| When it comes to sailing big is not better. Even if | | | | of the ways to prevent a capsize is to hike out over |
| money is no object, your first boat should be in a | | | | the boat. There is a strap to hold your feet in place. |
| smaller class, especially if you are new to sailing. I am | | | | Then you lay your body out over the gunwale. This |
| not talking about Sunfish style boats, but a little larger. I | | | | effectively keeps the boat flat in the water when |
| sail the Thistle, which is about sixteen feet in length. It | | | | there is high winds. On a large fixed keel boat, it is |
| has a retractable center board, instead of a fixed keel. | | | | much harder to capsize. Even a novice, with a little |
| The Thistle is like a big sail with a rowboat attached. If | | | | training can prevent a large boat from going over. |
| money is an issue, you can buy one used, and you can | | | | Another fun aspect of a smaller boat, is the |
| fit it in your yard or driveway and trailer it. Docking | | | | maneuverability. You can turn on a dime. On the boat I |
| fees can add up pretty quick. You can also do a lot of | | | | use, there is no motor. When I have to moor it, I come |
| the maintenance yourself. | | | | up to the mooring and then turn into the wind to stop it. |
| The main reason I like the Thistle is that it is quite tippy. | | | | It takes a little practice, but most good sailors can |
| You really have to know how to sail to make it go | | | | figure it out. |
| safely. I like it when there are three people on board. | | | | I started sailing about four years ago at the age of |
| Weight distribution is critical to prevent capsizing. One | | | | fifty three. I have never had so much fun. |