay at crewing on race boats and never think about buying their own yacht. But if you do, you've got half an idea what you're doing and can at least navigate your local waterways safely.

[@veryrudeguy]

I went to my local Sailing club.. I told them I would like to learn to sail. Can you guys recommend me something or point in some direction? They couldnt recommend absolutely nothing.. Not even a book.. The only thing they recommended was to buy a boat and sail...

[@sailorstu]

@@veryrudeguy that is very unusual. Unless you actually live up to your name, which I just can't picture 🤔😁

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

I just (just this week!) completed an ASA sailing course through a nearby marina/club. What a blast! Three days with a Captain and a couple of other students with some classroom but lots of sail time. And having that class down allows me to rent the clubs boats. We learned on 22' CAL and Capris (made by Catalina), and even in the light winds we had most of the time it was great. So yeah... Look around at your local clubs!

[@arthurleroy7658]

There’s no doubt, I’ve got the itch to get into a sail boat, I’ve read countless books on sailing, became a follower of sailing adventures on social media. Why I even daydream of sailing while I’m doing my landscape choirs, cutting the grass. Your patience and knowledge has been extremely helpful; thank you. Dry Docked

[@TheMichaelDStorey]

My Father took me sailing for the first time in 1953 in Bogue Sound, North Carolina. I wanted to race by the time I was ten. After a few years of course racing, I wanted to move up to long-distance, or at least what long distance on the Lakes meant, so I learned to cook, a skill that fewer men possessed in those days. I was taken along for that function first in 1962 on Lake Ontario, when the fast woodies were disappearing for the solid-as-a-rock fiberglass models. Currently I have a Catalina 30 on a river off of the Chesapeake. An unexpected moment of excitement is walking out on the front porch and seeing your boat in the water in front of you. As far as first boats go, a trailer sailer offers many opportunities to sail different locations and generally doesn't have the draft to get yourself into serious trouble. I would suggest that a person new to sailing get something small, with two sails so that you can learn how they work together. A twelve-footer could be plenty of first boat.

[@aviatorjames]

Catalina Capri 22... My first boat, and quite possibly my last! I love it!! Keeping at my home to clean and work on, then trailering to different venues is the best.

[@Oozywolf]

So how does that work with the mast? Do you have to pay someone to come put it up and take it down every time you clean it in your yard? (Sorry noob question)

[@funnelvortex7722]

My answer: The one you can afford! My first (and current) boat is an old Laser knockoff that I picked up for $700, not grand but she's got me sailing!

[@fpdima]

I bought a Cape Dory Typhoon Weekender as my first boat in 2019 and I still have it. It's a great boat to learn on and if all you want to do is day sail, then it's probably all the boat you will ever need.

[@janiceburns6480]

Mine was a McGregor 21 and it was unsinkable. I had no idea how to sail and no teacher. I sailed the bays of Panama City Beach, FL. then the Gulf of Mexico. I survived, became a great sailor and moved up. I fell in love with sailing.ove your show!

[@DrJohn493]

Bravo for your persistence! Learned to sail on St. Andrews Bay. I had some very good friends in PC that introduced me to sailing on their boats over the years and PC was a pleasant area to work on one's sailing skills. I have some wonderful memories on their Bahamas trips with their Endeavor 40. So much fun in fact that we ended up with our own Morgan 32 docked in Massalina Bayou. In the early 2000s.

[@valerieb.4912]

Our first sailboat was a Morgan 24. What an awesome boat. I was about 6 years old. Sailing is Love 💕 at first sail. Never stopped loving it. Happy Sailing ⛵.

[@terrygalvin9653]

Neighbors with a son my age had a Morgan 24 and took me and other neighbor kids out, starting a love affair with the sport.

[@valerieb.4912]

@@terrygalvin9653 Thank you for sharing!

[@robertenglehardt9706]

North Carolina - my dad bought new San Juan 21 from New Bern when a kid- great easy to sail boat- wind up the keel and easy to drag up on the beach and simple to recover and trailer

[@jameskiehm546]

When I was 5, the first boat I sailed on was a Flying Scott. Because I loved it my dad bought me an Optimist Pram. My first racing experience was on a Pearson Ensign.

