Hi Lisle, When I bought my 30-1 I’d mostly sailed only J/22s, Capri 22s, and a Merit 25 for about five years beforehand (other people’s boats). Plus a couple week-long charters on a Beneteau 505 and a Jenneau 45 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (captained charters, but I helmed all week). And a Bavaria 46 for my ASA-104 course. I didn’t consider myself a total beginner, but the first time I stood at the helm of the 30-1 I was considering buying, she sure looked a lot bigger than the little 22-footers I was used to.
For my home waters (Chatfield Reservoir in Colorado), I wanted something in the 25-30 foot range, with enough accommodations below to weekend on comfortably. But I also wanted a performance-oriented boat, not a dog of a cruiser, because I race at least once a week April through October. Then this spinnaker-rigged 30-1 popped up on the market in Colorado, amazingly, and it was the perfect boat for me. Plus it came with an awesome community on an email list! :) I guess my message is don’t be afraid. Yes, the first time I drove her into a slip, I was nervous. Not so much because of her size (I’d docked the Bavaria 46 and anchored / moored the Jenneau 45 before), but because she was my boat and I didn’t want to damage her. But you learn quickly how to handle her, in a variety of wind conditions. And I don’t know about the 30 MK II, but the 30 MK I has a reputation for being famously stiff (the marketing brochures say “forgiving” and “easy to sail”). I’ve found that to be true. Single-handing under full sail is no problem in light wind. I’ve left and returned to dock under sail power with her. And even with a 150% genoa up, it takes 20 knots to generate hard weather helm, and more than that to round up or get a rail wet. Other listers have given good advice - buy the boat you want. Don’t compromise on something temporary, and don’t be afraid. Cheers, Randy Stafford S/V Grenadine C&C 30-1 #7 Ken Caryl, CO > On Sep 6, 2017, at 7:16 PM, Lisle Kingery, PhD via CnC-List > <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > Thanks for all the replies, very helpful as I think (obsess) over the boat > options. 😀 > > I'm torn between the Pearson 27 and the C&c 30. As noted, the 30 is a much > bigger boat and maybe not the best choice for a beginnner? > > My goal/plan is to learn her over the next 5-8 years on Lake Ontario and > Seneca lake, and then consider taking her down for longer trips down the east > coast cruising once the kids get older (currently 6 and 4). I'm thinking the > C&c would clearly better meet that long term fantasy. > > I could start with the 27 then if it works out could move up in 5-8 years but > wonder if it would be better to grow into a boat rather than grow out of one. > > Thanks again for your replies. > > Lisle > _______________________________________________ > > This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish > to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > > All Contributions are greatly appreciated! _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
