| Sailing can seem straight-forward and simple - a | | | | what your limitations are and the kind of sailing you |
| sailboat has a mast and two sails and moves with the | | | | prefer. It's recommended that you start with smaller |
| wind. While this is true on the surface, there are | | | | sailboats, which are more responsive and quickly |
| actually dozens of variations of sailboat types, sail rigs, | | | | demonstrate your ability. |
| and hull designs. Different types of sailboats are better | | | | Many people run out and buy a large sailboat. For |
| suited to certain kinds of sailing and weather conditions. | | | | inexperienced sailors, this is a bad idea. Bigger sailboats |
| For a beginner buying a sailboat, these complicated | | | | can lull you into a false sense of security, as well as |
| truths about sailing quickly become apparent. This is | | | | allowing novice sailors to leave protective waters. |
| why it's important to balance your budget with your | | | | Once a storm hits and conditions are altered, the size |
| needs in choosing a sailboat. | | | | of the sailboat is secondary to the captain's sailing skills. |
| Be honest with yourself regarding your sailing ability. | | | | Besides gaining hands-on sailing experience, read as |
| Avoid costly mistakes and unsafe situations by buying | | | | much as you can about sailing and the process of |
| a sailboat that fits your ability. If you're not sure where | | | | buying a sailboat. Proper research and education will |
| your sailing ability stands, go sailing with an instructor or | | | | help you in buying the right sailboat and staying safe |
| an experienced friend - you'll have a better idea on | | | | once you're sailing. |