All about Boats, Yachts and Sailing

Any owner of sailboats will tell you that, despite all the work and the cost, there is nothing in the world like a great sail. If you live near a body of water and plenty of sunshine, then sailboats can give you a wonderful way to spend your weekends, away from work stresses, away from nagging chores or home repairs and away from the couch.

When you are out on that deck, taking in the sultry smell of the sea, the blue skies and gazing upon wildlife, you will feel alive and blessed. The serenity of sailing just cannot be found on power boats and many high performance boat owners confess that the smaller sails provide more fun. However, when looking for a sailboat, there are several points to keep in mind.

Length is one consideration when looking for a sailboat to buy. Remember that “size does matter” when it comes to boat prices. This is not just for the boat itself but also for the monthly docking charges at the marina. Of course, if you still want that ultra-long boat but don’t want to pay the fees, then you can always grab a little rowboat and anchor your boat out in the bay.

A small sailboat is better for day trips, sailing in regattas and zipping around. However, if you plan to sail on longer journeys, then you will want to buy a boat that is sturdier and less likely to capsize. If you are plowing through choppy water, you will be more than glad you opted for the longer deck. Also, longer sail boats that range from 25 to 35 feet often include enough living space to travel, relax and take a break from the elements. Of course, you will need a helping hand if you buy a bigger boat so be sure you have a committed partner before making your purchase.

Important to know:

• Fiberglass is generally the preferred material for a sailboat.
• Longer sail boats include enough living space to travel and relax.
• A small sailboat is better for day trips.

When you are looking at sailboats, try to find one with a simple rig. Catboats and Optimists offer terrific performance with just one sail, making it much easy on you, as the navigator. Monohulls are also ideal for beginners, as they offer a steady ride compared to the high-performance catamarans, trimarans and multihulls.

A basic 12-foot boat should be big enough for two adults, so only buy what you absolutely need to keep the price affordable. Fiberglass boats are lighter, easier to maintain and easier to repair than wooden boats. For your keel, look for centerboard or daggerboard configurations, rather than the fussy leeboard, as this will need to be changed with each tack. Centerboard and daggerboard keels let you sail steady in shallow water.

Sail Magazine’s “Best Boats of 2009″ can help you search the best sailboats. If you are looking for a long luxurious yacht of a sailboat, then the Outbound 52 is your sailing vessel, which also won the award for the “best deck/cockpit.” For a light-weight, high-performance catamaran, try the Moxie 37.
Another high performing boat is the Santa Cruz 37.

For smaller sail boats that are less than 25 feet, the Bug is a fun ride. To cruise in style, the Hunter 50 has everything from a built-in coffee maker and extra linen storage to a swivel captain’s chair and Jacuzzi tub. The Tartan 5300 was chosen for “best system,” which has all the electrical controls within reach for quick access. Happy boat hunting!

Browsing online is one of the best ways to find new and used boats available for sale. The benefit of shopping online is the ability to comparison shop easily by getting an at-a-glance look at prices and stats. Whether you know what you are looking for or are still learning, this is a good way to gather information.

The drawback is that you may find something from another state and need to pay shipping costs. It is wise that you see the actual investment before buying to make sure everything is in order. Some popular websites to start your boats for sale search are www.yachtworld.com, www.boattrader.com, www.boatsdepot.org, www.newboats.com and www.ablboats.com.

Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats that are up for sale. In this way, you will find your dream boat much the same way you would find your dream home; by enlisting the help of professionals who have access to multiple listing services, insider connections and sweet deals that have not been advertised.

The broker will work with you to define your needs and find all the amenities you desire. Brokers can also help you with financing, deal brokering, setting up an inspection, title clearing, procuring docking space and yacht services to ensure a smooth closing and transition to boat ownership. Check out www.yachtcouncil.com for more information on yacht brokers.

• Browsing online is one of the best ways to find new and used boats available for sale.
• Going through a certified yacht broker is a great way to discover both used and new boats.
• A great resource for consumers seeking boats for sale is www.newboats.com.

