Need some advice please

[abotha5]

Hi Folks
I recently bought a Ontario 32 in Belleville and need to sail it to Georgian Bay. I am new to this and know nothing about sailing. I have purchased 8 book which I will read in the winter. I have studied sailing over the past few months in order to make an informed decision about which boat to buy. So I know something. My questions are:
What should I do with regards training before I sail?
Which route should I take to Georgian Bay. Trent Severn or Detroit? Thank in advance for your help

[Typhoon]

Put it on a truck , learn how to handle the boat before heading into locks and the many challenges that await you in such a voyage .

Regards John

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, abotha.

[capnd1964]

wow ,I would think that if someone is asking for advice on this site that if you are a seasoned sailor that you would give actual educated advice .

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by capnd1964

wow ,I would think that if someone is asking for advice on this site that if you are a seasoned sailor that you would give actual educated advice .

Who gave uneducated advice?

[admiralslater]

I agree with John , however if you do decide to take the boat on it’s own bottom perhaps you could hire a skipper to captain the boat and teach you boat handling along the way . I would not go via Detroit as a beginner,it has the capability of being a very ugly trip (first hand knowledge) .and it is longer with more serious consequences if an error is made

[Don C L]

Welcome aboard abotha5. Congratulations on your new boat! I would recommend, since as you say you are new to sailing, to get some time in a little fun sailboat also now along with your 32. It really helped me anyway to learn in a Laser (but there are other fast fun little boats) so that I could make lots of mistakes, try lots of goofy things to see what would happen and have lots of fun all along the way. The education is low cost and the feedback is immediate. Make sure you are ok with getting wet too. It is not impossible at all to learn on your boat, it is just that the lessons, the physics and the thrill of getting it right and sailing fast are even more immediate. With the fin keel and the spade rudder you have on your boat, your boat will also respond very well and be very fun to sail too. Good luck!

[donradcliffe]

You didn't say if you had any powerboating experience. Your 4.5 ft draft is shallow enough to go the Trent Severn route, but you will need to drop the mast and power the entire way. You can restep the mast and learn to sail when you get to Georgian Bay.

[abotha5]

To everybody that have contributed so far. I thank you for caring and taking the time to provide good advice. Its appreciated

[abotha5]

No I have never owned a boat, but did a lot of deep sea fishing off the African coast

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by abotha5

No I have never owned a boat, but did a lot of deep sea fishing off the African coast

With this bit of knowledge, I would suggest that you do the trip, but hire some help.

It will be a good learning experience so far as maneuvering and radio etiquette.

However if your personality is such that you soak up and apply like a sponge, then go for it.