Question:
Is an Albacore Sailboat a good choice for a solo beginner?
J3
14 years ago
Hello, I am very interested in getting into sailing and wanted to possibly buy a boat next summer. I noticed Albacore boats usually take 2 people to sail it and was wondering if it is possible to sail it by yourself? Is there a better style of boat for a solo beginner that I could use in the ocean and still have enough room for 2-3 people?
Thanks!
Ten answers:
Richard C
14 years ago
Most small sailboats like the Albacore are not meant for use in "oceans", but in protected waters like lakes and bays. You can sail an Albacore "single handed", but most often with a second person along. There are several boats like this and their popularity often centers around a school or "dealer" who has sold several in your area. Boats like Hobie Cats, have strong appeal because they are so numerous. Or those used in Olympic competitions. But, other boats like the Albacore are found in clusters around the country. These are generally considered day-sailors.
Crista
10 years ago
This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Is an Albacore Sailboat a good choice for a solo beginner?

Hello, I am very interested in getting into sailing and wanted to possibly buy a boat next summer. I noticed Albacore boats usually take 2 people to sail it and was wondering if it is possible to sail it by yourself? Is there a better style of boat for a solo beginner that I could use in the ocean...
zurn
9 years ago
Albacore Sailboat
Bob G
14 years ago
First off, I had to say, "Laser a 'stable' boat? HA!" I learned to sail on a Laser, and I spent more of the first part of my training in the water than on it. My teacher's philosophy was that if you f(oul)ed up, you should get wet, as this gives you motivation to get better quickly.



I don't have any personal experience with an Albacore, but a 15' dinghy is an ideal learner's/beginner's boat. With vangs & such, it may be a bit much to single-hand when starting out, but once you have a little experience it should be no problem at all. And since they are currently being manufactured, you should have no problem with availability of parts and hardware as you might with an 'orphan' boat. I don't know if I'd take an open 15' dinghy on the ocean except under the most sedate conditions, but it looks as if the Albacore would handle four people easily.
Freedom21 #345
14 years ago
What is your agility level? A sailing dingy like the Albacore will require you to be movable ballast. If you don't react fast enough you will capsize. I could handle it in High School but at 46 its a little harder.



If you want a boat that is stable and able to single hand on open coastal water and still handle up to 4 adults, then a Flying Scott or a Freedom 21 would be better choices. The Scott is a well ballasted, open boat and has a strong class association if you want to get into racing later on. The Freedom 21 has a cabin with sitting head room and will sleep 4 CLOSE friends. The Freedom also has a port-a-potty which will allow you to spend longer out on the water than on an open day sailor. The Freedom is specifically designed for single handing.
Yawn Gnome
14 years ago
Get a Laser. It is high quality, stable and easily single handed.

Lasers are also Olympic Class Racers. So are Melges, Flying Scots and others.

To meet these standards they have passed many tests, most important they are self righting.

I use to race a Laser, a Jensen Marine Cal, Hobie Cat and other MORC/IOC vessels.

You want a crew of three, hobie you will get wet, very wet.

You want to go open water, 6m class, 24'.

Albacore is a good design, my friend had a Galilee, is a good copy of that design, it sailed nice but was definitely a fair weather day sailor/racer.

Do some research, but don't waste your life reading books about how to sail. I know a few that did that also, sure they know the right terms and such, get them out on a real sailboat and they are lost.

Have fun and always wear the PFD.
?
9 years ago
Albacore Dinghy
anonymous
14 years ago
Hi Jim,



I wouldn't recommend an Albacore for solo sailing. They have a powerful rig and need a heavy crew to keep upright in a blow. Most Albacores do not have reefing rigs.



Have a look at the Wanderer - it is designed for cruising and can have a steel centre plate to aid stability.



Richard
?
9 years ago
A thirty two foot Westsail . They're built for trans-oceanic passage. Small enough to be easily handled single handed , or a couple . Toughest sailboat ever built . Great ultimate stability . Full keel for smooth sailing. ( spade keel has better turning ability , but lacks the smoothness and sureness of the full keel . Also the spade keel is bolted on , while the full keel is molded into the hull ) . Everything about the Westsail 32 has strength and safety before any other consideration .
seattlesailor2000
14 years ago
the albacore like almost any day sailer sloop can be sailed single handed. while it won't perform as well, you can sail it under main sail only and as you gain sailing skills add the jib. you may want to add a quick release main sheet cleat (like a harkin) and an extra jib sheet cleat further aft on each side of the deck, and rig a continuous line jib sheet. adding roller furler to the jib will also help.



for more info check out the class web site below



http://usaa.albacore.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=789



if the albacore is raced in your area then it may be easier to either crew on one or find crew to go out with you. check out the local yacht clubs.



hope this helps


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