Greetings - Hopefully this is the correct forum to post my question . . .

[markfsanderson]

Greetings!
I've already introduced myself in the proper forum, and I'd love some advice from more experienced folks. Wanting to get back into sailing . . . purchase recommendations for our needs here in San Antonio . . . Thanks in advance for advice rendered . . .

Sailboat Criteria
Required:
Lightweight - easily trailered by a medium sedan
Approximately 16’ - 18'
Spinaker Capable (This is more like highly desirable, but I want a spinnaker!)
Can Handle Stiff Winds @ Corpus Christi 15-25 KTS
Common in Corpus Christi/Rockwall/South Texas

Highly Desirable:
Active 1 Design Racing Local in South Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Rockwall & etc)
Room for small outboard (probably should be optional)
Easily beached for picnic . . .

Optional
1 or 2 person Hike
Cabin (Dingy is just fine)

I’ve thought about the San Juan 21 and Catalina 22 . . . those are a bit large. I’ve a lot of time in Catalinas, but none in the sj21, but I know its reputation.
Me: 240Lbs, Wife: 105lbs, 2.5 year old son

Experience
Me: Sailed from 11 years old to late teens very often. Tapered off to nearly nothing mid twenties. Sailed every couple of years since then. Light Blue water experience, navigation, heavy coastal (gulf coast) experience. Comfortable in sailboats from Sunfish to 40ish foot long sailboats at peak of sailing. Private Pilot. I’d certainly hire someone to check us out on the water before soloing or going w/family. Won’t take me long to get back into the groove . . . I’m now in my fifties, need a good exciting healthy outdoor sport to do . . .

Wife: No sailing experience, but willing to learn

Son: Heck he’s 2.5 years! Hopefully he’ll take to it quickly . . .

Any Ideas?


Mark!

[Skeeko]

A West Wight Potter might suit your needs.

West Wight Potter :: potter-19

[Don C L]

When you say "cabin" do you mean a cuddy cabin with a couple bunks?
Are catamarans out of the question?
What's available there and active there locally?

Welcome BTW!

[markfsanderson]

Originally Posted by Don C L

When you say "cabin" do you mean a cuddy cabin with a couple bunks?
Are catamarans out of the question?
What's available there and active there locally?

Welcome BTW!

Thank you for the welcome! Yup - cuddy cabin is fine . . . catamaran with a 'real' cockpit - sure . . . tramps - no. I don't think my wife or son would feel secure on a trampoline. I'm not sure what is commonly raced out here a lot. So far I've found Flying Scot, J/22 and 24, and Viper640. I'd never heard of wight potter until now, certainly that might fill the bill - but it would most likely be raced under handicap? Not sure.

Thanks!
Mark!

[Don C L]

If you can afford it I think I see a J22 in your future. Can't really beach it though. Little anchor and dinghy maybe? An old Victory 21 to bang around in is a low cost alternative perhaps?

[Steadman Uhlich]

My suggestion: go to Sailboats for sale from Sailing Texas, buy or sell your sailboat, free sailboat ads.
That site has lots of relevant info and boats listed for sale too.

Contact local racing fleets, ask them about favored boats, and tell them you want to but in. They should recommend the best for one design in the area, and there may be a local inner willing to partner or sell their boat.

Also, you did not say what budget.

If you have the budget, a folding trimaran like an F-27 would be a lot of fun.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Also see this recent thread

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ds-168205.html

[tkeithlu]

I don't think you take a toddler on anything you can capsize.