Hobie Cat Forums

Hello all, I'm a total beginner interested in getting into sailing, but before I drop hard earned $$$ on a boat, I'd like the opportunity to get out there and see if it's for me. I know the value of having a little experience before I jump in too much. My wife is also interested in sailing with me, so I figured that a Hobie 16 might be a good boat for us to try together. Anyone out there want to show me the ropes/sheets/lines (not sure what you call them)....haha? If you need compensation, I understand but I will gladly pay in beer as well.

Some backgound, I'm 30, in shape 6'3" 185lbs, and I've guided whitewater rafts all over the US, canoed, and kayaked for years, and spent time on a fly-fishing oar-rig as well as have plenty of water skiing experience, so I'm not afraid of water sports or taking a long swim. I'm a wilderness first responder and HAM operator so if for some reason we have an emergency I might be useful. I know most basic boating knots and am willing to LEARN. I know that I'm out of my league when it comes to this sport, so I'd really appreciate any guidance.

Anyone willing to let me crew for you or direct me to somewhere I could get some instruction?

I live 5 minutes from Lake Norman.

i live on the lake in Denver Westport Area I am currently putting together my sons Hobie 16 and will soon put in my 21SE in the lake
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Former Hobie Admiral Gary

PM Sent. Thanks!

Hi Terrierpike. We just bought our first H16 ('85) and looks like we have a little work to do on her before splashing. Keep and eye in the forums for when we get her in the water. Lake Wyle will probably be where we put in most at least at first.

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Jonathan
'85 H16 __/) 87468 Tidal Wave

Terrierpike,

I used to sail at Lake Norman but the power boat traffic got to be too dangerous. If you live 5 minutes from there, you already know that. I would launch at Ramsey Creek on the southeast end of the lake. If you can sail during the week, you should find it much safer. Gas prices may reduce the amount of power boating this year.

As to learning to rig and sail the Hobie, find Hobie sailors at a launch area and ask questions and watch. We are always willing to help. You will have no problem. I may come down this month to Ramsey Creek and will post or send you a message if I do. I usually sail on Jordan Lake though it is an additional 1/2 drive from Winston-Salem. It is Corp of Engineers lake and not as crowded as Norman.

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Howard

Thanks for all the responses. I'll keep an eye out for you guys on the lake. Message me if you ever need a crew...

Hey Terrierpike, check out these resources:

Lake Norman Yacht Club: http://www.lnyc.org/
Sailing club in Greensboro (where I live): http://www.laketownsendyachtclub.com

These organizations have friendly helpful people who either have catamarans or can help you find local folks who do.

Also, wish I had seen your post earlier, you just missed this year's Don Lee Center Adult Sailing weekend:
http://www.donleecenter.org/AdultSailingSchool.php
Camp Don Lee is on the Neuse River about 40 minutes past New Bern. Fun, relaxing weekend with other newbies, doubles as a cool getaway with your significant other. Tell them you are interested in Hobie sailing and they'll fix you up.