Hobie Cat Forums

I am experienced sea kayaker, from Gainesville, Fla, living in Houston last 12 years, moving back to the Crystal River - Homosassa area. Moving to Gainesville on June 23rd, and looking for a home on the Gulf Coast.

Going to get a bright papaya (thought that was a fruit, not a color) Hobie Tandem AI next year but don't want to waste my time until I get my yak, so is there a good place to start TI sailing lessons in the Crystal River/Homosassa area? Would like to train on the Hobie TI, since I will be saving my pennies to get one.

I am newbie to this forum so introduction: I am retired two years, UF graduate, microbiologist, electron microscopist, scuba, sea kayaker, pilot licenses fm Gainesville, main interests last four years has been politics.

Thanks in advance for any sailing classes advice.

No offense meant but the TI is likely easiest sailboat you will ever sail. There are only two lines to handle, no boom to duck, and minimal risk of tipping.

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

kayakman7 in your signature you mention having the batboat rear am mod. Can you explain the modification?

i have a third cross bar mounted behind the rear seat. it allows the akas and amas to be moved aft or a third set of akas to be mounted with double length hakas. search the forum or look at Nohuhu's posts.

j

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

That would be the TI3 (a TI with a 3rd set of aka). Nohuhu's Batboat is an AI with TI ama. Both nice mods!

_________________

http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Oops, I'll fix my signature...
J

_________________
2011 Golden Papaya TI with a 250 square foot spinnaker!
also a more manageable 100 square foot spinny...
&
the TI3 rear ama mod

Welcome to the forum Billbogator. It's much easier learning to sail one of these boats than it is learning to use a sea kayak. Basically point it in the direction you want to go. If the sail starts flapping, either you are pointing the boat too far into the wind or you need to pull tighter on that rope thingy in your right hand. The rest of it, you will learn with experience.
I did microbiology as an undergraduate. My career ended ignominiously when I held my exam paper too close to a Bunsen burner during my final laboratory exam and it caught fire. They gave me a pass, but I think it was because they were afraid what damage I might do if I had to repeat.

_________________