[@captainshrinkwrap]

My first sailboat, on the trailer and ready to sail, is a 1972 MacGregor Venture 21 with swing keel. In the shop is a classic 1981Johnson C-SCOW racer restoration!

[@roadboat9216]

Nice intro video. I learned as a kid on prams. Did enjoy Sunfish. Had a Gary Hoyt Escape just for lake fun. My first live aboard was an S&S 26 Chris Pawnee with OB. Lived on it and sailed it thousands of miles into the Bahamas. Eventually got an Alberg 35 lived on it and sailed it many thousands of miles. Hurricane Andrew destroyed it and we got a Kelly Peterson 44 cutter. Sail it tens of thousands of miles before selling it 11 yrs later (for a profit). Ten bought a Cal ll-46 ketch. Loved it. Cruised it tens of thousands of miles. Sold it for a profit 7 yrs later. Yes. Started with a pram and then Sunfish. And like you say, it progresses. Look out! Ha ha.

[@rememberitsallagame]

UK sailor here - Started with a GP14 (x3) now pround owner of a Finesse 24, very pretty clinker built wooden boat from the 70's wont win races but its all grace ; )

[@terrybuda5634]

Sunfish, Laser, 0'day Widgeon, Force 5, Lido, Catalina 22, all great first boats for learning.

[@KeepItSimpleSailor]

Trailer Sailers (particularly with LOA at 7-8m) make a lot of sense for beginners, single handing, cruising with young kids, gunkholing, coastal cruising, and so much more affordable to maintain/improve - but be wary of crappy trailers (don’t ask how I know ;) 🙂 Also, make sure you can stand the rig/mast on your own - 5-6m boats have much easier rigs to stand up on your own. I really like trailer yachts and I can see myself going back to one in the future.

[@christinedowney]

First boat I looked at and the one I bought was a 1973 24' Mirage...she took good care of me and mostly out of trouble. I learned all I knew on you tube then after putting up the HUGE Gennaker in about 20 knots ...I quickly figured I needed some lessons...from a real instructor! Got all my qualifications up to captain and loved every minute.

[@idaho_girl]

There is one more option: The smaller trailerable mini-cruisers such as the West Wight Potter 19, Com Pac 16, Montgomery 17 and 15s, etc. I have a Sparrow 16. I've sailed all over the Salish Sea in it, including a 9-day solo trip through the San Juan Islands. These boats can be kept on trailers in your driveway and often only need a small SUV to pull them. Being a bit smaller, they are much less expensive to maintain and can be set up easily. Being trailerable means there is no marina dues.

[@carltonsiple1876]

My first was a Hobie 16, next was my Pearson 23C, a truly easy boat to sail, Cat rigs are a great way to learn the basics. Not much on the inside, but you can camp on them for days on end.

[@kevinpollinger9403]

First boat was a C&C 25. Amazing boat to learn how to sail & learn how everything works.

[@dcmsr5141]

As I'm getting ready to retire and wanting to sail the information here is timely, I subbed.

[@kylegilas3401]

Although they may be difficult to find outside of Canada I cannot recommend highly enough the McVay Minuet as a learning boat if you can find one. They’re small and agile boats that are built like battleships. They were designed for the ocean in Nova Scotia so even though they’re only 18 feet they have a full encapsulated keel. In fact the boat is basically all keel and with the keel stepped mast these things are basically indestructible and very forgiving of mistakes. If you get caught out in 25+ knots you’ll probably be just fine. On top of that they’re dead simple the rig and the mast is so light that you can step it by yourself so even if you’re trailering it you can be on the water in 20 minutes or less. Once on the water they sail incredibly well. You’re probably not going to win any races but that’s not what they’re for. The small size means you really feel every adjustment you make to the sails so you’ll really learn how everything affects your speed on this boat. The only drawback is mounting a motor can be challenging. These boats are OLD and four stroke wasn’t even a thing in the outboard world when these came out of the factory. Pretty much any modern outboard is going to be too heavy for this boat. This is because for some inexplicable reason the cockpit drains out the front so you can’t have a motor causing the boat to pitch up at the front. We had a Suzuki 2.5 four stroke on ours and that was just about the limit. It is possible to sail these boats on and off the dock as they are quite nimble but if you really want auxiliary propulsion an electric trolling motor off a fishing boat would be the best solution.

