The extent of my sailboat ownership has been an 18ft Prindle Catamaran I was given, but since I am a good mate, I have sailed with a lot of my friends who own sailboats or rent them from the Navy Patuxent Sailing Club, all of it on the Chesapeake.
Here are my observations:
- Owning a non trailer-able sailboat gets old. I sail on arguably the prettiest part of the Chesapeake, where the Bay meets the Patuxent River, up from the Potomac River. Even so, sailing in the same waters over and over becomes tedious.
- Large sailboats are one trick ponies. The big boats just are not as much fun as smaller, more nimble boats.
- The big boats are slow and underpowered when the wind is light. I have sailed with guys that NEVER use power, finding that an affront to all thins sail. Zipping back to the pier at 1kt blows (pun intended).
So, my favorite sailboat, one I am going to consider buying when I have more free time, is the Mac 26, now the Tattoo 26. It trailers like a dream, quick set up, ramp launched and can tow skiers!
I love the thing. It is probably not for the hardcore sailor, but it does so many things well that I envision only needing the one boat since I like to get places in a hurry, fish and do other things than just sail.
That plus I can take it any place I want to sail or boat.
Under power | Tattoo Yachts
My buddy that owns it uses it as a camper as well.