1979 Victoria 18

[smclear]

I've been boating my entire life but I've always been a powerboater. I had a sunfish for a summer or two some 35 - 40 years ago but never really mastered it. Now at 53, I think I'd like to give sailing another go.

A friend of mine has a 1979 Victoria 18 that he's looking to get rid of. Before going any further, and since I know nothing of sailboats, I'd like to ask a couple of questions.

1. Are those good sailboats?

2. Would they be too much boat for a "rookie" sailor?

Looking for any thoughts or ideas.

I'll be using this on a 3,200 acre inland lake.

 

[cgBosun3]

Re: 1979 Victoria 18

The Victoria is a pretty fair boat for lake sailors except it is not the best in light air. you might get disappointed or frustrated trying to learn in a boat that needs some skill when the wind is very light. if you have pretty consistent winds, you should be fine. the full length keel makes it a PITA to load on and of a trailer, IMHO.

 

[smclear]

Re: 1979 Victoria 18

I was kind of worried about the keel and trailer deal. Being a total rookie, what should i look for in a first sailboat. I want something big enough for 4 people, but not so large or difficult to create the frustration you allude to.

I am just now considering this and am in no hurry to do anything yet. Just starting the learning process.

 

[ACFTWRENCH]

Re: 1979 Victoria 18

Hi Chief,

I saw this thread and wanted to ask if you bought that Victoria 18. I was just curious because I bought one about the same time you were considering doing so. Like you, I had a small sailboat many years ago and last year decided to get back into sailing. After purchasing my Vic, I took basic lessons at a local club and that gave me the knowledge and confidence to venture out on my own. I find that trailering and launching is no big deal. You just have to back the trailer further into the water because of the keel. Of course you may already know that by now.

 

[smclear]

Re: 1979 Victoria 18

No. I never moved on it. The boat actually belongs to my boss and is still available. He's not actively trying to sell it. He just doesn't use it and heard I was wanting to learn.

Part of my problem is I really have no room for it at the family cottage. Not to mention, no place to store it over the winter. There are several sailing clubs on the lake that offer lessons so I think that is where I'll start.

 

[avenger79]

Re: 1979 Victoria 18

i have been interested in learning to sail for years. last year I broke down and took ASA 101. first class was in a 23 foot boat in 30 knot winds. then I rented a few times and now just purchased my own 19 footer. a full keel boat would be better if left moored but not terrible for trailering. a 19 footer is considered by many to be a good starter. good to have a keel because they are more stable then centerboard.
if you want much more info on sailing go to sailnet.com they have tons of info for newbies.