Re: vanguard volant for beginner
I was wondering if anyone had an opinion of a Vanguard Volant for a beginner sail boat. When I say beginner I mean I've read a few books on sailing but never sailed. How likely are they to capsize? how easy to right? how difficult to single hand? I have done a ton of kayaking and a small amount of power boating.
yes it would be better to get lessons and I may decide to do that but I've never been one to do things the easy/better way. LOL
I share
ako's perspective. There is a wide range of small sailboats that would make good starters and a few that would carry you further as you progress.
There are the "Beach Boats". On the one-person end of the scale Hobie Wave, Sunfish, Basic Laser, Zuma, for instance. Like a kayak they are unballasted relying on the sailor's balance to stay reasonably stable. Not difficult, actually - better than a kayak - so long as you don't push the limitations of your current abilities. More people have probably learned basic sailing skills quickly on a Sunfish than any other boat made.
In the 2 - 4 person category you move into Lido, American 14, Holder 14, Capri 14.2, Hunter 140, all leisure boats not racing rigs. Still unballasted, but stable enough so they're far from the precarious balancing act of a canoe or kayak, more in the rowboat style.
Up from there are the pocket cruisers. Boats with a swing keel that's weighted for more stability. Some are open day sailors, others have cuddy cabins for short overnights. These all fall into the 15 to 22 foot size range and browsing most boat builder catalogs will show you the different setups.
Lots of older, no longer made, but good boats in this range too. Check out a copy of The Smallcraft Advisor on-line or look through the picture gallery at Sailing Texas web site to see lots of different ones.
You left your criteria completely open so there's something to start with.
BTW, I don't know how long it took you to perfect your kayak roll, but sailing lessons will probably save you a couple of years of hard knocks and keep you a heck of a lot safer and drier. You'll still have lots of theory to put into practice long after getting the basics down.