There are a number of ways to discover great boats for sale on your own. If sales people don’t make you nervous and you love the thrill of jumping down the hatch to see a boat’s cabin, feel the seats and smell the new boat smell for yourself, then be sure to check out a boat show in your area. At www.boatshows.com, you’ll find east coast listings from St. Louis, Missouri and Miami, Florida to Norwalk, Connecticut and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

At www.marinesource.com, you can get an even larger number of listings from coast to coast. There are nearly fifty listings for February 2009 alone! Boat shows also have stands where you can buy boat lover’s artwork, clothing, sailboat sails and other useful yachting equipment. They also usually have raffles or contests where you can win a sailing vacation or a new boat.

A great resource for consumers seeking boats for sale is www.newboats.com. Here you can read reviews, watch videos and even take a virtual test drive. The site is loaded with manufacturer information, as though you were attending an actual yacht industry showcase. You can browse both new boats and used boats here and learn more about engines, electronics and GPS gear.

There are sections devoted to boat maintenance, insurance, boat buying tips and financing. This site literally has it all! If you don’t find what you’re looking for, then Yacht World (www.yachtworld.com) has hundreds of thousands of boats available for sale.

There are limitless possibilities for a sailing vacation. Luxury boat charters range from small sailboats to enormous powerboats to suit every price range and individual need. Rather than be a slave to cruise ship itineraries, a crewed yacht charter works to serve you, the client, taking you to any island, port of call or body of water your heart desires. You can sleep and eat on your boat or stop on land to explore. Not all yacht charters cost a fortune, either. Whether you are going to the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, choosing sailing yachts will make your time more unique. However, there are a few points to consider before you set sail.

Do you want to be a skipper? This is one of the first decisions to make when considering a boat charter. If the answer is “yes,” then be prepared to hand over your boating resume to the charter company, which includes several years of experience sailing the size and type of boat you intend to charter. At www.ebare.com, you can take an assessment to see if you are ready for smooth sailing and to see what your options are if you are not quite prepared.

You may need to take a few boating and safety courses before being allowed to hold supreme power aboard your private yacht. On the day of your charter, some companies may take you out on a demo cruise, where you will demonstrate your knowledge. If you flunk the demo, then the company will place a captain aboard your vessel. If, on the other hand, you pass your demo, then congratulations! You will be commanding your first bareboat charter.

If you are not sure about sailing the high seas on your own just yet, then a flotilla is one of the better intermediate boat charters you can take. In a flotilla, a fleet of 8-10 private yacht charters band together on an unforgettable adventure. A captain, chef, engineer and activities planner will sail on the lead yacht, offering assistance to anyone in the fleet who needs it.

You will essentially sail your own ship for the most part. Each morning you will be briefed on optional activities and group meals for the day, as well as where to meet for nighttime docking. Many travelers say this is the ultimate party, offering some of the best off-the-beaten-path experiences, with none of the anxiety of going it alone. Greece and the British Virgin Islands are popular places to link up with a flotilla.

• You may need to take a few boating and safety courses.
• The cost of boat charters is entirely up to you.
• A wedding on a yacht could offer panoramic views.

Boat charters range tremendously in the amenities they offer. For instance, some sailing yachts come with BBQ grills, microwaves, blenders, CD players, DVD players and flat-screen TV sets, mini-bars, GPS and snorkeling gear. Some boats provide biminis that will protect guests from the relentless sunshine. Some charters have on-deck showers to rinse the salt water off your skin. Some motors are outboard, requiring manual effort, while others are the powerful inboard style.

You can sometimes get binoculars and hand-held compasses, but they are not standard equipment. Towels and bedding may be provided or you may have to pay extra. You’ll also want to look into kitchen supplies like dishes, utensils, dish cloths, cleaning supplies and corkscrews. Asking a lot of questions can ensure that you get the best luxury yacht charter possible.