Just Bought My First Sailboat

[RandyMoon]

Being a first seasoner, I can attest to the idea that you can learn the basics by reading some books, watching a few videos and getting out like Roger suggests. However getting good at it requires LOTS of practice and lessons can probably shorten the learning curve.

I would agree with the others that getting powerboating down is key so you can get out in the water and back. Remember that a Mac is NOT a Glastron (I have had one) and you have to have rudders and centerboard down if you want tight control of the boat at low speeds while motoring. Without boards down, you will be at the mercy of the wind. My first time our without lumber down was a humbling experience.

Then try the mainsail by itself and get used to that. Using the jib and tacking takes practice AFTER you get used to controlling the mainsail. Trying to learn both in the very begining is too much in my opinion.

Once you get a feel for the boat, try sailing with some people in your area and see the routine they go through to get the sails up, tuned, and back down. Try following some other sailors. Volunteer at regattas in the area and get a feel for racing and how it is all done. Once you get the feel for all the facets, then take some lessons to learn the finer points of sail tuning and how to incorporate the finer methods into your routine. The sail is your engine and there are many nuances in getting sails and sheets set optimally for varying wind conditions.

REQUIRED - It was windy when I visited Oregon, lots of good kite flying. I would suggest buying a good wind gauge so that you can monitor wind conditions. Maybe I am oversensitive here in Kansas where wind can get to be a real problem real fast, but it is important to learn wind speed and know when to reef sails, flatten sails or curve the sails based on wind. Moe suggested a good book and charts and it is those kinds of things you need to know to really enjoy the art of sailing.

Thankfully, there are many good folks on this site that will go out of their way to help if you ask. I have made some major stupid mistakes in sailing and the guys and gals here have not laughed too hard while making great suggestions.

WARNING - if you have an addictive personality, MACs can be a problem. Especially if you like to tinker and have a credit card.

[Harvey]

Wow, what a great welcome to the fraternity of Mac sailors. Folks, I really appreciate the encouragement and valuable advice. What a fabulous group to sail with.

I will be raising sail tomorrow.

Many thanks to all,

Harvey Reynolds

[Zavala]

Congrats on the new purchase Harvey. Looks like you're off to a good start. If nothing else, you were successful in getting Mark Prouty to break out his Hello Kitty graphics. How sweet is that?

[Harvey]

Don T

Please check your private msg.

Harvey

[Don T]

Hello:
Just thought I'd bump this one and say..................Spent Wednesday afternoon sailing with Harvey & wife. Had a great time. Got to sail both down and back up river.
We spent some time setting up his rigging although it might be too tight for him to pin by himself. Uppers were 260 lbs, lowers @ 200. He does not have an adjustable backstay. My friend Tom showed him how to hank and flake the sails.
I also did something I had never done before. After we rigged both boats I just turned Tom & his wife Hannah loose with the SS Otter. Boy, did that feel weird. I have skippered her on every trip previous and my wife has always been there. It felt sacrilegious. I sailed with Harvey.
His boat points better than mine.... ......working jib with the sheets inside the shrouds and more rake and bend in the mast.

A great time was had by all.

[richandlori]

Talk about a great example of this site helping make MacFriends!

Great to hear.

Rich

[midget]

Congrats on your new boat, Harvey!! Good on Don T for going with you the first time! Enjoy many good days sailing ahead

[Harvey]

Many thanks to Don T and Tom for the tuneup and tips to help make a sailor of this former power boater. The knowledge they passed on is priceless and their attitude toward a newbie makes me glad to have joined the sailing crew. Now I have to go out and put that knowledge to practice. Thanks, Don and Tom. And thanks to all on this board for the encouragement.

Harvey