Sailboats and Yachts

Sailboats are fun!

Whether you have a small dinghy, a dayboat, a racer or a cruiser, sailboats are fun. You can have fun with a sailboat without getting on the water just by tinkering with it.

But for me sailboats are for sailing – from one place to another, either along the coast, up an estuary, or across oceans. Many people get their fun racing sailboats, either 'around the cans' or across the seas. Some even race sailboats round the world, which is an epic voyage - as Ellen MacArthur did in the B&Q, beating the record.

Once you step onto a sailboat you are in a different world. It gives slightly under your weight – a lot if it is a small boat – and from then on there is the constant movement as the current, waves and wind move the boat about. The movement is all part of the joy of sailboats.

 

Around-the-world-record breaker

Of course, it is only when you hoist the sails that a sailboat comes into its own. The wind fills the sails and you start to move forward. If you have just switched off your auxiliary engine, the lack of noise is a relief. The sails tauten, and the sailboat heels over.

Then, you need to adjust the sails, and set your course. In a sailing dinghy, you will need to lean out to counteract the force on the sails – and on some you go up on the 'trapeze.' I know many people who love these boats, but I prefer a larger boat with a keel. Here's a nice little mini-cruiser sailboat.

mini-cruiser sailboat

A sailboat that is sea-kindly, but which can move across the sea whatever the weather, but still show a turn of speed in fairly light airs. Such is my boat Zefka, a 33-foot sailboat.

To me, sailboats are for cruising the seas, although I have yet to sail across one of the main oceans of the world. I understand that many people get pleasure from sailing different sailboats in different ways racing, pottering or cruising– that is the wonderful world of sailboats, which we explore here.

Here are some articles to start with...

sailboats articles:
Have Your Boat Trips Arranged For A Fun Vacation!
By Ainuddin Mohamad
Any form of water is truly an amazing sight to see and explore. That is why many people are exerting much time and resources to make the most out of boating experiences. Some people prefer Read more...
Trailerable Sailboats
Do you have enough room to keep a sailboat of, 20-27 feet at home? If so, you should consider a trailerable sailboat, as this will save you a lot of money. Of course, you need a car that is Read more...
Buying a Large Sailboat for Cruising or Racing
By John Hartley
When you buy a large sailboat, you need to make sure that it is in good condition and is seaworthy. How do you do this? These are the steps: 1.Read sailboat magazines and speak to Read more...
Get a Sailboat and Enjoy Life on the Water!
Sailing a sailboat is one of the most enjoyable pastimes there is - you can be lazy, and just let the boat waft along on the breeze, race against other similar sailboats, or cruise along the Read more...
sailboats news:

In pictures: Round-the-world yacht race
News.bbc.co.uk - Mon Jul 7, 11:45 pm GMT
St.Maarten-St.Martin Classic Yacht Regatta on You Tube
Caribbeanracing.com - Mon Jul 7, 03:20 pm GMT
SA yacht completes round the world race
Panapress.com - Mon Jul 7, 08:40 am GMT
Yacht builders ride out the slowdown storm
Economictimes.indiatimes.com - Mon Jul 7, 12:08 am GMT
Smooth sailing for yacht builders
Reportonbusiness.com - Sun Jul 6, 09:32 pm GMT
First Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta Successful for An Elite Group
Caribbeanracing.com - Sun Jul 6, 03:16 pm GMT
Specialized mooring could attract luxurious yachts to local waters
Sddt.com - Sun Jul 6, 03:14 pm GMT
Freighter Crashes Into Uecker's Yacht Near Milwaukee
Channel3000.com - Sun Jul 6, 12:33 pm GMT
Large demand for mega-yachts
Seattletimes.nwsource.com - Sat Jul 5, 09:07 pm GMT