Oh, Thank-you ShannonRHIANNON for the posts...I had read your posts on this site before and I was hoping for some input from you as a woman who sails this boat single-handed. I am most encouraged! I picked up a copy of the John Vigor book and really liked everything he had to say about the Co26. I've also spent quite a bit of time on the net reading everything I can and I've read the Tania Aebi book. I like the idea of buying a boat that I can "grow into", eventually taking on more challenging trips. Any critism that I've read about the Co26 (like it being small down below, etc) doesn't put me off at all. And, as to everyone thinking I'm crazy, well, too late I'm afraid. Most (all) of my friends/family think I'm crazy for wanting to do this, but they're all very supportive anyway...even my husband now says he'll come on board once in awhile "once he's sure I can sail the thing safely"! (hehe) I have every intention of seeking some additional instruction, though. I've signed up for a course down south this winter and then I'll be looking for someone in the Georgian Bay area who would be willing to give some private lessons on my own boat. Thanks again for all the input. Come spring, if anyone hears of a Contessa 26 looking for a good home in the Ontario area, I'll be in the market. Sadie.
1 2006-01-02 12:09:45
Re: boat buying advice wanted (12 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
2 2005-12-29 16:03:08
Re: boat buying advice wanted (12 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Thanks John. Well as I'm 5'1" (on a good day), and the rest of my potential crew is over 5'10", when/if i find my Contessa 26 I think I might re-name her "Sadie's revenge" (hehe). So I'm not too worried about inside comfort. I'm a camper and the inside of a Contessa 26 looks pretty comfortable to me.
So, next step, looking for a boat...
Any Contessa 26s looking for a god home...especially if they're in good shape and reasonably priced...please contact me. <sadie@golden.net>
3 2005-12-29 12:36:54
Re: boat buying advice wanted (12 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
Thanks for the responses. As I research and read more in preparation for the purchase of my first boat, it seems I just keep coming back to the Contessa 26. I do have some experience sailing, but I recognize that I am still very much a novice. In all my sailing experience there has always been someone on board with more experience that I could defer to. This is the first time I'll be captain of my own ship. I'm trying to decide between buying a little trailerable boat and spending my time gunk-holing around or buying something bigger that will allow me to do what I really want to do, and that is get out onto the bigger water. I like the idea of a boat that will take care of me if the wind picks up a bit -- hopefully being somewhat forgiving if I screw up and don't have my sails set quite right. I hadn't picked up on that "between the lines" thing, about "not being the best in light air", so thanks for that. But I figure that's okay with me....I have no desire to go anywhere fast...just safely, and hopefully off the beaten track. I hate crowds. So, I guess my next question is: just how forgiving do you Contessa folks think these boats are. I'm fairly cautious by nature so I won't be tempting fate by heading out into a storm for fun or anything. But if I happened to be caught out on the water when the winds pick up, just how safe, in your opinion, would I be in a Contessa 26?
Sadie.
PS This is so fun. My family is very patient in listening to me ramble on about this sailboat thang but nice to have some like-minded folks to chat to.
4 2005-12-28 21:36:41
Re: boat buying advice wanted (12 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)
I am looking at a 1978 contessa 26 to buy. After searching many past listing of Contessa 26s, the 1978 models seem to be selling for slightly less money than other years' models (just a perception -- nothing scientific here). Does anyone know of any reason that the 1978 model might have been sold for less than other models? Is there a problem or critism of the 1978 model that I don't know about? or just a coincidence?
Also, I read that later JJTs had an additional hatch placed over the galley. Does anyone know which year that was added?
One last question...(might as well get all the free advice I can out of one post :-) I know the Contessa 26 has a good blue water reputation, but any thoughts on the suitability of this vessel for sailing in the great lakes? I will be sailing mostly in southern Georgian Bay in the 30,000 islands area (so lots of nasty rocks and stuff to watch out for). This will be my first sailboat and I hope to feel comfortable enough to singlehand on occasion. Any advice/encouragement/insight would be most welcome.
Sadie