Sailing wannabe

[rvsince92]

Hello to all sailors, My husband would love to buy a cat and go sailing the inner coastal water ways. Is there any body out there that can convince me I want to do this with him?

[donbar]

a cat, is that a boat or an animal? You would enjoy the sailing...

[rvsince92]

We saw a real nice catamara in Oswego, NY and that's when my husband wanted to try it. I'm still not sure.

[davefla]

ICW doesn't lend itself to sailing, seldom are the winds right and keeping in the actual channel is tough, especially with powerboaters whizzing by, giving huge wakes. Get a cat but look to lakes and offshore as the place to sail. Good luck and make sure you keep the water on the outside of the boat:cool:

[rvsince92]

I'm glad you have given that advice. Since we've never done it. That's what this site is all about. Getting advice from those who know. Thank you

[elainefaith]

Just like they always advise new time rv'ers, rent one first. As an experienced sailor i can tell you catamaran sailing can be intense and if it's a small boat, not very comfortable.

[rvsince92]

Thanks for the suggestion to rent first. Good idea. The catamaran that we were looking at was very roomy but then I had the question since it was so big would it limit where we could explore.

[fantail]

I traveled the Atlantic ICW on a 40' sailboat from RI to FL. Most of it was motored because of narrow channels. Being experienced, we also sailed much of it on the outside, as in out in the Atlantic. Before attempting such a long cruise, I would definately suggest finding a boat you are both comfortable with and can both handle. Finding the right boat is similar to looking for the right RV, possably a little more critical, as a boat can sink. Like shopping for a RV, boat design and construction varies according to what kind of sailing you plan to do. Do your homework, take sailing lessons, take Coast Guard Auxillary safety classes, get experience. It will be worth it.

Also, you might want to join a yacht club, but shop around to find the right one for you. The boating community is very similar to RVers.

"I'd rather be sailing." But balance problems have me grounded, so now we RV.

Good luck wth your venture.