[@DrJohn493]

Started out learning about sailing on a friend's Catalina 22, St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, FL. As he progressed to larger and larger sailboats, finishing up his sailing days on an Endeavor 40, I got a lot of practical sailing experience as he moved up to true cruising boats. Yes, Wayne had twofootitis! Had some memorable times on the Endeavor with them in the Abacos. After years of sailing with he and his wife, he found my wife and I an '85 Morgan 32 in PC and taught us to sail it. We had many memorable days coastal cruising the red neck riviera, hanging on the hook behind Shell Island on St. Andrews Bay or Crooked Island, and hanging out at the Port St. Joe Marina, way back in the early 2000s. BTW, this same friend introduced me to flying airplanes waaaaay back in the early 1970s and his tutelege led me into a career in aviation. Something about sailing that attracts us pilots. I learned a lot on Wayne's Catalina 22 and seeing that Catalina 22 in this video brought back some fond memories I'll never forget.

[@jdlrockford]

O’day Mariners are great. They made 4000 of them and there is a huge community for support. I also have a Starwind 19. Just got it for a steal. The reviews on them are very good.😊

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

I just completed an ASA sailing course (101) and they took us out on a CAL-22 (which is analogous to the Catalina). Easy to learn on with a competent skipper and even in the light winds was fun to get close-hauled and heeling over. It was such fun that I started thinking about what it would take to get something in that 22 foot range. But to echo "That Guy"...the ASA course also now allows me to rent the club's boats as well. So I think that's where I'm going to start...

[@JoeRadman]

We started with the Catalina 22. One of the major factors for that boat over others is Catalina Direct and the availability of replacement parts. There is also a huge community of C22 owners, many FB groups and online forums. It certainly was a great way to start sailing. Great video Tim!

[@tomsmith9281]

Land locked and dreaming of sailing, bought and a 1962 Flying Junior when I finally had a spot to learn. Then bought a Kells 23, 6 years later. Great learning experience. If I had any one piece of advice to pass on, if you are trying to learn to sail, make sure your sails are in great condition. This makes all the difference.

[@ryanohanley5519]

My first boat ( that I still have and keep it in a marina in Racine Wisconsin) is a 86 hunter 23. It is great for weekends with my kids.

[@gordonipock9385]

My second sailboat was a Chrysler Buccaneer 18. It is light and fast. Planes easily. Although designed for two people, it can be sailed solo, but that is a challenge, especially in winds over 12 knots. I solo mine 90 percent of the time. Great lake boat. Moving up to a 20 to 22 foot cruiser is easy after the Buc.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Police 20 Parker 2129 searay 215 bayling 215

[@johnstephenson1609]

ODay DaySailer is a good step in the progression. A huge number were made; parts are cheap and easy to come by. They are bigger than the Laser at 17 feet but have cockpit that is larger than the Catalina 22. The DaySailer has Jib & Main and can carry an outboard. I currently have the slightly larger Discoverer 18 but it has the same big cockpit as the ODay and uses the ODay sails.

[@ChrisDenny28]

sunfish! or capri 14.2. Basically exactly what you said. Dingy boat to learn the basics then up to a 22, then 26. Now I sail a 30' with auto pilot and barely do any work. But I'm glad to have years of experience on the dingys.

[@nephroid]

Wow this video describes my sailing progression perfectly Sunfish > O’Day Daysailer > Catalina Capri 22 Btw - The Catalina 22 and Catalina Capri 22 while similar in appearance are dramatically are different boats. The Capri is a newer design a bit sportier but less live able than the more classic C22.

[@billbergquist4722]

Had 12 people on my Sunfish and it was completely submerged, but we were still sailing!

