[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by guzzis3

I am the opposite. Motor boats terrify me. Far too fast.

Please please understand that handling a sailboat isn't the problem it's the hazards around you. Unsolicited safety advice:

If weather comes upon you you probably can't outrun it, watch the horizon.

If you find yourself close to a lee shore that demands all your attention.

You have right of way over similar size motor boats but you can't count on them giving it, and you have limited control in close quarters.

You don't have right of way over large craft (ships) keep well clear.

If you boat is well ballasted and properly designed gusts are not your biggest problem, but reef early and often. There is little to be gained outside racing from carrying too much sail. The boat will do hull speed under little dacron. If you think about reefing do it and do it now.

Wear your life jacket and insist all crew do also. If you can't afford full safety gear you can't afford to sail.

Never fend off. Even small boats weight almost as much as cars, you wouldn't throw yourself in front of a car rolling toward a wall, don't try to fend off other vessels. Too many have lost digits limbs and lives.

2c.

When in doubt, stay out.