Starting out

[ashokrags]

hello All,
Would like to take up sailing and jump in. I am thinking of getting a 27 ' Catalina ( its real cheap). Never been sailing by myself before, just a couple of day tours on charters.
I understand that it would be wise to start slow, but at my age I need to move fast . I do plan to take as much instruction as I can over the next few months.
So, any advice would be useful ( just not don't do it ). I am hoping to get enough hands-on experience over the next few months to get comfortable cruising around the bay for a few hours in nice weather.
Is this complete lunacy ?
Any advice is accepted.
Cheers

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, ashokrags.
Not at all lunacy.

[letsgetsailing3]

Just don't buy TOO cheap a boat.


In other words, don't get a boat with issues, or your focus will quickly become making it seaworthy instead of sailing it.


Other than that, sounds like a good plan based on the data provided.

[Pegu Club]

Take an ASA 101 keel boat class, it will teach you the basics, you can take their other classes as well, the boat you have chosen is fine, but! do not buy a project boat for your first boat! All boats need attention to some degree but buy something that’s ready to go sailing , try to find a sailing friend to check it out with you before purchase or get a survey first. Enjoy the adventure.

Fair winds,