[@charles.neuman18]

I started with Sunfish. Then I got a 19' O'Day Mariner, and I've been holding steady with that for over a decade. Looking ahead, I'd like to keep that boat but also get a Catalina 30 or similar for cruising. I'm currently sailing in a club on a 26' boat to get experience on a bigger boat.

[@Jim-jh9bd]

I know 4 new sailors who skipped the beginner boats and bought 27 to 30 foot boats . Crew on race night for a year on other boats . While taking their own boat out in 10 to 15 knot winds to learn more during the rest of the week. Within 1/2 season are doing over nights with the rest . Times have changed and why not buy the boat you can keep for years then baby steps

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Master c h ef did skip beginner boat dad heart stoke had t a ke searay 260 sundacer in. Too Indian. Tow ll a ke ocachobbeee. Fast nedical alternative tikn biyt big as ass searay sundacer 359 over whaler 13. Chief had gir k frjnd on said cabin csex lime git gir k fed orange yahht lits of tunes

[@garymiller7870]

Ranger 20' - if you can find one. Quick fun strong stable. Sails like a much bigger boat. With the right equipment multi week cruising for two. In the NW they've been sailed 1000nm around Vancouver Is and raced in all conditions in the Salish sea. Most are used as lake boats for family play with up to six guests. The key is the 200 lb partial fixed keel yet it is still easily beached. Our first boat, it has been passed down through the family for over 40 years and I still love sailing it.

[@idaho_girl]

Those R-20s are great boats!!! They have lots of room below too!

[@bruceconron5585]

An alternative to the Catalina 22 is the Sirius 21 (a later hull modification made it the 22). With its retractable centreboard it is ideal for gunkholing. It has the same pop-top arrangement on the coach roof, offering standing headroom when at anchor. I'm guessing that 1,000 were built in Owen Sound ON between 1977 and the early 90s. With a 5-hp Johnson as our iron jib, in 1978 we circumnavigated Georgian Bay and into the North Channel on hull #54 before being infected, yes, with twofootitis.

[@docjeffry]

My first was a Hobie-16. Largely due to the fact I had a friend that was sailing catamarans at the time. Currently own a Catalina 22, want a Catalina 27. A Catalina 380 from around 2000 is my dream boat.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

The new 380 x. Version all ektric 33.6 mioe ektric range

[@BrotherCheng]

I think there's a missed alternative option: sail someone else's boat first. Depending on where you live, there may be a good selection of sailing clubs and organizations that give you the ability to learn and sail on while also giving you the ability to sail on a larger variety of boats than a single one that you have to own. The boat won't be yours, but then that means you don't immediately have to jump in to the obligations of owning a boat. Random minor nitpick at 8:05: I think those two pictures are Catalina Capri 22, which is the more racing oriented version of Catalina 22. :)

[@williamdykes2750]

I started with a Pearson 26; family of 3. Great boat.

[@JoeMacKrell]

Thanks for the informative video for first-time sailers. I began my sailing career on a Lido 14 with a 700 lb keel. Then I moved up to the venerable Cal 20 - A cult boat today with many followers. From there a Neptune 24 with pop-top like the Capri; many fun weekends of coastal sailing in California with a passage from Ventura to Catalina island to San Diego on the Neptune. In Texas I first raced a Melges MC Scow dingy for several years. Now on the Gulf Coast I live in and regularly sail my Beneteau 430. Love your videos and of course the sailing life!

[@ryansande2286]

I took a cansail dinghy course then went to a catalina 22. That is a great way to learn to sail, then learn to cruise. I have to say I did not miss my 22 after sailing my mirage 26. I do love the owners network though for the 22

[@gregsage1605]

I started with a Laser. 50 years and several awesome boats later, A Laser is still one of my favorites.

[@saabtech3510]

My first boat was a Laser bought with paper route money in the early 1970's. I just sailed a Laser again this week for the first time in 45 years. Wonderful!

[@terrygalvin9653]

For me, a Laser was a step down from a Finn I was persuaded to buy and race as a kid in the 70s. Was a much better fit for me.

