Bought my first sail boat!

[JoFotoz]

Well....

I love this kind of optimism! Being impulsive is one of my stronger character traits/qualities/flaws/things.

Buying a first sailboat, coming onto the VX forums for a primer, and then getting it in the water without so much as a command of the lingo or equipment. LOL That's awesome! We've lost way too much of this inexperienced enthusiasm. I'm really enjoying this thread!

...IMO , yes & no.

I am all for 'going boldly".......just dont put others in harms way when they have to rescue you.

I've seen WAY too much of that over the last few years.
("Stunt" sailors trying to cross the oceans in 7 ft dinghys..
..14 year old kids trying to sail around the world...all needing rescue!)

The advent of cheap GPS systems means everyone is a navigator now....
The reliance on electronics, that are inherently suspect around water..
... is at an all time high.

I am aware that Bob's situation isnt THIS extreme..
....but wind and water have have a way of winning.

Be bold...but be smart...plan ahead...
....but be SELF reliant, and have an emergency plan.

Jo

[JoFotoz]

One last thought....!

Take a paddle ...it may come in handy.

AND....

DONT go down wind (with the wind) first...

Go upwind ( into the wind) first...
...or at most side to side at right angles to the wind.

It's WAY easier and safer to get blown back home if things go awry....
...than fight back uphill , into the breeze

If I havent scared you away completely....
...I'm looking fwd to GoPro viral video of your adventure!!



Jo

[Chopper]

Awesome Bob.....and 12 months a year to use it here. A lesson or two and you'll be tacking up the Wekiva like a champ. I've been considering the outrigger and sail kit they make for my ocean Kayak. Flat as the surf is here in the summer months, I think it'd be fun. They give sailing lessons at Daytona yacht club too....should you want to try the salt water
Enjoy your new toy

[Bob Barker]

Awesome Bob.....and 12 months a year to use it here. A lesson or two and you'll be tacking up the Wekiva like a champ. I've been considering the outrigger and sail kit they make for my ocean Kayak. Flat as the surf is here in the summer months, I think it'd be fun. They give sailing lessons at Daytona yacht club too....should you want to try the salt water
Enjoy your new toy

I'll absolutely be in the salt water before summer is over! That's the ultimate goal of this boat for me. Long adventure in the open ocean! But I'll stick to the closed fresh waters for now! Sanford has a large enough lake with plenty enough air to get my skill set on.

[Chopper]

shout if you come this way
I don't spend nearly enough time on the water these days.
The Redfish takes a sail in minutes....and it should be pretty fast
once I figure it out.....only ever sailed in a bathtub myself
I joined the Navy, and never left Florida
hahahahahahahaha
some sailor