Sailing boats have many advantages and, although the majority of sailing fans in Spain prefer motor boats, they are still the most significant symbol of this sport and the ones that spend the most time on the water.
- There are many different types of sailboats and, to choose the one that best suits your needs, you must answer a series of questions that will guide you to it.
- Sailboats are more complex than motorboats, so you will need to learn more about sailing: obtain a nautical degree, participate in regattas and rent sailboats to gain experience.
The key to choosing a sailboat is answering a series of questions.
There are many advantages to having a sailboat: often, you sail to disconnect, relax and feel the power of nature. Sensations that cannot be felt the same way with a motor boat. Of course, sailboats are more complex, so you will have to learn more about navigation and the different types of hulls, keels, rigging and rudders . And, although most come equipped to facilitate maneuvering, sailing is still a physically demanding activity, so a sailboat is a good option if you are looking for an active lifestyle. Of course, you should know how to choose the best sailboat for you.
Rules and basic questions
There are some basic rules when choosing a boat: don’t go too far beyond the space and length you need. The bigger and more equipped, the more expensive the boat will be. A larger boat will also entail higher management and maintenance costs. These are the key questions that you will have to answer to narrow down options when choosing your new sailboat:
Where and when are you going to sail? Who are you going to sail with? What is your navigation plan? Where are you going to keep your boat? What is your budget?
Spend enough time thinking about each one. Each answer will help you define the type of boat you need and make sure which one is the best suited to your lifestyle, which will probably be a little different from the one you want.
Another fundamental factor is knowing your navigation plan, that is, the use that you are going to give your new boat. Are you thinking of a boat to enjoy on a cruise or regatta? You can also choose one that allows you to combine these two activities. Do you want to take coastal cruises or get away from your port? Do you want to take a vacation on board with the whole family? Mooring or towing?
Try different sailboats
Before starting the search, it is important that you assess your knowledge of navigation and decide if you will need to learn more about sailing even if you already have a nautical degree. The first recommendation is that you take out the PER (Recreational Boat Skipper) and it would not hurt to encourage someone in your family to do it as well. It is good to go sailing with veteran friends and / or sign up for group or individual classes that help you gain experience and safety, since when you start sailing in your own boat the challenge and responsibility will be much greater.