[@DDixon3121]

I learned to sail on a Flying Scot when I was a kid! Great times and memories......

[@judyrushing-f9r]

1st boat: Sears 8’ kit pram with sailing kit. 2nd boat, Venture 17 that taught me the nuances of a sloop/centerboard rig. 3rd boat, a Catalina 22 that our young family of four sailed on coastal Georgia waters and the Chesapeake, including weekend overnighters. 4th, a Catalina 310 that quickly gave way to a Catalina 36, possibly the best Catalina ever, sailed on the C’Peake and New England waters. So short story: start small, learn what you want as you move up.

[@billbergquist4722]

O'day 23 is my current ride. It's a mini version of bigger boats. Galley, head, saloon, v-berth and an inboard saildrive.

[@AlAl-pu1oh]

Start out with a Snark sailboat. It's very easy to sail..and you wont get soaked...like a sunfish. Then jump to a Newport or West Wright potter 16. The next step up would be an O'day 240.... Big enough for experienced sailor and no longer a trailer sailor...but possible if you wanted to go through the locks. If your crazy enough to go blue water sailing in the ocean... Island packet is the best choice.

[@idaho_girl]

I'm a big fan of the small trailer sailers too! I have a Sparrow 16 that I love.

[@aquaholic3]

I agree with your choices and reasoning. To option 3 I would add the Tanzer 22 as a very affordable choice.

[@greggreen5624]

My first sailboat was a 10' Nutshell made in Norway. I sailed on the Ohio river with only one other sailboat. From there I had a series of progressively larger dinghies and Hobies to my current Hunter 37.5. Sailing is a great sport!

[@alexshyshkov8585]

Good to know that I skipped over 1st 3 options 😀and got started right up on a 26ft trailerable Macgregor 26D . Light enough to trailer anywhere and big enough for 2 week long trips. Looking back, 4 years later, I can't see a better boat for me. Tim, you should do a video about classic Macgregor 26, they are awesome for their niche.

[@maverickmyrtlebeach]

My boys & I learned on a sm. 12ft. sailing dinghy. Lake or beach,, thing about learning its not just about boats, the boys learn how the weather comes in play. Wind , tides, course, rules & safety.. Of all the outdoor activities they still talk about the times we sailed. It's the best fun while other hobbies are also, sailing takes you places only by boat, find a island, explore the wildlife its healthy & exciting.. Any size between 12 -20 ft. will do it... I believe schools should teach the basics, be it science, history, math sailing has all points of learning..

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Nope 12 feet too 32 footer chef sailor made girkfred bed rilm sexy time

[@scotmcpherson]

I learned to sail on a sunfish, but my first sailboat I bought was a 37ft standfast. My first sail was going from Ct to Maine in winter in a gale.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes chef fir boat searay 370 sundercer v driver oowr bost 35 m o h

[@mountainmandale1587]

That's exactly how I got the sailing bug, and I am not looking back! It's such a great opportunity to be at one with nature!❤❤❤

[@tylerturcotte9636]

We started in an O'Day widgeon and trailer that got a few years before moving up to the o'day 222. They are plentiful in New England.

[@todddunn945]

The ideal first sailboat was at the local marina a couple of weeks ago. M5. It has all the attributes you need in a first boat. Easy to sail, just tell the captain and crew what you want to do then sit in the owner's cockpit sipping your favorite bubbly while the boat sails along. There is plenty of space for the a galley that puts a 5 star restaurant to shame and for the chefs and other galley crew, so you don't have to rough it. The guest staterooms allow you to take along a few friends. The float plane on the fantail is ideal when you need to get back to shore quickly or just want to get some nice shots of the boat under sail (no pesky drone needed). The Hinckley 29R in the tender garage provides a nice way to check out the area in style. Plus it is affordable for any member of the billionaire class.

[@todddunn945]

A bit more seriously. I learned to sail in the mandatory sailing program at the college I went to. We had 23' open sailboats and much more capable 44' yawls when you were ready for a bit of ocean experience. I also learned big boat sailing on a custom Morgan 60' yawl that had been donated to the school. After college I bought a Venture 21, which was a blast to sail and possible to overnight on if you didn't mind roughing it a bit. The Venture is the smallest boat I have ever sailed on. I have never sailed in a race and have zero interest in racing.

