first sail of my "new" Daysailer

[captainseasick]

I have lots of J=24, Merit 25 and big boat experience, including owning a Seidelman 30T, and finally a Sabre 362.,
Because of the short seasons on Cape Cod, I could no longer justify all the expense and effort of owning and maintaining a racer-cruiser. The need for large crews, and the risk of coming to a starting line with a 14,000 pound boat, also lost its appeal. I was given a 1970's Daysailer 11, that was headed for the dumpster, and spent the winter rebuilding it. Yesterday was my first single handed sail. HOLY COW! What a blast. I rigged the thing with every go gast trick I coud read about, and perpaired the foils, bottom and rig by the "book" and spared no effort or expense to make this boat everything it could possibly be as a "one design" racer. Till yesterday, I had never sailed one of these little boats, so on a beautiful day, in 12-14 knots on Nantucket Sound, I hoisted the new North main, and Jib for the first time, and left my mooring. HOLY COW! what a supprise to find this 30 year old boat plaining on a reach, and going to windward like a rocket. Great stability, great balance, great power just great!
I couldn't bre more surprised or thrilled with this little boat. I knew it must be a good design for so many of them to be built, but now I have first hand experience, and I am so happy that I want to share it with others. I can't wait to get started with a crewman and learn spinnaker technique, so we can really get "rockin"
enjoy all, these boats are amazing. I spent a little over $2000 on new hardware, and sails, and about 100 hours refurbishing, and am being rewarded with as sweet a sailing boat as I have ever had. What a deal.
Mike

[Lloyd Franks]

Congratulations Mike. I did what you did...Had a Mac 26X and got tired of all the upkeep. And since I am a daysailer, it seemed silly to be draggin' that boat out. I too bought a Daysailer 2 ('73) and I'm looking forward to my first sail. After reading your post, I'm REALLY looking forward to it.

Do you have a motor on yours? I'd love to sail without one, but I will have to deal with tides and currents where I sail (on the Gulf in Florida), so I will get one.

Thanks for the great post!

[captainseasick]

I have a 31/2 HP Tohatsu 2 stroke, but in order to use it, the boat must have registration numbers. (boats without power do not require them) Since I don't want to go through the motor vehicle process, I do not plan to use it. I tried it out, and it powers the boat very nicely, but I am a very experienced sailor, who has good confidence and good control under sail in tight harbors, and rough conditions. I regularly and easily sail to and from my mooring. As lomg as any wind at all is blowing, I can't see any need at all for a motor, it just adds unwanted weight in the end of the boat for no real benefit to me.
this boat simply doesn't need it.

[Lloyd Franks]

Mmmmm... Wish I had your confidence. But, if you can do it, go for it! Maybe someday I will too. Fair winds.