[@swiftadventurer]

talk about a boat that has spent more time in refit than on the water, just because someone with money wants a different color or a shelf 35 mm longer... gawd.

[@remoranville]

Hey how about offering joining a sailing club. No slip fees, choices of boats, they do the maintenance, other members to go out with. Classes if they are also an ASA or auS Sailing school! Love this channel, watch every episode. How about one dedicated to how to select a sailing club? (I belong to TWSC in the San Francisco Bay area).

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Thanks Tim, top advice to start small! In AU Lasers are common & the 'best' choice imo. I learned on Moth scows [they eat Lasers btw] =) The RAN decided I'd race Tasars & Endeavour 24s - I hated both but learned a lot going up in size. Now I'm just reserve crewing to stay in touch. Cheers.

[@teds8747]

So many variables! For me, it had to be trailerable, primarily lake use, but with the ability to go under bridges, through locks, have shallow draft, and be useful when there is no wind. Also had to be dummy proof (I never sailed before, and I don't know anyone who does) so the Mac 25 fit the bill, and price for me! I like having a head, and small galley, and a place to rest, but everyone spends all their time on deck, or in the cockpit.

[@GrothausWoodworks]

I continue to be amazed at how the sailing community seems to pretend that vintage MacGregor's don't exist. lol Perhaps the 90's motorsailor is such an abomination that the name became taboo, but it doesn't change the fact that iron ballasted Mac 22s and 25's can be found at -every- lake, in abundance, for cheap. Lightly built and simply rigged, they are the easiest step from dinghy to weekend cruiser. Most minivans have the capacity to tow both. I just did a road trip from Ohio to Colorado, and literally every lake I visited had these things in abundance. Not fast, not glamourous, and arguably not well built.. they just get it done, and give the fist shot in the arm of 2-foot-its.

[@davidmcneill8895]

Here in North Carolina, I would recommend the San Juan 21. Their east coast manufacturing facility was in North Carolina so there's a very robust SJ21 sailing community here, the swing keel is great for our shallow intercoastal sounds, and the lightweight SJ21 does better in the light winds on our lakes. The SJ21 interior has more sleeping space but not as much storage or a table like the Catalina 22. So that is a bit of a trade-off.

[@artsmith103]

@@davidmcneill8895 One of my pet peeves is the Catalina 22 is too small to cram weekender accommodations into. The boom is too high. The PHRF is terrible for its size. Those begin to fit at 24ft. Agree San Juan 21 is much better!

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wring it's nit to o crapesd

[@sailorstu]

IMHO you should have mentioned the Catalina 20, since it's still easily trailered and has a cabin just large enough to sleep in. Basically between 2 and 3. My first boat was an Ericson 25 centerboard. So pretty much the same league as your first. It's actually tough to sell since most people want to start with something bigger in my region. They never listen when we tell them it will take you anywhere, plus it's sure nice pulling into a marina. My second ( new to me boat ) is an Endurance 35. It's honestly much harder to sail solo. Although nice after I have all the heavy sails up. With the bowsprit I am suddenly paying for a 40 foot boat in the marina, and it's physically too big for some of the older more affordable marinas. 2 marinas that I know of in my region won't accept it for winter storage. Plus with the full keel it's difficult maneuvering around a tight marina. I am not disappointed with my new boat, but would prefer the old one in some circumstances.

[@brucebyrnes125]

You nailed it! I totally agree with your recommendations.

[@normneiderer6337]

I started sailing with a 16 foot Fireball in 1972, I then went to a 22 foot Alberg, to a 38 foot Van de Stadt Yawl, to a 30 foot Contest, to a 46 Foot Liberty 458, to a 19 foot Drascombe Lugger, to a 26 foot Westerly Centaur, and now to my present boat a Nonsuch 22. I'm 80 years old now, and this might be my last boat.

[@todddunn945]

A bit more seriously. I learned to sail in the mandatory sailing program at the college I went to. We had 23' open sailboats and much more capable 44' yawls when you needed a bit of ocean experience. I also learned big boat sailing on a custom Morgan 60' yawl that had been donated to the school. After college I bought a Venture 21, which was a blast to sail and possible to overnight on if you didn't mind roughing it a bit. The Venture is the smallest boat I have ever sailed on.

[@erichyney6287]

Thanks Tim. See you next time.🙃

[@keshermedia]

Q. First boat? 1985 My first was a two year old Catalina Capri 14.2' ❤❤❤

[@liamstone3437]

West Wight Potter 15. It is small enough to be a dinghy, but sloop rigged. It has a cabin to sleep or store stuff and it is light enough to tow with a car. Flat bottom makes it beachable. I bought sails (jib & main) for mine, brand new this year for $800.

[@m.bernard7017]

Lost a West Wight Potter 15 in late 2021 due to severe storm (broke away from it's mooring). Replaced it with a West Wight Potter 19. Prefer the 19 for the additional space and head room but detest the heavy keel (quite a job to lift)

[@idaho_girl]

Trailer-sailers with cabins less than 20' LOA are great boats for new sailors and these can be quite capable boats for cruising. I have a Sparrow 16 that I've taken all over the Salish Sea!

[@RichardMauri]

My progression: College sailing class(Sabat, Lido, Laser, Hobie cat), Owned(Catalina 14; trailerable, Catalina 22 Wing; marina, Catalina 27; marina)

[@davidcraddock8329]

that was great very informative thanks

[@benoitdesforges4816]

Bought my first boat last year, a Chrysler 26. I really needed a swing keel boat and it was really cheap. I'm at the end of my first summer and I am at that point where I need to choose if I keep it as is, refurbish it or sell it for a bigger budget boat.

[@louisfbrooks]

Just picked up a Sunfish to learn to sail. And yes I blame you.

[@practical-sailor]

YESSS!!!!!! Congrats!!!

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

I learned on an optimist. But the sunfish and laser are great too. You certainly a boat that you can intentionally capsize

[@LorenHenriksen]

I'm looking forward to sailing and I think I'll be getting either a Siren 17 or Sirius 21 both made by the same company here in Ontario. Thanks from Canada

[@idaho_girl]

A Siren 17 would be a good choice if you have driveway space to store it and want to be able to sail many different locations.

[@paultrott3120]

My first and current boat is a 1980 Catalina 22. I have upgraded everything myself over the last 5 years. I'm ready for bigger now. 😂

[@DaBinChe]

Look into the Fulcum Rocket for a two up sailing dinghy that is just like a Sunfish.

[@rogerc4196]

My first sailboat was a windsurfer, which I can recommend, for all the obvious reasons.

[@travelradiocoza]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 I am laugjing at myself. I am alllll of those things in exactly the same order and started for the same reason you did. So funny! I was 12, had a Laser, then many years later a Hunter, then a 22" Catalina, a 26ft Theta and i now have a Hunter 280 ... But looking for a 34. I feel you read my life story.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Buy huntress 34

[@Helliconia54]

A Hartley TS16, as a beginner.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes

[@yulaaksu]

My recommendation is Cal 20 or balboa 20

[@frankpelanek1894]

What about beach cats? I got a hobie 16 on a trailer for $500. Lots of KZbin videos and I've been having a blast, myself and either 1 adult or 1-3 kids with no trouble.

[@tharrison4691]

Cal 20 was my first boat.

[@artsmith103]

Capri 18 or 22 or San Juan 21. I suggest one similar to that vs Catalina 22. If you really want a weekender, I would look for 24ft. Maybe Hunter 235.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

J24

[@artsmith103]

@@sharonbraselton3135 One of my least favorite boats. The J22 is impressive but expensive for 22ft. 22 and less are tight for overnight. Catalina 22 doesn't sail well. 24-26ft are much better trailer weekend boats.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

@@artsmith103 not small and toght

[@idaho_girl]

I'd argue that the SJ21 is more of a race boat with a cabin. I find the cabin on my Sparrow 16 more comfortable for a week-long cruise. But boy, are those SJ21s fast! And there are lots of races for them.

[@MGDRIVING]

Hi, You have passed on the sailing bug. I want to buy one or two books to get started. Could you recommend a book or two that would be the complete "bible" on sailing? I plan to start lessons next spring or even this winter down south somewhere. I am from Canada and want to work my way up to a keel boat in a few years. I am looking to buy a dinghy such as a sunfish or laser.

[@jokoz1000]

A West wight potter. 19 is a good sturdy boat.

[@tonyfreeman9493]

My favorite boat that’s easy to sail is a Harbor 20….its more popular on the west coast near Newport bay

[@andreimarius9695]

I bought a Corsair F28 aft cabin, didn't sail it yet, I'm getting my license first.

[@squallyheiferadventures]

If you are a little older and do not want to get wet in a dinghy or risk capsizing as they do. The Com-Pac 16 or Com-Pac Legacy is a perfect starter boat. Has a shoal keel that will keep you upright while learning and large enough to take someone if desired. Small enough to trailer sail to any destination without the cost of a slip.

[@idaho_girl]

Agreed! The CP16 along with other boats in that size range of 15 to 19 feet are great options for many people. I love my Sparrow 16. Others are the Montgomery 15 and 17, and the West Wight Potter 19.

[@iandurnall202]

Oops I went and got a 39ft beneteau for my first boat….. and just went with it, been 4 months in and go out most weekends and stayed on anchor for 2 weeks at various bays in Cornwall uk

[@SnarkySailor]

My first boat was a Neptune 16, highly recommend. Then I promptly moved up to a Pearson 26😂

[@johnmiller3315]

June was the last issue of Practical Sailor it is August 28th now. Are there going to be any more monthly issues of Practical Sailor? If so when?

[@deanworkman1]

Thanks for the enlightenment

[@936anyst]

I'm learning on a Cape Dory 25D... Puget Sound

[@blackmax222]

My first was the nordica 16. Loved it

[@justinmhuerta]

One that’s yar of course 😉

[@bkay1067]

I am looking at a MacGregor 26' for my first Sailboat, plans on doing ICW , rivers and cannels in Europe, maybe the Great Loop too 😮

[@artsmith103]

The 26S and 26D are nice. I would avoid the 26X and 26M unless you mostly want the power boat. I can see some people preferring 24ft weighted swing keel.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

I like MacGregors too. But if you are a complete novice, I recommend taking some courses at your local club & crewing in some races. Spending a few weekends in small boats will really help too. Cheers from AU.

[@artsmith103]

@@UncleJoeLITE I started windsurfing, then crewed on 36ft, then bought Vanguard 15, SJ21, Macgregor 26S. Plus some Scow time along the way and crewing on other boats plus bareboat charters. You have good advice.

[@artsmith103]

Draining the water ballast out takes longer than I expected. Not really appropriate for frequent launching at typical busy ramp. I dry sailed my previous San Juan 21, have Macgregor 26S in a slip, same marina.

[@fathalighahremani8207]

what say you about mlui-hulls such was the 'Hobie" series?

[@JeffreyDRein]

10-14 foot dinghy must learn how to recover from capsize, you will get lots of practice, ... Make sure water body is protected not subject to currents but still gets steady winds

[@danbrooks497]

My first was a Tanzer 14.

[@thaitom449]

I'd recommend learning on an oyster 72

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes right up master chef aliey

[@BigDreamsBoating]

Catalina 30 would be what I’d recommend. Has a lower cost and it’s very capable of overnight trips. It’s a good boat with a huge owner group for help.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

I'd still recommend a Laser etc for a novice. 9m is a lot of boat. Cheers. ⚓🏴‍☠

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Wong Carolina.

[@DanG802]

Maybe a Hobie catamaran? They can be around 1500 with a trailer too

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Problem is that cats are a bit different to monos & harder for novices. But in bang for buck, sure, let rip learning on a small Hobie!